WHO WE ARE
We are Robin Collier and Tim O’Brien, and our partnership spans more than two decades of shared success and learning. At Sprinklermatic Fire Protection Systems, we have worked side by side to build much more than a leading fire protection company – we built a culture. From day one, we’ve been deeply committed to education and growth, for ourselves and everyone around us. This passion gave rise to initiatives like Sprinklermatic University, a state-of-the-art training program that embodies our belief in continuous learning and industry excellence. By mentoring our team and championing ongoing education, we ensured that success wasn’t measured by business metrics alone, but also by the personal and professional development of our people.
Empowering Ownership:
The E.S.O.P. Journey
In 2022, we took one of the most significant steps in Sprinklermatic’s history by transitioning to a 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). This move was the culmination of our belief that a company’s true strength lies in its people. We structured the ESOP transaction with a keen understanding of beneficial tax codes, deliberately designing it to benefit both the company and its new employee-owners. The result? Every member of the Sprinklermatic team became an owner, sharing in the wealth they helped create. Guided by savvy planning and a commitment to doing right by our people, we turned an ambitious vision into a reality that secured Sprinklermatic’s legacy for future generations.
Practical And Cost-Conscious Leadership
Throughout our journey, we’ve maintained a practical, no-nonsense approach to business. Whether we were budgeting a project at Sprinklermatic or evaluating a new investment opportunity, we applied the same strict financial review to every decision. Cost savings and efficiency are not just buzzwords to us – they’re a way of life. By scrutinizing expenses and focusing on value, we ensure that every dollar works its hardest. This financial discipline has kept our operations lean and resilient, allowing us to weather challenges and reinvest in growth when it matters most.
Beyond Sprinklermatic:
Building an Investment Legacy
Our story doesn’t end with fire protection. Nearly 25 years ago, we laid the groundwork for EJ Holdings, the cornerstone of what would become the EJ Family Unlimited, LLC. Side by side, we ventured into real estate investments, starting in the most hands-on way imaginable. In our early days, we weren’t afraid to roll up our sleeves – painting houses, fixing leaky pipes, and personally collecting rent checks. Those humble, hard-working beginnings taught us the fundamentals of property management and instilled a deep appreciation for every level of the business.
As our experience grew, so did our ambitions. We evolved from managing a handful of small properties to participating in large-scale real estate deals as limited and general partners. With each new investment, we expanded our portfolio and our expertise, learning to navigate complex transactions while staying true to the values we started with. Today, EJ Holdings stands as a testament to nearly a quarter-century of shared vision. We continue to invest side by side, just as we did in the beginning, guided by the same trust and alignment that has defined our partnership from the start.
Active and Versatile Investors
One thing that sets us apart is how deeply we engage with our investments. We operate at both the debt and equity levels – sometimes acting as lenders providing crucial financing, and other times taking equity stakes to become co-owners of a venture. This versatility means we can tailor our involvement to what each project needs.
We don’t stop at funding. If an investment requires extra support, we step in with hands-on business intervention to drive operational improvements. Our background in building and running companies gives us the insight to mentor management teams, streamline processes, and help underperforming assets reach their potential. In every case, we approach investing as more than writing a check; it’s about contributing our experience and getting intimately involved in making each venture succeed.
Professional Yet Approachable
Despite our extensive experience and professional rigor, we pride ourselves on being approachable and down-to-earth. We’ve built our reputation on trust, transparency, and genuine relationships – whether we’re collaborating with employees, partnering with co-investors, or meeting with community members. You’re just as likely to find us in a spirited conversation on a job site as in a boardroom review, because we believe effective leadership happens on every level.
Our journey has taught us that success is best shared, and that humility and humor go hand-in-hand with hard work. We carry that philosophy into every new endeavor, striving to remain the kind of leaders who listen as much as we lead. For us, being professional isn’t about creating distance – it’s about integrity – and being engaging and approachable is simply how we keep our work human and our partnerships strong.