Bob & Rochelle Clarkson

Sometimes you see successful businesses that forces you to ask, “What’s the story behind that?” Like a pet shop that also sells bait, or a beauty parlor that offers chainsaw repair (both real examples, by the way). Similarly, it seems like an award-winning dance studio and a successful real estate brokerage would be an odd business partnership on paper.

But there’s one word that unites these two very different businesses: family. Let’s start with the literal family that runs both, the Clarksons. Husband-and-wife duo Bob and Rochelle Clarkson approach their respective businesses with passion and professionalism, and both have created something uniquely successful. But even without that connective tissue, there’s an undercurrent of family that defines both businesses.

At Alliance Dance Academy, Rochelle has created a family environment through years of serving Bluffton. The children she’s taught have joined the family, sometimes coming back as teachers but always representing ADA in everything they do. When it comes time for performances, you’ll always find Bob on hand helping to run the computer, greet families, and hand out a few refreshments for the parents. And those parents form a tight-knit group with every class/rehearsal, because they are as much a part of the experience as their children.

“If I’m working with a child, I want to know what parent goes with that child,” Rochelle said. “I went at it kind of old school, which obviously the teachers, parents and kids appreciate, as it makes us more of a family!”

Bob’s side of the coin, Alliance Group Realty, has followed a similar trajectory. Just ask any of the over 85 Realtors who work there and they will tell you, it is one big family. Not only has he consistently grown Alliance Group Realty, but he’s also purchased and renovated two landmark locations—Old Town Bluffton and Shelter Cove on the island.

“While we continue to grow and thrive, we still operate like a family business,” Bob said. He attributes this growth to the support on which Alliance Group Realty prides itself. “We’re focused on the Realtor, and the Realtor is then focused on the client. If we really support our Realtors, they can do a better job supporting buyers and sellers.”

The support Bob and Rochelle have shown one another has translated into support for their clients, their students, and their extended families at Alliance Dance Academy and Alliance Group Realty.

The Alliance Group Realty 23D Shelter Cove Lane Hilton Head Island SC 29928 (843) 785-5200 www.thealliancegrouprealty.com

The Alliance Group Realty 39 Persimmon St Suite 404 Bluffton, SC 29910 (843) 757-8277 alliancedanceacademy.com