Accolades
Media
Matthew Robinson on careful investing and building trust
Hiking to the Mount Everest base camp isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s a grinding, week-long trek to 5,600 meters where the nights are cold and the air is thin.
There are certainly easier ways to take a break, but for Matthew Robinson, the CEO of W.A. Robinson Asset Management Ltd., it was an opportunity to reflect on an eventful career and think about what comes next.
“You recognize how really good we have it here – like fresh water and food, but the other things, too. Maybe it was the lack of oxygen,” he says with a smile, “but I looked back and realized I didn’t need to be so emotionally attached to all the ups and downs in my life.
“If I could go back to a younger me, I'd say it's a long journey. It would be good for younger people to understand that.”
For a young Matthew Robinson, that journey began in Sharbot Lake, a small waterfront town nestled among the sprawling forests of eastern Ontario. It was here that Robinson took the first steps in a career that today sees him overseeing four successful real estate and investment companies with $200 million of assets under management.
Along with leading W.A. Robinson Asset Management, Robinson oversees the mortgage investment company Frontenac Mortgage Investment Corporation (MIC), as well as mortgage brokerage and administrator Pillar Financial Services Inc. He also is a part owner of Lake District Realty Inc. in his hometown of Sharbot Lake, where he realized very early that real estate was the career for him.
“That's who we appeal to,” Robinson explains. “It's not the home-run kind of investor. It’s about getting around the bases, keeping your money, and getting a good return over time.”
This approach has served their investors well. Even during the uncertainty of the pandemic and lockdowns, they have been able to return between five and six percent, which is in line with their target over the long term.
These principles, Robinson says, emerged from the values of his family and earliest employees. From the very beginning, they have endeavored to treat clients, investors, colleagues, and every other stakeholder exactly as they would want to be treated themselves.
After recently celebrating the firm’s 40th year in business, Robinson says this dedication to earning the trust of others through consistent care and competence will continue to shape the company’s culture for years to come.
Spotlight
“My first job in school was cutting lawns,” Robinson told Wealth Professional during a recent interview. “But my mother was running a real estate company and she said, ‘Instead of doing the lawns, why don't you come with me and put up real estate signs?’”
While putting up signs around town, he started to watch his mother work with clients. He observed as they discussed locations, price, their needs, their dreams, the best time to sell, and the ideal time to buy.
He even fell in love with the paperwork.
“I really enjoyed it,” Robinson says. “I loved working with the lawyers, the legal contracts, the negotiating, and looking at surveys.”
He loved it so much that he earned his real estate license at the age of 16 – even though he was still too young to work as a real estate agent.
Now, almost three decades later, Robinson looks with pride upon the family-owned firm W.A. Robinson, which has combined a sharp eye for opportunities with some key small-town values to deliver incredibly stable returns year after year.
Robinson says their earliest investors were attracted to real estate because it was a conservative investment they could understand. This focus on capital preservation over more speculative strategies has shaped W.A. Robinson’s investment philosophy ever since.
Since 1983, W.A. Robinson Asset Management Ltd. has managed mortgage-based investments from its home base in Sharbot Lake, Ontario. Currently celebrating its 40th year, the firm is best known for its conservative flagship offering, the Frontenac MIC – a prospectus-based, fixed-income, alternative investment solution.
Today, W.A. Robinson Asset Management Ltd. remains family-owned and professionally operated, with a long-term vision for ongoing success in the mortgage investment space.
Company Profile
40
Years in Asset Management
4
Number of Robinson-owned business units
$200 Million AUM
Biggest Achievement for Frontenac MIC
Bio
Spotlight
Milestones
Media
Accolades
Company Profile
Years of Experience
27
Tenure at current position
2017 - Present
Fast Facts
Matt had his real estate credentials at 16 – before he was old enough to use them
Matthew Robinson, B.SC., CIM
CEO & portfolio manager (AR) at W.A. Robinson Asset Management
From mowing lawns to becoming CEO, Robinson discusses the values behind his real estate success and what he expects in the years to come
Read on
“If I could go back to a younger me, I'd say it's a long journey. It would be good for younger people to understand that”
Matthew Robinson,
CEO, W.A. Robinson
Share
Accolades
Media
Matthew Robinson on careful investing and building trust
Spotlight
Fundserv is the indispensable connectivity hub for the Canadian investment industry. Headquartered in Toronto, we electronically connect Manufacturers, Distributors, and Intermediaries, enabling them to buy, sell, and transfer investment funds. With more than 100 employees, Fundserv serves hundreds of members—executing up to 63 million yearly network transactions—and provides online access to more than 70,000 investment fund products.
Established in 1993, Fundserv is a private corporation that is owned by the industry we serve. Our 10 shareholders are a cross-section of Manufacturers, Distributors, and Service Providers who represent our members.
We operate using a cost-recovery model, meaning any unused profit may be rebated back to our members. In addition to our network and applications, we lead and facilitate industry committees and working groups that promote automation initiatives and establish the industry’s electronic standards.
By ensuring every trade is processed timely, accurately, and securely, Fundserv has rightfully earned a reputation for service excellence—a hallmark of more than 25 years in the investment industry.
Company Profile
Years of Experience
27
Tenure at current position
2017 - Present
BAsed In
Toronto, Ont.
Fast Facts
Matt had his real estate credentials at 16 – before he was old enough to use them
Karen Adams
President and CEO at Fundserv
Before becoming CEO of Fundserv, Karen Adams held a variety of leadership roles around the world – and she learned that listening and understanding are key to both providing service and developing talent
Read on
Share
Share
Accolades
Media
Company Profile
Years of Experience
27
Tenure at current position
2017 - Present
BAsed In
Toronto, Ont.
Fast Facts
Matt had his real estate credentials at 16 – before he was old enough to use them
Karen Adams
President and CEO at Fundserv
Career highlight
Before becoming CEO of Fundserv, Karen Adams held a variety of leadership roles around the world – and she learned that listening and understanding are key to both providing service and developing talent
Read on
IN Partnership with
In Partnership with
In Partnership with
Building trust
Looking ahead
Published 10 July 2023
Find out more
Find out more
Find out more
“You can't hide from the technology that's coming. I think there's going to be some really exciting opportunities for companies to integrate this technology with people”
Matthew Robinson,
CEO, W.A. Robinson
W.A. Robinson Asset Management has been nominated twice for WP Awards: Alternative Investment Solutions Provider of the Year category, 2021 & 2022
Frontenac MIC annual Returns
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
2006
5.78%
2005
5.70%
2007
7.20%
2009
5.88%
2008
6.25%
2010
5.01%
2011
6.67%
2012
5.64%
2013
6.02%
2014
6.27%
2015
5.60%
2016
6.00%
2017
4.22%
2018
5.88%
2019
5.13%
2020
5.17%
2021
5.53%
2022
6.02%
Annualized YTD 2023
6.25%
gROWTH OF $100,000 SINCE 2005
$80,000
$100,000
2005
$120,000
$140,000
$160,000
$180,000
$200,000
$220,000
$240,000
$260,000
$280,000
$300,000
$320,000
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023 YTD
FMC
5 yr GIC
S&P TSX Composite Total Return
iShare Canadian Universe Bond Index
Treasury Bills (3 months)
Robinson says the firm’s investment philosophy has its roots in the rural values of where it all began – Sharbot Lake. Today, W.A. Robinson continues to focus its investments on mortgages in similar small towns across rural Ontario.
Asked about the foundation of this philosophy, Robinson says at its core is the importance of trust – and this trust is in turn forged by three key principles: competency, consistency, and care.
One of the interesting things about talking to Robinson is that while he attributes much of his firm’s success to the enduring values of the past, he also has a powerful interest in technology and the future.
From describing how cold it can get in Sharbot Lake in the winter, he effortlessly shifts the conversation to the exciting possibilities of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT.
“You can't hide from the technology that's coming,” he says. “I think there's going to be some really exciting opportunities for companies to integrate this technology with people. We're social animals, and I think it can help with the transfer of information.”
Yet technology only goes so far, Robinson adds, before people look for a more meaningful personal connection. Email and the telephone are great, but you can’t build relationships with them.
“I don't think we can ever give up that personal touch,” he says. “Here in Sharbot Lake we like to meet people in person by the lake, just sitting down and having that back-and-forth.”
“I think we're yearning for that … there is a need for us to be together on some level (and) find a way to harness technology to make the human experience a little richer.”
Robinson says that while the future will bring a lot of changes and it’s important to adapt to them, he believes his firm’s unwavering commitment to earning the trust of both employees and investors will always remain the foundation of their success.
“We do need to adapt [but] the reason we've been in business for this long is that a lot of people want us to be in business. They trust what we do and how we've done it.
“And we've proven that over the last 40 years.”
1983
2005
2012
2014
2017
2023
W.A. Robinson Asset Management is founded
1983
The Frontenac MIC becomes prospectus-based
2005
The Frontenac MIC reaches $100M in AUM and marketing to advisors across Canada begins in earnest
2012
Matthew Robinson acquires and leads the Robinson family businesses as part of a 5-year succession plan
2014
The Frontenac MIC reaches $200M in AUM
2017
W.A. Robinson Asset Management celebrates its 40th anniversary
2023
Milestones
Companies
About us
Privacy
Terms of Use
RSS
People
Newsletter
Authors
External contributors
Copyright © 1996-2023 KM Business Information Canada Ltd.
Contact us
News
Your Practice
iNVESTMENTS
bEST IN WEALTH
Resources
Subscribe
W.A. Robinson Asset Management, Pillar Financial Services, Frontenac MIC, Lake District Realty
Companies
About us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
RSS
People
Newsletter
Authors
External contributors
Copyright © 1996-2023 KM Business Information Canada Ltd.
Contact us
News
Your Practice
Investments
Resources
Best in Wealth
Subscribe
News
Your Practice
Investments
Resources
Best in Wealth
Subscribe
Companies
About us
Privacy
Terms of Use
RSS
People
Newsletter
Authors
Contact us
External contributors
Copyright © 1996-2023 KM Business Information Canada Ltd.
To support continued growth, Robinson forms an expanded C-suite leadership team and invests in new technology
2021
2021
One of the interesting things about talking to Robinson is that while he attributes much of his firm’s success to the enduring values of the past, he also has a powerful interest in technology and the future.
From describing how cold it can get in Sharbot Lake in the winter, he effortlessly shifts the conversation to the exciting possibilities of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT.
“You can't hide from the technology that's coming,” he says. “I think there's going to be some really exciting opportunities for companies to integrate this technology with people. We're social animals, and I think it can help with the transfer of information.”
Yet technology only goes so far, Robinson adds, before people look for a more meaningful personal connection. Email and the telephone are great, but you can’t build relationships with them.
“I don't think we can ever give up that personal touch,” he says. “Here in Sharbot Lake we like to meet people in person by the lake, just sitting down and having that back-and-forth.”
“I think we're yearning for that … there is a need for us to be together on some level (and) find a way to harness technology to make the human experience a little richer.”
Robinson says that while the future will bring a lot of changes and it’s important to adapt to them, he believes his firm’s unwavering commitment to earning the trust of both employees and investors will always remain the foundation of their success.
“We do need to adapt [but] the reason we've been in business for this long is that a lot of people want us to be in business. They trust what we do and how we've done it.
“And we've proven that over the last 40 years.”
Looking ahead
These principles, Robinson says, emerged from the values of his family and earliest employees. From the very beginning, they have endeavored to treat clients, investors, colleagues, and every other stakeholder exactly as they would want to be treated themselves.
After recently celebrating the firm’s 40th year in business, Robinson says this dedication to earning the trust of others through consistent care and competence will continue to shape the company’s culture for years to come.
Robinson says the firm’s investment philosophy has its roots in the rural values of where it all began – Sharbot Lake. Today, W.A. Robinson continues to focus its investments on mortgages in similar small towns across rural Ontario.
Asked about the foundation of this philosophy, Robinson says at its core is the importance of trust – and this trust is in turn forged by three key principles: competency, consistency, and care.
Building trust
“That's who we appeal to,” Robinson explains. “It's not the home-run kind of investor. It’s about getting around the bases, keeping your money, and getting a good return over time.”
This approach has served their investors well. Even during the uncertainty of the pandemic and lockdowns, they have been able to return between five and six percent, which is in line with their target over the long term.
“My first job in school was cutting lawns,” Robinson told Wealth Professional during a recent interview. “But my mother was running a real estate company and she said, ‘Instead of doing the lawns, why don't you come with me and put up real estate signs?’”
While putting up signs around town, he started to watch his mother work with clients. He observed as they discussed locations, price, their needs, their dreams, the best time to sell, and the ideal time to buy.
He even fell in love with the paperwork.
“I really enjoyed it,” Robinson says. “I loved working with the lawyers, the legal contracts, the negotiating, and looking at surveys.”
He loved it so much that he earned his real estate license at the age of 16 – even though he was still too young to work as a real estate agent.
Now, almost three decades later, Robinson looks with pride upon the family-owned firm W.A. Robinson, which has combined a sharp eye for opportunities with some key small-town values to deliver incredibly stable returns year after year.
Robinson says their earliest investors were attracted to real estate because it was a conservative investment they could understand. This focus on capital preservation over more speculative strategies has shaped W.A. Robinson’s investment philosophy ever since.
“If I could go back to a younger me, I'd say it's a long journey. It would be good for younger people to understand that.”
For a young Matthew Robinson, that journey began in Sharbot Lake, a small waterfront town nestled among the sprawling forests of eastern Ontario. It was here that Robinson took the first steps in a career that today sees him overseeing four successful real estate and investment companies with $200 million of assets under management.
Along with leading W.A. Robinson Asset Management, Robinson oversees the mortgage investment company Frontenac Mortgage Investment Corporation (MIC), as well as mortgage brokerage and administrator Pillar Financial Services Inc. He also is a part owner of Lake District Realty Inc. in his hometown of Sharbot Lake, where he realized very early that real estate was the career for him.
Hiking to the Mount Everest base camp isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s a grinding, week-long trek to 5,600 meters where the nights are cold and the air is thin.
There are certainly easier ways to take a break, but for Matthew Robinson, the CEO of W.A. Robinson Asset Management Ltd., it was an opportunity to reflect on an eventful career and think about what comes next.
“You recognize how really good we have it here – like fresh water and food, but the other things, too. Maybe it was the lack of oxygen,” he says with a smile, “but I looked back and realized I didn’t need to be so emotionally attached to all the ups and downs in my life.
April 2021
May 2021
July 2021
Feb 2022
Dec 2021
Mar 2022
April 2022
W.A. Robinson Asset Management is founded
1983
Lists on the ASX
May 2021
Appoints new general manager, mortgages and commercial lending, Barry Saoud
July 2021
Delivers full-year results exceeding IPO forecasts
Feb 2022
Completes sixth public securitisation for 2021, bringing the total raised over the year to $4.8bn
Dec 2021
Launches Near Prime Clear loans
Mar 2022
Acquires 65% of Stratton Finance
April 2022
Milestones
Matthew Robinson on careful investing and building trust
Spotlight
Published 10 July 2023