PROFILE OF A DOORMAN: ROBERT OF WEST END AVENUE

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.

Photos by Tessa Abraham.