CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE AND ONE MAN’S GENEROSITY
Robert Beal was a true pioneer in the field of real estate management. A lifelong resident of Little Rock, he was hired by William Rector in the early days of Rector Phillips Morse, Inc. and he quickly gravitated toward managing commercial rental properties for the young company.
Bob developed this business for Rector Phillips Morse, now RPM Group, for more than 50 years, growing our property management business into the most successful locally-owned company of its type in Arkansas. He also enjoyed working with Sam Walton in the early days of Walmart’s growth, finding locations for their stores. Bob was an early supporter of the now-international Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). He was a founder of the Arkansas IREM Chapter and served as its President on two separate occasions. Bob eventually served as RPM’s Board Chairman and was the company’s primary shareholder.
Throughout his career, Bob was recognized nationally, including winning two National IREM Awards. In 1992, he won the Louise L. and Y.T. Lum Award for distinguished contributions to the profession through education, publication or the advancement of ethical and professional standards.
In 2010, Bob received the J. Wallace Paletou Award for having made significant contributions to the real estate management industry.
According to Ronald Goss, 2011 IREM International President and former president of RPM Management Company, “Bob believed in the old adage, ‘you surround yourself with successful people and give them the opportunity to excel, and you and your company will excel. Bob’s entire professional career was based on this principle.”
Beverly Roachell, former President of RPM Management Company and former President of IREM International, added, “The Arkansas chapter won many awards under Mr. Beal’s leadership. He always asked ‘what’s best for our industry’ and his biggest source of pride was seeing other people succeed.”
John W. Magnuson, IREM 1991 International President, stated, “Bob mentored in a no-nonsense fashion. He reasoned that if he paid for someone’s education, they’d best put the information to work for the company. It worked. RPM Management was, and is, a very successful business.”
IREM Chief Executive Officer Denise LeDuc-Froemming had this to say about Bob’s many contributions to the organization. “Mr. Beal was a significant influencer and advocate for IREM. Not only was he an instrumental leader within the Arkansas chapter, but he nurtured and inspired so many young professionals, a generation of CPMs and ARMs, who shared his love of the IREM and remain a part of our community today.”
Now, as RPM Group celebrates our 65th year in business, we’re pleased to announce a $1 Million gift from Mr. Beal’s estate to the IREM Foundation, specifically to fund scholarships and education programs for the Institute’s members. These programs are designed to ensure the highest possible standards of professionalism within future generations of real estate managers.
In summing up Mr. Beal’s core values, current RPM Management Company President Vaughn McQuary said, “He always instructed us to do the right thing – even if no one is looking!”
We miss Bob Beal. But today we – along with the many others whose lives he touched and guided – celebrate his generous spirit, which continues to live on.
“He always instructed us to do the right thing – even if no one is looking!”