The Faces of the Golden Strip invite you to meet Rick Robinson, the newest addition to The Faces of the Golden Strip community blog! Rick and his wife Susan own Robinson’s Jewelers– a long-standing, third generation family-owned business in Mauldin. When you walk into their shop at 103 E. Butler Rd. in Mauldin, you will be welcomed by the smiling face of ei,her Susan, Rick, or Kemp (their son).
We would like to thank Rick for sharing a wonderful trip down memory lane. It was fascinating to hear the stories of the people and businesses that shaped the Golden Strip. It was a chance to revisit nostalgic places from the past (like the soda shop at Mauldin Pharmacy), and to commemorate those patrons whose loyalty has helped their community and local businesses such as Robinson’s Jewelers continue to thrive.
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
A: This is a family business. My Mom started the business in 1975. My brother and I were in college. He went to Bulova Watch School after college. I went to work from Michelin. Then in 1979 she had a small shop and we joined her. I studied watch jewelry repair and by then my brother was doing watch repair, so we joined her. She was the inspiration.
Q: How long have you been in this career?
A: Forty years.
Q: What do you enjoy most about what you do?
A: Mostly it’s the people… the customers. Being in business for this many years here in Mauldin, I’ve been able to meet a lot of people. Just being part of that and becoming friends, they’re not so much my customers. They become friends, and that means a lot to me.
Q: What did you do prior to this career?
A: I was a clerk in the Industrial Engineering Department at Michigan for four years.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the Golden Strip, and what do you love there?
A: I like Dino’s. I know Bill and his family who run it. They are very, very nice people. The quality is very good, the service is very good. We eat there sometimes twice a week because it is convenient for lunch.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in the Golden Strip area?
A: Sixty years. We moved here in 1959. I started first grade here and went all through school and high school here. So I’ve lived here practically all my life. I went to Hillcrest High School. There wasn’t a Mauldin High School at the time. Everyone in Mauldin went to Hillcrest.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in the Golden Strip area ?
A: I would say probably Mr. L.S. Green. He had a business in Mauldin for many years. I knew his children and his grandchildren. He and his family were good customers. They dealt mostly with my Mom. He was always just a genuine person. He bought a lot of things from us for his wife and for his children. He was a good customer,but also just a very good, true gentleman. I think he has just been respected for many, many years here.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: There would be a couple places. I’d like to go to Hawaii. My Dad served in the Navy in World War II, so I’d like to go to Pearl Harbor. If not, then I would like to go to France and go to the beaches for D-Day. I had an Uncle who served in World War II and my Dad did; so I think that would be kind of a compliment to go there to see that part.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: I like a lot of movies. I like watching old reruns of movies too. I like Sports Movies. Hoosiers would probably be my most favorite. I do like the old Classics from the 30’s and 40’s. Gone with the Wind is good. I like old Westerns and I’m also a Clint Eastwood fan.
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: Communicate with one another. Show respect to one another.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: I’m not planning on retiring, I’ll probably just continue to work. The only thing I would say that is on my bucket list is just spending more time with my kids and my grandkids. That’s real important to me. I’d probably travel and go to a nice vacation spot with my family.
Q: What is your favorite music/ 3 bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: I grew up in the 70’s. I like 70’s Rock and Roll music. I’ve had the opportunity, me and Susan, both to see a lot of bands. If there’s a concert, we go. I like that era of music. My favorite band is Journey, and I’ve had the opportunity to see them many times. I’ve had the opportunity to see a lot of big groups also. I never saw the Beatles; but I have seen the Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac. Probably one of the band’s I haven’t seen but I’d like to see would be U2. I like the smaller bands too, and I like the Southern Rock and Roll.
Q: What current / former local business makes you feel the most nostalgic about the Golden Strip area?
A: Growing up here in Mauldin, my best friend’s Dad (Riley McCard) owned Mauldin Pharmacy. They had a soda counter serving sundaes and sandwiches and things. At that time, Mauldin wasn’t very big, so there wasn’t a lot to do. The soda shop was kind of a little bit of a hangout for us. It was a great place and some really good people hung around there.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about the Golden Strip area?
A: I’ve lived here all my life and just seeing the growth of what has transpired in Mauldin, Simpsonville and Fountain Inn. I would have never imagined it would become the way it is. I’m really glad and thankful that it has, especially as a business person; but that part of it just really has taken me by surprise.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: I’m at retirement age but I’ll continue to work as long as my health is good. I might cut back some hours; but I still enjoy this. I do. I enjoy doing the repairs, putting jewelry together, making a few things, and getting to know the new people now. The people that I knew in the 80’s and the 90’s have passed on; so now it’s the new generation. When new people come in, and if they have an accent, I ask them, “Where are you from?” Then they will answer me. Then I ask, “Well, what brought you here?” All have different stories, and I’ve just found that intriguing.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: Comfort. It’s my comfort zone. I built my home in ‘83 on my parent’s property and that’s been home. I just feel comfortable there. It’s just peaceful. There’s just love there in my home too when my kids are there and my grandkids are there.
Q: Do you have a charity or organization that you are passionate about? Do you do any volunteer work for it?
A: The Humane Society. We are animal lovers.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: We have an underground swimming pool. When I have it open during the summer months, I like to sit out by my pool. I have my stereo system and I put in some CD’s and sit out there and listen to my music and have a cold drink. I enjoy that.
Q: Do you have any pets or cute pet stories to share?
A: We’ve always had boxers. Our last boxer was named Slugger and he loved our swimming pool. He could tell when I was getting ready to open up that swimming pool. He would be right out there with me following me around that pool the whole time. He stayed right with me, and when I would get it open he would take a swim. He was so gentle in getting into the pool. He’d go down the steps and swim to the diving board, come back, get out, and shake off. He was a very good, gentle dog. On his birthday, we always took him to Sonic to get an ice cream.
Q: Who else would you like to see nominated as a Face of the Golden Strip?
A: Have you done an interview with the Hall brothers at Hall’s Barbershop on Murray Drive? They are probably one of the oldest businesses here in Mauldin. Their Father started it in the 40’s and 50’s. Now it’s been handed down to the sons and grandsons. I’ve known those gentlemen for many, many, many years. They’re just a really great group of guys.
