Success Stories

Owners triumph over tragedy

Dallas Cowboys offensive guard in 1972, Charles Robinson, owner of Kwik Kopy Business Center in Baltimore, Maryland, was one of the few… More

Owners Triumph Over Tragedy

Dallas Cowboys’ offensive guard in 1972, Charles Robinson, owner of Kwik Kopy Business Center in Baltimore, Maryland, was one of the few who survived the cut to play in the NFL. Though an injury de-railed his football career early, he found the determination and grit to overcome life’s challenges, including cancer and the death of a beloved stepson.

Charles, former director of sales for a Sprint subsidiary, and wife Sharon, a math teacher for 34 years, purchased their center in November 2003, in the midst of son James’ struggle with cancer — three years after Charles had himself battled the disease.

In early 2000, Charles thought he had jet lag from all his business travel. A routine physical revealed an elevated PSA. Further tests confirmed their fears. "I had surgery within three weeks of being informed and the post-lab work showed cancer in three places." says Charles. "The cancer hadn’t spread beyond the tumors, so after they operated no further treatment was necessary."

Sharon’s son, James, a 10-year NFL veteran, wore 10 different jerseys during his career, including the Cowboys, and went to Super Bowl XXX as a Pittsburgh Steeler. By late summer 2002, he was battling an insurmountable opponent.

"A lot of times we do not understand God's will, but we accept it for we know He has a master plan," says Sharon. Attending new owner training put the Robinsons in close proximity to James and family in Dallas, enabling them to help out on weekends.

"Though his life was short and the last 15 months were very hard, he asked us not to worry," she says. "He had a wonderful life and got a chance to do what most people just dream of." "The hardest thing in life you can ever do is to bury a child," says Charles. "Children are supposed to bury their parents."

They are thankful for their other children, Becky, a recent graduate of Georgetown Law School, and Charles, Jr., a junior and starting left guard for the Randolph-Macon College football team.

Charles and Sharon are trading their sorrows for a bright future, celebrating 2 1/2 years in their new center. Reading the signs in his former industry, Charles knows he made the right choice. "I didn’t want to work for someone else," he says. "No guts, no glory."

He is grateful to Jed Castelbaum, owner of Parcel Plus in Ellicott City, Maryland, for introducing the idea of buying a center. Jed discussed his business and even showed Charles his books. He was especially fascinated by the KKBC concept. "I am always learning — seeking new experiences," he says.

In no time they picked a site, negotiated their lease and secured a new build-out in a well-established outdoor shopping mall. "It’s a beautiful center," he says. Though taken with the facility, he feels the real backbone of the business is the employees. His graphic designer, Customer Service Representative and assistant CSR keep things moving smoothly. Also helping are three family members, and Sharon pitches in after school and during the summer.

"The business has grown each month," says Charles. "I’m very positive. My dad always said, ’Be the best at what you do — give 100%.’" Apparently, he takes the philosophy to heart.

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