Business: Elite Palmetto Real Estate

2024 MBA Cohort Member: Darryl Robinson

Industry: Real Estate

Location: Summerville

Website:darryl.realestate

Tell us about your business.

With at least 20% ownership of 49 doors between Charleston, SC and
Panama City, FL, I’ve made my mark as a committed home investor. In
2015, I used my eagerness and knowledge of property ownership to
establish Elite Palmetto Real Estate LLC. The company currently manages
a portfolio of more than 100 properties worth well over $30 million. My
success as a real estate broker has led me to become a Realtor of
Distinction in the top 5% of realtors, for the past 4 years.

What motivated you to become an entrepreneur?

Creating generational wealth and leaving a legacy for my family.

I always enjoyed my career as an air traffic controller, so I worked in
various cities and countries including Baltimore, Afghanistan, and Iraq. It
was during my time in Iraq where I started acquiring rental properties in
Charleston. While overseas, I purchased five single family properties in the
U.S. after the housing market crashed in 2008. This was all I needed to drive
me into purchasing more property. The zeal that I received from making
large purchases, knowing that I was securing the future of my family, led
me to get my real estate license upon my return to South Carolina in 2011.
I knew that after traveling, I wanted to settle down where my roots were. I
wanted to create a business that would profit, grow and give back to the
community in which I was raised.

Throughout the years, I’ve helped several tenants obtain commercial
leases and I’ve sold several commercial properties.

Is there something you are particularly proud of in your business?

I’m proud of the number of people that I have employed over the years and
our property management department. I want to make sure that everyone
is secure and if I’m able to do that by hiring someone to be a contractor or
managing a homeowner’s vacation property, then I am proud.

What is one thing you want others to know about your and/or your business?

My mission is to help others as I have had support and encouragement
along the way. Once I have a completed a transaction, it is rare that I never
have contact with the client again. I am often sought after as a resource for
all things real estate and property investing. Once you become a client,
you’re always an Elite Palmetto Client.

What made you want to participate in the Lowcountry Minority Business Accelerator?

I’ve lived in other cities, but nowhere will ever compare to home. A good
friend and fellow broker were a part of the program and spoke highly of the
program, so I wanted to take part in collaboration with likeminded
individuals and those wanting to bring money to Charleston.

What advice would you give to other minority business owners?

Begin networking with other companies. Business owners are always
looking for a way to connect with other brands to support their business,
share their business or collaborate with their business.
Get to know your local politicians at both the city and state levels. There is
funding available to minority business owners.