Biography of Robert Orton
Robert Orton of West Des Moines, IA, owns Orton Development Company and serves as the CEO of American Group LLC, his real estate holding company. Over the years, Orton Homes has become one of the Midwest’s largest real estate brokers and developers. The company is recognized for constructing reasonably priced homes with high-end finishes, which is made possible through long-standing partnerships with construction material suppliers and subcontractors. He has also built a reputation for guiding businesses on how residential landlords can expand into larger portfolio holdings, helping many grow and succeed.
Early Years and Education Born in London, England, he attended Rugby Boarding School. He later studied real estate management and economics in Oxford and London. Before he became an American citizen, he launched his first company, remodeling and leasing flats in London and Brighton. His career eventually grew to include real estate interests in Iowa, Colorado, Florida, and Minnesota. Robert’s fascination with building likely came from his family’s history. Several men in his family worked as masons and played roles in rebuilding London after World War 2, leaving him with an early respect for the field.