For many years John and Robin shared their time between New York City and the Shore becoming full time residents in 2015 and now reside in Middletown. “We were drawn to the people and the community in Monmouth County and knew this is where we wanted to make our home,” said the Klein’s.
John, a real estate developer, is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Thrive LLC and is currently focused on development of supportive housing for neurodiverse adults. John is the former CEO of Simon Premium Outlets, owner and developer of more than 80 outlet malls throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. Robin is president and founder of Fashion Retail Group, a boutique real estate firm providing services for expansion of exclusive retail brands and retail properties.
In addition to their distinguished careers, John and Robin now focus much of their time on philanthropic causes.
“We are so fortunate with time in our schedules to dedicate towards supporting many charitable organizations that speak to our hearts both within our community and beyond”. John was previously President of the Board of Trustees for Lunch Break and now serves on the Construction Committee and Advisory Board; Robin joined the Lunch Break Board as a Trustee in 2020 and now serves as VP of the Board as well as a member of many committees. John and Robin were Co-Chairs of the recent Lunch Break Capital Campaign raising monies to expand and improve the facility; and John is a member of the Board of Trustees for Monmouth Park Charity Fund.
John and Robin are Co-Founding members of the Board of Trustees for Parents With A Plan, a non-profit organization striving to provide robust, person-centered approaches to supportive housing environments, the very beginning of life’s independent journey for neurodiverse adults.
Robin serves on many boards including Trustee for Count Basie Center for the Arts and is a member of the Executive Board; Trustee of Riverview Medical Center Foundation; and is President of Open Heart Yoga, a non-profit yoga studio.
John and Robin support several other local charities and foundations in the greater Monmouth County region. including Monmouth Park Charity Fund, The Beauty Foundation for Cancer Care, 180 Turning Lives Around, Boys & Girls Club, Impact 100 Jersey Coast, Clean Ocean Action, Jersey Shore Partnership, Ocean Harbor House, Monmouth Conservation Foundation, Two River Theater, VNA and Parker Clinic.
Six years ago, during a trip to Rwanda, John & Robin had the amazing opportunity to tour and become familiar with the Ubumwe Community Center and School in Gisenyi. They have since become actively involved supporting this precious lifeline for the Rwandan people who are so in need of what this center has to offer. In addition, they have a shared, dedicated passion for protecting the environment and saving animals, especially those on the brink of extinction. John & Robin frequently offer their time and support to organizations such as the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Born Free, Monmouth County SPCA, Purr N Pooch Foundation, the Rescue Paw Foundation, No Dogs Left Behind and Partners in Conservation as well as many other welfare groups devoted to improving and saving the lives of animals.
John & Robin’s family life is full and busy with five rescue pups who are quite lively; they visit their extended family including John’s mother who all live outside of New Jersey as often as possible. They are “aunti and uncle” to MANY of their friends’ children and often entertain them at “Kamp Klein”! John and Robin love to travel and are always up for any adventure. They enjoy meeting new people and forging friendships and of course, anything related to ANIMALS. They are often seen out riding their Harleys around the Shore. “We are so grateful to be a part of such an amazing community that we are blessed to call home”.
