Robin Smith

After graduating from the University of Southern California, Robin Smith worked for 15 years as a dental hygienist. In that work she valued connecting with people and helping them in meaningful ways, which led to her career change to the real estate industry a decade ago. She joined Compass in 2020 and launched the Robin Smith Team this year.

Any new projects on the horizon?

This past year has been an exciting new chapter. I’ve started working more closely with my husband’s company, RJ Smith Construction, and helped him launch RJ Smith Development. We now have three development projects underway and are on the hunt for more opportunities. Our vision is to bring a new caliber of custom spec homes to the market: high-end, thoughtfully designed residences that offer the quality and feel of a true custom build but without the wait. We see a real need for this in the South Bay, and we’re energized about creating homes that raise the bar for design and livability in our community.

Tell us about your team.

This past year brought a lot of change for my team. I went from having a trusted partner by my side to navigating the business on my own. While that shift was challenging, it also gave me the chance to grow in new ways. What started as a difficult transition turned into my most successful year yet in real estate.

What strategies help you avoid burnout?

Avoiding burnout really comes down to being intentional about balance. I keep a schedule that makes space not just for work but also for the things that keep me grounded: going to the gym, practicing yoga and Pilates, and spending downtime with my two boys, who are 13 and 11. Life gets busy, and I’ve learned the hard way that if I don’t carve out that time for myself, it won’t just happen. Prioritizing those moments allows me to recharge, stay present and show up as my best self both at home and in my work.

I’ve also found that surrounding myself with positive voices—family, friends or motivational authors—helps me maintain perspective and move forward with clarity. An  impactful resource for me is Mel Robbins’ newest book The Let Them Theory, which reinforces the power of resilience and staying focused on what’s within my control.

Photographed by Fabien & Laura Castro