Robert Kidwell

Robert Kidwell’s life journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and the enduring impact of military service. Born into a life of constant movement across the East Coast and Midwest, Robert’s upbringing was far from stable. His parents, both construction workers, lived a nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place without a clear plan. This transient life gave Robert a unique perspective on people and the ability to adapt to various environments. Eventually, his family settled in Circleville, Ohio, where he completed high school. However, after graduation, Robert found himself at a crossroads. 

At the age of 18, Robert traveled to Kentucky, seeking guidance from his uncle, who worked in the coal mines. While his uncle advised him against following that path, Robert spent a few months reflecting on his future, unsure of what to pursue. He felt a strong need for structure and a sense of purpose, something his upbringing hadn’t provided. Realizing he needed more than just a traditional education, Robert made a life-changing decision: he returned to Columbus, Ohio, with the intent of joining the military. It was the guidance he needed to break free from his aimless path.

In 1996, Robert joined the Marine Corps as a heavy equipment operator. His early experiences in construction, working alongside his father, gave him an advantage in training, and he graduated at the top of his class. After completing boot camp and MOS school at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, with a heavy equipment battalion. However, Robert had a personal goal that he kept close: he wanted to become a boxer for the Marine Corps. His opportunity came when he crossed paths with the former assistant coach of the Marine Corps boxing team. Under the coach’s guidance, Robert trained and ultimately earned a spot on the team in 1997. This accomplishment was a personal victory, transforming his time in the military into more than just a job—it became a defining chapter of his life.

Robert boxed for the Marine Corps until 1999, but his time on the team was cut short when his father became terminally ill. He returned to the U.S., where he spent his final months in the Corps attached to a small craft company before being reassigned to a reserve station in Columbus. Though he intended to re-enlist, life took a different turn. His father passed away, and Robert became a father himself, welcoming a baby girl. With the Marine Corps not accepting prior enlisted members at the time, he reluctantly shifted his focus to civilian life.

After his military service, Robert channeled his skills into the construction industry, a field he had always been connected to. In 2005, he took a significant leap, using his last paycheck to buy a box truck and start his own construction company. Despite having no savings or financial safety net, Robert built a million-dollar drywall business within three years. His entrepreneurial spirit drove him to learn, grow, and expand his network. Over time, he diversified his ventures, even buying out a smaller drywall company and taking on large-scale projects.

Real estate became Robert’s next pursuit. He partnered with investors and mortgage professionals to rehab houses and secure grants. Eventually, he obtained his real estate license and joined forces with his wife, a successful real estate agent. Together, they formed the Kidwell Group, a real estate team that operates in both Ohio and Florida. Despite the many challenges he has faced, Robert’s ability to reinvent himself has been a constant theme in his life.

Robert’s military service may have been brief, but it profoundly shaped his future. The discipline, work ethic, and determination he developed as a Marine laid the foundation for his success in business and life. He continues to apply the lessons learned from the Corps in his real estate ventures, embodying the Marine Corps’ ethos of honor, courage, and commitment. Robert’s story is a testament to how the military can provide the structure and support needed to transform lives and set individuals on a path to greatness.