Commercial Lending Spotlight – Robins Racing
At Robins Financial Credit Union, we are proud to offer a suite of business products designed to help any business, no matter the size. Rodney White, owner of Robins Racing, is just one of many who have entrusted us to provide financial support to help his business thrive. Get to know White and how choosing Robins Financial as his trusted financial partner has impacted his business.
A Passion Turned Business
White proudly served in the United States Air Force as a Communications Specialist and First Sergeant. When he retired after twenty years of service, White had no clue that his next adventure would involve racing – but not the kind of racing you might expect. White turned his passion for remote control (RC) cars into a thriving business with his wife, Reiko, by his side. Together, they launched Robins Racing, a unique hobby shop that has become a cornerstone for RC enthusiasts in Warner Robins.
For White, the idea to start Robins Racing came from a personal love for RC cars and flying.
“I’ve always enjoyed racing RC cars, not just for the thrill, but for the sense of camaraderie that comes with it,” White explains. “When we moved to Warner Robins in 2015, I realized the nearest RC shop was all the way in Atlanta. I saw an opportunity to bring this hobby to our community.”
But this business wasn't just about fulfilling his own passion. White also wanted to create a space where his wife Reiko, who is originally from Japan and was concerned about language barriers, could comfortably work and be a part of the community.
“I thought opening a small shop would not only provide the community with access to the RC hobby, but also give Reiko the ability to work without worrying about the language issue,” shares White.
This combination of passion and purpose is what laid the foundation for Robins Racing.
A Unique Shop in Middle Georgia
What sets Robins Racing apart from other hobby shops is the emphasis on inclusivity, education, and community.
“We believe this hobby is not only fun, but also educational,” White says. “We strive to make sure everyone can participate in our events and races. It’s a path to STEM-related projects, and we promote an environment of learning and experimenting, whether it’s making repairs, going faster or flying higher.”
White’s commitment to providing top-quality products and creating a welcoming atmosphere has made Robins Racing a favorite among RC enthusiasts in Middle Georgia. The shop carries over thirty different brands and boasts more than twenty thousand items, from RC cars and trucks to planes, boats and rock crawlers. They even offer specialty paints, tools, and soldering services.
A Thriving Business with Family at Its Core
What started out as just a hobby grew into something much bigger than White or his wife could ever imagine. Robins Racing has become the hub for the local RC community, and it has brought together like-minded hobbyists who share a love for racing and flying.
“Our intentions were to create a mom-and-pop shop for like-minded people,” White reflects. “It has grown beyond our wildest dreams, and we are very proud to be a part of it.”
But for White, the most rewarding aspect of running Robins Racing isn’t just the business growth – it's the opportunity to work alongside his wife every day.
“The most rewarding part of owning my own business is getting to work with my wife each day,” shares White. “A close second would be the great people I’ve met here in Middle Georgia.”
Choosing the Right Financial Partner
Running a small business comes with its challenges, and having the right financial partner can make all the difference. For White, Robins Financial Credit Union was the obvious choice.
“I was drawn to Robins Financial Credit Union because of the relationships,” White explains. “Robins Financial does business how I do business; face-to-face with a positive attitude.”
White’s relationship with his Commercial Lending Officer, Brent Taylor, has been key to his business’s success. “[Brent] isn’t just our banker; he’s my friend,” shares White. “Shoutout to Brent, he is fantastic!”
The credit union’s products, such as their checking and savings account options, have also played a crucial role in helping Robins Racing thrive.
“We rely heavily on the checking and savings accounts for our business,” White says. “Quick access to loans has made purchasing equipment and resources for our business a breeze.”
Advice for Aspiring
For anyone looking to start their own business, White has some simple yet powerful advice: build relationships with the right professionals.
“It’s important to build relationships with professionals outside of your field of expertise,” White advices. “Develop a good relationship with your commercial lender. They will help you get on the right track, give you sound financial advice, and help you keep growing.”
Looking Toward the Future
As Robins Racing continues to grow, White’s hope is to keep providing the community with the products and services they’ve come to love. He even has aspirations of expanding beyond Warner Robins.
For White and his wife, Robins Racing is more than just a business – it's a way to share their passion, build relationships and be a positive force in their community. With the continued support of Robins Financial Credit Union, there’s no doubt that their business will keep racing toward success.
Ready to start your business? Our team is here to help! Visit our website for more information about the various business products and services we offer that can help your business get off the ground. You can also contact our Commercial Lending team for more information by calling 478-923-3773 x.2240. We look forward to helping more members like Rodney on their business journey.
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