Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
Devin: What is your superpower?
Robert: I’m willing to take risks. I’m not afraid of failure, and I don’t look at the outcome as important. Things evolve, and I just go with the flow.
Historic preservation doesn’t just anchor communities; it transforms them. In today’s episode, I spoke with Robert B Roberts Jr, developer of Craftsman Rose in St. Petersburg, Florida. His passion for restoring historic properties is matched only by his commitment to ensuring they remain vibrant, integral parts of their communities.
Craftsman Rose is set on Central Avenue, St. Petersburg’s thriving main corridor. The 1918 Craftsman-style bungalow was originally the model home for the historic Kenwood neighborhood. As Robert explained, “This was the model home, built when Kenwood was established, and it embodies the human scale of the neighborhood.”
This restoration project isn’t just a personal passion—it’s a community-focused endeavor. While St. Petersburg experiences rapid growth and high-rise developments, Robert aims to preserve Craftsman Rose and its surroundings as a counterpoint. “I wanted to preserve this location, not only the building but the site, to keep it at a human scale,” he shared. His vision reflects an understanding of both architecture and the environment, combining historic preservation with modern sustainability measures.
What sets this project apart is how Robert is funding it. He decided to raise a portion of the equity through a regulated crowdfunding campaign on Small Change, a platform designed for impact-driven investments. This unique approach enables anyone—from locals to fans of preservation—to invest in the project. “I thought it was important to get the Kenwood Historic Neighborhood involved, the residents involved, and other local organizations,” Robert said. “With Small Change, I’ve created a way for smaller investors to participate, whether they put in $100,000 or just $1,000.”
Robert’s experience in historic rehabilitation is extensive. This is his fifth such project. Four of his previous projects, including the iconic Snell Arcade—regarded as the jewel of downtown St. Petersburg—were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. His foresight and expertise have not only preserved remarkable structures but sparked broader renewal.
Craftsman Rose exemplifies Robert’s philosophy: honoring history while creating a purposeful future. With its historic designation paired with community-driven investment, this project shows how collective action can preserve the human elements in our rapidly changing cities.
If you’re interested in supporting this effort, you can learn more about Craftsman Rose by visiting the campaign on Small Change. This is more than a real estate project—it’s a rare chance to help shape the future of St. Petersburg while celebrating the past.
tl;dr:
Craftsman Rose is a historic bungalow being restored and modernized in rapidly growing St. Petersburg.
Robert emphasizes preserving architectural history to counterbalance the city’s expanding skyscraper developments.
The project is being funded partially through Small Change, a regulated crowdfunding platform.
Robert’s lifelong expertise includes restoring properties like the Snell Arcade, a catalyst for downtown’s revival.
Today’s episode highlights Robert’s superpower: fearless yet measured risk-taking to achieve his inspiring goals.
How to Develop Risk-Taking As a Superpower
Robert’s superpower is his fearless embrace of risk, a quality he credits with fueling his success as a developer. Describing his approach, he said, “I’m willing to take risks. I’m not afraid of failure, and I don’t look at the outcome as important. Things evolve, and I just go with the flow.” This mindset allows him to pursue ambitious projects where the outcome is uncertain, focusing instead on the vision he holds in his heart.
During the purchase of the Snell Arcade, Robert took an enormous financial risk. Without the funds to secure the property outright, he negotiated a deal with the owner to pay $10,000 monthly over nine months with just $10,000 down. He recalls, “I only had $30,000 to my name at the time.” By leveraging his resourcefulness, he raised enough from friends and finalized the deal in just 90 days. The result? A $3 million historic restoration project that became a cornerstone of downtown St. Petersburg’s rebirth.
Suggestions for Developing This Superpower:
Cultivate the mindset that failure is a learning experience, not a conclusion.
Prepare thoroughly—educate yourself about your ventures to mitigate risks.
Surround yourself with a skilled and trustworthy team to offset uncertainties.
Structure deals to minimize personal financial exposure where possible.
Maintain a long-term vision and adapt flexibly to changing circumstances.
By following Robert’s example and advice, you can make risk-taking a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Robert B Roberts, Jr (he/him):
Manager/Developer, Craftsman Rose Garden LLC
About Craftsman Rose Garden LLC: On May 28th, 2025 Robert contracted to purchase the property, which is located at 2955 Central Avenue N., St. Petersburg, Florida 33713. For 23 years the Craftsman Courtyard has been home to The Craftsman House Gallery, which closed in 2025. Owner and curator Jeff Schorr ran The Craftsman House Gallery as an arts & crafts gallery, pottery studio, and an Airbnb unit. The house/gallery was built in 1918, as the model home for the Historic Kenwood neighborhood of St. Petersburg. It is currently a member of the Historic Kenwood Association, The Grand Central District, and the Ware-house Arts District.
Website: craftsmanrosegarden.com
Other URL: smallchange.co/projects/Craftsman-Rose
Biographical Information: Since 1979, Robert B Roberts Jr, has been acquiring, consolidating and renovating historic buildings in downtown St. Petersburg, contributing to its re-birth. Over time, he owned and renovated four historic buildings on Central Avenue, totaling 116,500 s.f., receiving historic preservation honors along the way. Now retired, Robert is tackling one more St. Petersburg building, The Craftsman Rose Garden, a 10,000 square foot property comprising three buildings, two of which are historic and were built in 1918. Robert has assembled a team of professionals who were with him from the beginning of his career.
LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/robert-b-roberts-jr-5205a315/
Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/rbrobertsjr
Support Our Sponsors
Our generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today’s advertisers include Crowdfunding Made Simple, High Desert Gear and Climatize. Learn more about advertising with us here.
Max-Impact Members
(We’re grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)
Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Mike Babbit | Coledger Solutions | Mike Green, Envirosult | Nick Degnan, Unlimit Ventures | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name Here
Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar
If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.
Join the SuperCrowd Impact League! You can be recognized for making impact investments via Reg CF. See how your activity compares to your peers. It’s free. Win valuable prizes. Start now!
SuperCrowd Impact Member Networking Session: Impact (and, of course, Max-Impact) Members of the SuperCrowd are invited to a private networking session on June 9th at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT. Mark your calendar. We’ll send private emails to Impact Members with registration details. Upgrade to Impact Membership today!
SuperCrowd26 featuring PurposeBuilt100™: This August 25–27, founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders will gather for a three-day, broadcast-quality global experience focused on disciplined capital formation, regulated investment crowdfunding, and purpose-driven growth. We’re bringing together leading voices in impact investing, compliance, digital marketing, and circular economy innovation to deliver practical frameworks, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies. The event culminates in the PurposeBuilt100™ Showcase, recognizing 100 of the fastest-growing purpose-driven companies in the U.S. Register now to secure your seat and get all the details. August 25–27, streaming worldwide.
Share the application for the PurposeBuilt100™: Purpose-driven founders deserve recognition. The PurposeBuilt100™ application window is now open—celebrating the fastest-growing companies building profit with purpose. If you know a founder creating real impact and real growth, please share this opportunity. Applications are free and confidential. Explore the program and apply today: PurposeBuilt100.com.
Community Event Calendar
Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.
Earthstock Summit, Ojai, CA, May 29-31: The Earthstock Regenerative Summit in Ojai brings together leaders and community members for panels, workshops, films, music, and hands-on projects focused on regenerative agriculture, ecological design, resilience, health, and sustainable living.
Join Tampa Bay Innovation and Menlo Park Patents for the Q2 Pitch Showcase, a live gathering for founders, inventors, investors, and startup supporters. Watch selected entrepreneurs pitch bold ideas, network with the innovation community, and see winners earn valuable prizes, including patent, valuation, and investor-meeting opportunities in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Register Now! October 20th and 21st will be the Crowdfunding Professional Association Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit for 2026. This is the event of the year for everyone in the crowdfunding ecosystem.
If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.
Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.
We share educational information—not investment advice. Some links may generate compensation. See our full disclosure.
We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.
