In 1977, Rob began the firm Robert Brown & Associates, Inc. specializing in commercial real estate brokerage and the development of shopping centers. Under his leadership, members of the firm have built a strong reputation in the brokerage and development communities.  Rob holds the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) and Certified Shopping Center Manager (CSM) designations, real estate broker's licenses for Virginia and North Carolina, and membership in the Urban Land Institute.

Over the years, Rob has been active in a wide variety of real estate activities. He has served as President of the Commercial Multiple Listing Service and the Virginia CCIM Chapter. Rob was the first President of the Graduate Business School Alumni Association at the College of William and Mary and the first President of the Coliseum Central Business Improvement District which represents all commercial businesses in the submarket in which Coliseum Crossing Shopping Center is located.

Rob also serves his church and community. He currently serves as a Deacon and Trustee for his church. In addition, Rob is Vice Chairman of the Poquoson Industrial Development Authority, President of the Peninsula Metro YMCA Board, President of the Christopher Newport University Real Estate Foundation, Trustee of The John Leland Seminary for Theological Studies, and a member of the Executive Committee for the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance.