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PROFILE OF A DOORMAN: ROBERT OF WEST END AVENUE

April 23, 2014 | 10:11 AM - Updated on May 8, 2014 | 10:25 AM
in COLUMNS, REAL ESTATE
23

Robert1b (1 of 1)

Editor’s note: Tessa Abrahams will profile the Upper West Side’s doormen for the West Side Rag. This is the first in her series. If you’re a doorman who would like to be profiled, or if you know a doorman who might have fun with this, let us know!

By Tessa Abrahams

Name: Robert

Age: 34

Hometown: Serbia

Robert decided to move to the U.S. 12 years ago from Serbia for “many reasons.” Most importantly, however, he claims to have made the decision to move because he wanted a better quality of life. To Robert, a high quality of life is defined by freedom, not finances: “here [the U.S.], you have the freedom to express yourself in any way you want to. That is very important to me, much more than money is.” Robert has been working as a doorman for 333 West End Ave for the past 8 years.

Shortly after I began asking questions, my one-on-one interview with Robert quickly escalated into a semi-large social gathering in the lobby of his building; with each and every resident insisting to me that he was the “best, most helpful doorman ever.” When I asked if there was anything in particular about Robert that I should know, one resident responded, “If you give him a Long Island Iced Tea, he’ll tell you anything.” I then asked Robert if there was something most people do not know about him. His answer: “No way! I talk so much, so everyone here knows everything about me… as you can see, I have no secrets.” Oh, also Robert wants everyone to know that he has some pretty fancy new shoes, which he did not hesitate to whip out of his cupboard once someone mentioned them in mid-conversation.

Robert’s motto is “no matter how hard things get, never give up. The harder you work, the better the outcome will be.” This outlook on life really has proven to serve this UWS doorman quite well: it is my pleasure to announce that after waiting patiently for the past 12 years, Robert is officially an American Citizen as of Monday April 21. In addition, judging by the incredible amount of love and support he received by the residents in the building, I think it is safe to say that this accomplishment is one that is truly well deserved.

groupshotbest (1 of 1)

Photos by Tessa Abraham.

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23 Comments
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Erica
Erica
11 years ago

Welcome, Robert!

0
Reply
jake
jake
11 years ago

Congratulations, Robert — wish you worked for my bldg.!

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Reply
Roseann
Roseann
11 years ago

CONGRATULATIONS to Robert! The citizenship test is not an easy one and he should be very, VERY proud. He is a great addition to our NYC melting pot.

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Reply
LylaHarbor
LylaHarbor
11 years ago

What a lovely idea for a series! Wonderful.
Thank you for sharing with us, Robert!

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Reply
Bruce Bernstein
Bruce Bernstein
11 years ago

congratulations Robert!

is the bottom picture his family? or tenants in the building?

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Reply
Tessa
Tessa
11 years ago
Reply to  Bruce Bernstein

They are tenants in the building!

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Reply
Mary
Mary
11 years ago

Fabulous series! Looking forward to more profiles. What better testament to Robert than his legions of adoring fans in his building? Kudos to him.

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Reply
Tasha
Tasha
11 years ago

Is Robert single? Kidding, sort of:)

Congratulations!!

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Reply
webot
webot
11 years ago

Great story. love the first pic. it looks like West End Avenue 1949!

Glad to see the American dream is alive and well.

Congrats Robert.

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Reply
Erica
Erica
11 years ago

How do we get in touch with Tessa? I know someone who would be perfect for this, and definitely deserves to be featured!

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Reply
Marko
Marko
11 years ago

Great job Robert I very proud of you buddy;) keep working hard and many opportunitys will open up for you. 😉

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Reply
Jeremy
Jeremy
11 years ago

We have a celebrity in our building!
Congratulations!
And yes, he really is that handsome but, more importantly, he is sunshine when you come home…

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Reply
Jeremy
Jeremy
11 years ago

What a beautiful story of strength and bravery.

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Reply
Alex
Alex
11 years ago

Great idea for a story!

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Reply
Teresa
Teresa
11 years ago

Love this series! Please profile Modesto or Rafi at 697 West End!

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Reply
Michael
Michael
11 years ago

I am from Dallas and visit family in the building a couple times a year, and Robert’s kindness and energy are always a highlight. I’m so happy for him that he has become a citizen. Happy for us, too.

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Reply
Roger Cumming
Roger Cumming
11 years ago

Best wishes and congratulations to Robert. He really is as good as everyone says!

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Reply
JJ
JJ
11 years ago

Great man

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Reply
Ally
Ally
11 years ago

Robert works in my Aunt’s building. And everything they say is totally true. He is a great welcome every time i visit!

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Reply
Monica Verona
Monica Verona
11 years ago

Thanks for sharing this Robert – You ROCK!!!
I’m so happy for you. Kudos!

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Reply
Victor
Victor
11 years ago

Robert and any other featured Doorman should have tihe dignity of a surname..

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Robert
Robert
11 years ago
Reply to  Victor

Obradovic

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Reply
Randall David Cook
Randall David Cook
11 years ago

I know a lot of doormen on the UWS, and Robert’s one of the best and most personable to be found. Congrats on your citizenship, Robert!

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Reply

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