Q & A: Bob Rauland

Bob Rauland has been a fixture in the Geneva Lakes area for decades. The familiar real estate signs that bear his name dot the landscape, advertising properties for sale, whether they’re multimillion dollar estates, commercial buildings or modest homes. Since its early beginnings in 1961, The Rauland Agency has been of the most trusted and respected names in real estate.

Although a highly successful businessman, Bob Rauland’s commitment to the community is second to none. He’s been a member of the Walworth/Fontana Rotary Club for 47 years, acted as the Gateway Technical College Foundation Director, served as a member of the Aurora/Lakeland Foundation Board of Directors, supports S.M.I.L.E.S. (Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills), plus he gives his time to countless other organizations and professional associations.

Bob Rauland has enjoyed a fulfilling family life as well. Although his first wife Cynthia succumbed to cancer after the couple was married for over 52 years, they raised four children, who are each successful in their own right. Son Scott is head of the U.S. embassy in Belarus; daughter Shari, a Harvard University graduate, works as a real estate broker with her father; son John lives in Germany and works for OPEL, the car manufacturer; and son Jeff is a vice president with Goldman Sachs in Dallas, Texas. Rauland explains his family has become more than a bit international in its makeup with daughter-in-laws from Great Britain, Germany and China and now nine grandchildren.

Today, Bob Rauland is happily married to Arlene, a widow of 26 years and a fellow Walworth High School classmate. The two graduated in 1954 and now Arlene proudly displays her affection for that special year with a license plate on her car that reads “Class of 54.” Now sixty years removed from high school, Bob and Arlene are enjoying a new life at the lake.

THE RAULAND AGENCY HAS BEEN A LEADER IN THE WALWORTH COUNTY REAL ESTATE MARKET FOR OVER 50 YEARS. TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE ITS SUCCESS?

Honesty and respect for the individual.

WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR FEATURES PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR WHEN BUYING A HOME TODAY? DO YOU THINK THE POPULARITY OF HGTV AND DIY NETWORK, HAVE RAISED THE BAR REGARDING THE TYPES OF AMENITIES CLIENTS WANT?

Kitchen upgrades and affordability are often key factors for our buyers.

ARE THERE SPECIAL MEMORIES OR HIGHLIGHTS DURING YOUR CAREER IN REAL ESTATE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

There are so many, I should write a book. For 54 years I’ve enjoyed coming to work every morning because of the people I meet and the people I work with. My reward is being able to help people.

I am active in the community and give my time to Aurora Lakeland Medical Foundation Board, SMILES, Lakeland Animal Shelter, and Walworth-Fontana Rotary. Since the 1950’s when the original Walworth Memorial Library was built on Maple Avenue in Walworth, I’ve been able to contribute and assist in fundraising efforts and continue these efforts for the new location in the Walworth West Lake Center at 525 Kenosha Street in the Village of Walworth.

AS A RESIDENT OF THE GENEVA LAKES AREA, WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO?

We live in a beautiful area. I enjoy photography, golf, hikes, and watching wildlife.

atthelake
Author: atthelake

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