Andrew Roby has deep roots in Charlotte, where they’ve been serving the community since 1950. That’s when Hungarian immigrant Andrew Robicsek founded a simple one-man remodeling and handyman service. Two years later, Roby (who changed his name) hired his first employee and superintendent, Glenn Haston. The two worked side by side for over 25 years and then in 1976, Glenn Haston purchased the firm outright. Today, the third generation of Haston leadership, Glenn’s grandsons, lead the company into their 75th year in business.
The Family Business
Travis Haston is CEO and Trent Haston is president and CEO of the Roby Family of Companies.
As the general contractor, Andrew Roby’s focus is on delivering exceptional craftsmanship, sourcing the finest materials, and providing top-notch customer service.
“We are not a design-build firm, so we don’t directly control the aesthetic of our projects,” the Hastons explain. “Instead, we place this responsibility in the capable hands of the talented architects and designers we collaborate with and recommend to our clients.”
The Hastons explain that, as a multigenerational family business, they “take great pride in working with many clients who are also multigenerational.”
“In fact, we’re now managing projects for the children and even grandchildren of some of our original clients,” the Hastons said. “These enduring relationships and friendships are something we deeply value and cherish.”
Over the years, Andrew Roby opened additional offices in Boone (2012) and Asheville (2022).
They’ve also expanded services to meet a broader range of home and business construction needs. The family of companies now includes a commercial construction division (Roby Commercial), a home services division (Roby Services) which offers electrical, handyman, HVAC, and plumbing services, and a real estate division (Roby Realty).
A Conversation with Travis and Trent of Andrew Roby
Here, Travis and Trent tell us more about their life’s work, when to know it’s time to remodel, and what has led to their success over so many years.
Andrew Roby specializes in kitchen and bath remodeling. Why did this become the focus?
The two most popular areas of the home for renovation are kitchens and baths, and we certainly do a lot of them. But we also do a lot of full home remodels and custom home builds.
Will you walk us through the process of a renovation or remodeling project from the time the client contacts you to the time of completion?
Each client is paired with a dedicated project manager and executive superintendent. The project manager works closely with the client to translate their vision into detailed plans, while developing a comprehensive budget and timeline. The executive superintendent oversees the work onsite, managing a team of highly skilled artisans and craftsmen. They are onsite regularly and are the reliable go-to person for any and all needs that the client may have. Behind the scenes, the project manager and executive superintendent are in constant communication to ensure all is running smoothly, issues are addressed promptly, etc.
From a client’s perspective, how should he or she know when it is time to remodel?
There are many reasons why people choose to renovate — whether it’s due to signs of wear and tear, an outdated home, a floorplan that no longer works for the family, or major life events. Many clients come to us with a vision of what they want and a rough budget, but need professional guidance to turn that vision into a reality. Planning a home renovation is a significant endeavor and can feel overwhelming for a family. Along the way, there will be inconveniences, disruptions to daily life, and unforeseen challenges or delays. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a general contractor you trust and feel comfortable with — someone you can envision yourself getting along with.
How much do you collaborate with other people involved in a remodel?
A fun fact about our logo: The triangle symbolizes the relationship between the client (at the top of the triangle), general contractor, and architect/designer. We believe that all three parties play an essential role in a project’s success, and when we work together harmoniously, we achieve the best possible outcome for the client.
Andrew Roby is very involved with philanthropic work. Tell us more about that.
We are deeply committed to giving back to the community that has supported our company for over 75 years. Our philanthropic efforts are centered around family and children. Each fall, we host our annual Pitchin’ for Wishes Cornhole Tournament to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Central & Western NC. Since its inception in 2008, the event has raised over $3 million for Make-A-Wish and other local charities.
