Tom O’Brien and Matt Robinson met in 1996 while working on a project in Mason, Ohio. Tom was hired by two Developers, Ken Campbell and Bob Rhein, to be the Owners Representative on a 24,000 s/f Golf Clubhouse that was being built at the center of a new high-end private golf club called Heritage Club. At the time, Matt was the PGA Director of Golf and General Manager at Heritage Club. Tom and Matt worked together for nearly two years as the Clubhouse was being designed and built. With Matt’s interest in the construction process, his knowledge of the operational side of starting and running a staff of over 80, and Tom’s background in construction, the two believed they had the foundation for a strong new company and decided to join forces. After seven years of having partners in the start-up of both KPRS O’Brien and O’Brien Robinson Golf, Tom and Matt bought out the investment partners and branded the single company “O’Brien Robinson Construction Services, Inc.” Nearly twenty years later, O’Brien Robinson continues to be one of the premier commercial construction companies in Central Ohio!
Tom O’Brien has always had a passion for construction. Dating back to childhood creations with Legos, Tom knew he wanted to pursue a career in construction. Following a successful college career at Cal Poly Pomona, Tom spent time with Koll Construction Company and M.H. Golden, two of the larger contractors in California. After moving back to Ohio in 1993, Tom operated his own construction company called The O’Brien Company for nearly 8-years. With visions of growing his company, Tom sought out opportunities to partner and grow. Since starting the new company in 2000, Tom has helped grow O’Brien Robinson to be recognized as one of the premier “Mid-Sized” Construction Companies in Central Ohio. Since the creation of the company, volume has grown exponentially. Primary areas of construction are in the fields of Healthcare, Office, Retail, Religious, Entertainment, and Multi-Use projects. These industries are the backbone of the O’Brien Robinson business. Tom enjoys the process of a project from the earliest estimates/schedule all the way to the end. Even today, you will often see Tom on the various jobsites as that is where his passion lies. Tom understands the needs of the Client and enjoys working closely with them on each project from beginning to end!
A native of Ohio, Matt Robinson is responsible for development opportunities, construction business development, market positioning, internal office systems, staffing and procedures for O’Brien Robinson. After spending 12-years in the private club industry in Central Ohio, Florida and Illinois as a PGA Professional and General Manager developing and operating golf facilities, Matt uses his skills in construction, development, sales, staffing, systems and advertising to grow the O’Brien Robinson business. Matt is involved not only with the business aspects of the company but is constantly working with current clients to maintain communication avenues during pre-construction and construction to create pathways for success on each project. Working closely with the 20-year relationships built with a network of architects, developers, and established clients, Matt is continually pursuing opportunities in construction management, general contracting, and development for the organization. Along with growing the company, Matt oversees the internal business operations of O’Brien Robinson supported by an accounting and administrative staff.