It was a special day for John Henry Homes founders Josh and Jon Blatt as they were asked to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to friend, mentor and Industry icon Robert Rhein at the Home Builder’s Association of Greater Cincinnati’s annual meeting. Even better, Bob was unaware he was receiving this prestigious award until hearing the introduction from Jon and Josh! It was a terrific event, as Bob was joined by his wife, son and key employees. Bob’s accomplishments are legendary, his communities are timeless and his humbleness has earned him the respect of everyone in the industry and throughout the broader community.

Remarks with Presentation of Lifetime Achievement Award to Bon

Being part of this association has provided us many great opportunities; today having the honor to present the life time achievement award to our good friend, mentor and industry icon may be the greatest.  When we first started our business, building just a few homes a year, our dad suggested we reach out and introduce ourselves to this man, one of the largest most respected developers in the region, friend to legends like Ralph Drees, Bobbie Schottenstein and Don Horton. To our surprise he took our call, met with us and was generous with his time and knowledge. Our experience was not unique. Throughout his very distinguished career, he has been humble in his success,  had  a yearning to personally get to know everyone in the industry and a willingness to share his knowledge with anyone who asks.  These characteristics have earned him the respect of everyone in our industry and throughout the broader community

He has developed tens of thousands of lots in well over 100 communities in Ohio, Kentucky and North Carolina and his developments include the most recognizable and desirable locations in the city. The golf course communities at Heritage Club and Four Bridges spurred development booms in Mason and Liberty Township. He set the standard for luxury communities in Greater Cincinnati with Long Cove. With over a mile of man-made navigable waterways,  strict architectural and landscaping guidelines, Long Cove may be the most prestigious community developed in the city and it is unlikely there will ever be anything else like it

In his 40+ year career, his accomplishments and contributions to our industry seem impossible to be achieved by one person! A few highlights include

• He was President of our Association in 1988
• He was the first ever recipient of the Developer of the Year award in 2000, an honor  that we would receive multiple times
• He Served as developer for 10 Homearamas, including Heritage Club, Long Cove, Four Bridges, Carmelle and the Oaks of West Chester
• He was awarded the Key to the City of Mason in recognition for the important contribution his developments had in shaping their community
• He was Appointed by the Mayor of Cincinnati and the Hamilton County Commissioners to the Banks working group, tasked with motivating the revitalization of Cincinnati’s most important river front property – which is now the vibrant area known as “the Banks

His career has been devoted to giving back. He remains an active member of the Association and has been a lead supporter of build-pac.  Additionally, he is one of the original patrons of the First Tee of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky and Charlotte, he tutors 5^th graders in math and reading and he and his wife Marilyn have supported numerous charities throughout the region, including Ronald McDonald House and the Cincinnati Zoo.

It is now our honor to present the lifetime achievement award to our good friend and mentor, and only person the room who has a nickname from President Bush, Bob Rhein, otherwise known as Big Bob!

The Homebuilder’s Association of Greater Cincinnati is the backbone of the residential homebuilding market in Greater Cincinnati, serving as a key resource for government officials, builder’s developer’s, suppliers, lenders and trade professionals. Click here to learn more about the HBA of Greater Cincinnati.

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