With over 20 years of experience, Robert is a national expert in the property preservation industry. As the founder of Safeguard Properties he began his business in 1990 with just a handful of employees and a commitment to customer service. Under Robert’s leadership Safeguard Properties has grown to over 1,000 employees with an extensive network of subcontractors throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. His vision and ingenuity have earned Robert a reputation as an innovator and he is widely recognized as an industry pioneer. Robert’s deep concern for communities suffering from the devastating effects of economic downturn and an ongoing foreclose crisis, has led him to seek out ways to ease the burden on America’s most vulnerable populations. This concern prompted Robert to support the creation of SecureView, an alternative board up system that is designed to look like traditional windows. Robert has also received National acclaim for developing a model for holistic community revitalization and is presently implementing the approach in one of America’s hardest hit neighborhoods. Robert currently serves as the Chairman of Safeguard Properties and SecureView. He also served as chair of the National Vacant Properties Registration Committee of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). Robert represents not only Safeguard, but the industry as a whole, in national associations including MBA, USFN, CMBA and REOMAC. He has been a session leader and panelist at yearly conferences, in addition to being the primary sponsor of the annual National Property Preservation Conference, which began in 2004. In 2009, Robert received the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He won both in the Northeast Ohio region in the category of professional services and asset management firms, and nationally in the servicing category.