Bob Adams Receives Distinguished Alumnus Award from University of Florida

Fifty-five years ago, high school sophomore Robert J. Adams stepped onto the University of Florida campus for the first time. An avid basketball fan, Bob was competing in the Florida High School Athletic Association Class C state tournament taking place at the university. His team left the tournament triumphant and Bob left with a passion for the University of Florida.

Bob became a member of the University of Florida family two years later and this May, 49 years after his own graduation, Bob is returning to the campus for another commencement celebration. The only difference? Instead of receiving his degree, the alumnus was awarded the Warrington College of Business Administration Distinguished Alumnus Award.

"I am extremely honored and flattered," Bob said. "I think about the number of people who have graduated from the University of Florida and I am completely blown away."

Bob graduated from UF in 1961 and began his professional career in the U.S. Army. After being discharged with the rank of Captain seven years later, the young entrepreneur began a successful career in the tile industry. He rose quickly, but eventually felt as though it was time to venture out on his own. So at age 27 the Florida home builder began his first company, Sun State Homes, which he helped transform into one of Florida's largest privately-held home building companies.

In 1996, Bob and his partner decided to close Sun State Homes and he and his son Joel began another company, Highland Homes. With new home communities all throughout central Florida, Highland Homes has quickly grown to be one of the top building companies in the country. In 2008 Builder Magazine ranked Highland Homes the nation's 84th largest building company in the 2008 Builder 100.

Congratulations Bob! We at Highland Homes couldn't be more proud!