David Robb: A Positive Move
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
SANTA ROSA — After graduating from college, David Robb wasn’t exactly thrilled to return to his previous job as a mover. However, by adopting a more positive outlook, he was able to turn his initial discouragement into a great success story. “I got into moving when I was 19 years old as a summer job while I was home from college,” he recounts. “As an athlete, it was a great fit for me because, like sports, it was physically challenging and I got to work in a team environment. After graduating with a degree in business administration, I was hoping to transition into a new career, but with the state of the job market in 2007, I soon found myself back in the moving industry. At first, I was discouraged about it, but at a certain point, I decided to change my mindset and start enjoying every day instead of dreading it.”
With time, David’s positive mentality progressed from a coping mechanism to a genuine state of mind that awoke new professional possibilities. “I became more and more motivated to make a positive impact on the moving industry,” he explains. “I’d encountered several situations where I didn’t agree with how moving companies handled things or treated customers, which inspired my dream of running a more customer-focused business. This dream was shared by my friend Kyle Messer, who also worked in the industry, and we eventually made that dream a reality by starting our own moving company.”
Today, as co-owner of Robb & Messer Moving and Storage, David says his favorite part of his job is working with customers. “I get a lot of fulfillment from giving our customers positive experiences. We focus on each individual customer and do our best to accommodate all of their needs in an efficient manner. That’s our challenge every day, and it’s a lot of fun.”
A resident of San Anselmo (where he lives with his wife, Emily, and their son, Rex) David expresses his appreciation for life and work in the Bay Area. “I was born in San Francisco, grew up in Santa Rosa and now live in San Anselmo, so I know the area really well, which comes in handy as a mover. I also have a large base of friends, family and business connections in the area, which I’m very thankful for.”
Outside of work, David, spends his time on a variety of active pastimes and interests. “I enjoy mountain biking, golfing and tennis,” he details. “I also like to watch professional tennis—I’ll often record matches that take place in Spain or France and watch them the next day.” Additionally, David likes to spend quality time with his family, whether riding bikes or going on walks to the park or grocery store.
In regard to a professional philosophy, David espouses the value of self-reflection. “Every day, I ask myself, ‘If I needed a mover, would I hire me?’ Fortunately, I’m always able to answer that question with a ‘yes’ because of the effort we put forth in generating positive experiences for customers. I find this is a helpful way to reflect, reassess and stay motivated.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, David says he’d attend a tennis match in person. “I would fly to France and watch Rafael Nadal play in the French Open. He’ll probably be long retired by the time I actually retire, so I’m going to take advantage of this hypothetical scenario!”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What are your favorite sports teams?
A: The Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: M.H. Bread and Butter in San Anselmo. I go there with my family at least once a week.
Q: What was your favorite toy as a child?
A: My tennis racquet.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
A: Eggs and a smoothie.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: A very warm place with a beach.
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