Some people make their mark in big, visible ways. Others work quietly behind the scenes, changing lives without fanfare or recognition. For decades, Gene Robbins has been one of those people.
This year, the Union County Chamber is honored to recognize Gene as the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. The Chamber team and Board Chair Shane Fraser and Co-Chair Fred Edwards surprised Gene at the annual Kiwanis golf Tournament, a fundraiser Gene has led for more than 15 years.
A Steadfast Business Leader
In 1997, Gene took a leap of faith and opened Robbins & Associates Insurance Agency, leaving a corporate job to build something from the ground up. Through his leadership, the business grew in size and impact. His employees describe him as fair, compassionate, and unwavering in his integrity.
When the 2008 financial crisis hit, Gene did everything he could to protect his team, absorbing losses himself so his staff could remain financially secure. His mission statement, to be honest and fair, to be interested in people and their problems, and to treat clients’ needs as his own, isn’t just a motto; it’s the way he has lived and led.
A Legacy of Service
Often, his greatest acts of service are the ones no one sees. During a United Way Day of Caring project, Gene discovered the house his team was planning to work on needed more work done than previously thought.
“There was so much brush, poison ivy, fallen trees, and a large ditch through the back yard that a bunch of volunteers couldn’t have completed it nor were they qualified to complete it” shared Nick Robbins, Gene’s son and President of Robbins & Associates. “Gene used his own personal money to have the property cleared before the group arrived. Then, he showed up to work alongside everyone else that day to finish the work.”
When a struggling employee needed support to attend college, Gene made sure to help. When another employee was deployed overseas, Gene continued paying his full salary throughout two tours in Iraq so that his family wouldn’t have to worry at home.
A Community Pillar
Gene’s impact extends far beyond his business. He has served as President of the Kiwanis Club of Monroe, Board Chair of the Union County Chamber, Board Chair of the Alliance for Children, Board Chair of the SPCC Foundation, and a member of the Rolling Hills Board. He has also coordinated the annual Monroe Christmas Parade, bringing the community together in celebration year after year.
Under his leadership, the Kiwanis Golf Tournament has become the club’s primary fundraiser, generating scholarships and community support for countless local students and families.
He has been a full force leader in the Kiwanis Club of Monroe for around 20 years, and has been named the Kiwanian of the year 3 times.
Leading with Heart
Gene’s humility means that most of his good deeds go untold. But those who know him best can attest that his kindness runs deep. As one longtime employee shared, “He didn’t just give me a job; he gave me a career, stability, wisdom, and a glaring example of a business leader who did things the right way every time.”
Gene’s quiet leadership, generous spirit, and lifelong commitment to others exemplify what it means to make a difference. Union County is stronger, kinder, and better because of him.
Please join us in congratulating Gene Robbins, the Union County Chamber’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. You can join in the celebration for Gene at the Annual Excellence in Business Awards on December 4, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Union County Ag Center. Click here to secure your ticket.
Last modified: October 16, 2025
