The Beginning

Much like the lineage of a family tree, the roots of Royal Shell Real Estate began more than 40 years ago with the creation of R+L Carriers, Inc by Ralph L. Roberts Sr. What began with one man with one truck is now a global transportation company with domestic and international freight services. R+L is headquartered in Wilmington, Ohio, and has a network of 140 terminals throughout the United States. R+L’s global services include LTL trucking, FTL trucking, international and domestic airfreight, ocean transportation, warehousing, white glove services, and supply chain logistics project work.

While R+L Carriers grew, so did the need to expand its operational real estate network. Initially the real estate growth was tied specifically to the operational needs of R + L Carriers. But quickly the business plan changed when the company realized the business opportunity in real estate investment and the chance for further diversification. In 1998 RLR Investments, LLC was formed as a real estate investment company to hold both the operational and investment real estate assets. For the next few years, RLR rapidly grew their real estate portfolio. In 2001 Donald R. DeLuca, V.P. & General Counsel of RLR, recognized the brokerage opportunity on the real estate transactions RLR was involved with. As a result of that vision, DeLuca secured his Florida real estate license and formed USA One Real Estate, Inc., a real estate brokerage company. For the next several years RLR grew its holdings and USA One grew in size and experience, representing RLR on all acquisitions.

The Growth Continues

In 2005, a business decision was made to separate the real estate investment company (RLR Investments, LLC) from the transportation company (R+L Carriers, Inc.). RLR and DeLuca’s new home became Southwest Florida as a result of this business decision. RLR has continued to grow its real estate portfolio on a national basis since relocating to Florida. In 2005, the company saw further opportunity in residential brokerage services and formed Preferred Properties of the Islands, with a focus on residential sales, focusing on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. As a result, the RLR Investments portfolio was expanded to include residential properties that were also highly desirable vacation rentals. After adding a vacation rental service, it didn’t take long to realize that there was even more room for the growth of residential sales.

In 2007, Royal Shell of the Islands was formed for the purpose of acquiring the stock of Royal Shell Vacations, Inc., which was, and continues to be, the largest privately owned vacation rental business in Lee and Collier Counties, boasting more than 1,300 vacation and long-term rental properties. With prices falling and many brokerages retreating, Royal Shell Real Estate has expanded to Fort Myers/Cape Coral and south to Bonita Springs and Naples. Royal Shell Vacations has grown in Collier Counties boasting 525 new rental units in the first year of operations in 2010. Royal Shell Real Estate continues to offer unparalleled market research, local knowledge, and highly professional agents.

The Vision Becomes a Reality

The vision of Royal Shell Real Estate is to offer Southwest Florida a home store where convenience and service are top priorities. This allows Royal Shell Real Estate to service those who want to vacation or want to own vacation property. Whether they want to buy or sell a Gulf-front estate, a condo overlooking the golf course, or anything in between, Royal Shell Real Estate has all of the services to assist with home ownership, annual and vacation rentals, and property management.

Throughout Lee and Collier counties, Royal Shell Real Estate’s goal is to enhance our clients’ experiences in every facet of real estate ownership.