A truly Brooklyn family business? You can say that again...and again!

Ingram & Hebron Realty, one of downtown Brooklyn's most active and successful commercial brokerages, may well be the definitive "family" business. Not only are there three generations at work there, they all share the same name! Robert Hebron, Sr. started Ingram & Hebron Realty with partner Paula Ingram in 1996. The commercial business was a natural outgrowth of Paula's long-term successful residential practice, Paula Ingram Realty. I joined the firm in January of 2004 after a successful career in residential real estate and software sales in California. My son, Robert V, worked as a summer intern from 2004 through 2008. Upon turning 18 he almost immediately obtained his real estate license and joined the day to day operations of the business, working part time while attending college. According to Robert Sr., "There were many times in my life that if somebody said to me, 'You will be working with your oldest son and grandson,' I would have asked the questioner what he had been smoking.Well I am. My oldest son Robert IV has been with us for eight years and has developed into a well-known and respected broker and a partner in the firm. It's sure a nice feeling to know that whether we are here on not, our business is being well taken care of. My grandson, Robert V, has also been with us for eight years, albeit part-time. He's a full time student and brings to the business a high level of technical skill and a willingness to do whatever he is asked. His sole answer to anything is 'Yes.' That's nice. I'm both grateful and proud that I have my loved ones here every day." I try very hard to remember daily that there are many families torn apart for so many reasons and I get to come to work every day with my father and my son. It is impossible to describe the pride I feel watching my son grow into his role as a New York City real estate professional. According to Robert V, "Everyone in this business knows how difficult and emotionally trying it can be at times. I've been blessed with the double edge sword of going through these trials with two generations of Hebrons by my side. Things at times can be difficult working with your family, simply because that's the way things go with these types of things. I am incredibly lucky and blessed to be able to enter this business following in the footsteps of my father and grandfather. I've been around real estate open houses since I was just a young'un; watching my father run residential open houses when we used to reside in California. Real estate is in my blood, and has been now for over 21 years. Nothing makes me prouder then being introduced as the son and grandson of my father and grandfather. No matter where I go in the world of Brooklyn real estate my name is already known and my reputation is already established. It always calls for a hoot when we're introduced in succession: Robert Sr., Robert the 4th, and saving the best for last... myself; Robert Francis Hebron the 5th. And if I ever have a son, I think I'm gonna name him Bill or George! Anything but Robert!" Ingram & Hebron Realty specializes in commercial office and retail leasing and is located in Brooklyn Heights. Robert Hebron is an associate broker at Ingram & Hebron, Brooklyn, N.Y.