GlobeSt.com: This is your fourth portfolio build in about 15 years. How are the market dynamics different this time around?

Lubeck: The business model each portfolio has remained the same and remains a successful plan. This time, we see higher prices, lower interest rates and much more equity in the market.

Similarly, there are more experts in the value—add renovation business. In the early 2000s, we were “a pioneer.” The change in the “home ownership dream” in the US has also made for exciting changes in the multifamily market, with many renters by choice. And needless to say, technology has impacted management, customer service and made all of us more productive.

GlobeSt.com: How do you choose which cities to invest in and which markets do you intend to expand in or to?

Lubeck: We look at job and population growth. We also look at the quality of life for our residents. Our goal is always to provide an improved value added product at an attractive price in a booming market. At the moment, Robbins Electra has a portfolio that spans seven states, throughout the US southeast and Texas. In the future, we plan on expanding further into the Sun Belt region.

MIAMI—Electra America, a private owner-operator focused on multifamily investment in the southeastern United States, recently merged with Robbins Property Associates, a full-service owner-operator and apartment management company. Robbins Electra now owns and operates a shared $2 billion multifamily portfolio, which spans 20,000 apartment units in 66 properties located in Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland.

Led by brothers Steve and Mitchell Robbins and Joseph Lubeck, Robbins Electra acquired, operated and sold over 150 multifamily communities with a value in excess of $4 billion since 1991. Robbins Property Associates was founded in 2009 and has a particular expertise in working with and transforming distressed properties. GlobeSt.com caught up with Lubeck to discuss the synergies of the merger and more in this exclusive interview.

GlobeSt.com: What synergies between Electra and Robbins made this an ideal merger?

Lubeck: Robbins Property Associates and Electra America have been working together since early 2015, and have formed an excellent alliance during this time. Formalizing a merger between our companies seemed natural, as our roles complement each other. Both Electra and Robbins bring experienced leadership and a vast network of investors; the existing Robbins platform brings hands-on property management expertise and a well-respected brand.

GlobeSt.com: This is your fourth portfolio build in about 15 years. How are the market dynamics different this time around?

Lubeck: The business model each portfolio has remained the same and remains a successful plan. This time, we see higher prices, lower interest rates and much more equity in the market.

Similarly, there are more experts in the value—add renovation business. In the early 2000s, we were “a pioneer.” The change in the “home ownership dream” in the US has also made for exciting changes in the multifamily market, with many renters by choice. And needless to say, technology has impacted management, customer service and made all of us more productive.

GlobeSt.com: How do you choose which cities to invest in and which markets do you intend to expand in or to?

Lubeck: We look at job and population growth. We also look at the quality of life for our residents. Our goal is always to provide an improved value added product at an attractive price in a booming market. At the moment, Robbins Electra has a portfolio that spans seven states, throughout the US southeast and Texas. In the future, we plan on expanding further into the Sun Belt region.