Residential Properties Ltd. is proud to announce that Sales Associate Bobby Gondola has joined the fabulous team of real estate advisors at our Providence office. His background in the arts, design, and events, along with his wide network are among the many professional assets he brings to RPL. Bobby’s experience as an educator and philanthropy leader on the international stage reflects his dedication to service and community. He approaches real estate with a level of warmth and attention to detail that makes clients feel instantly at home.
Learn more about Bobby by reading our Q&A!
Can you tell us a bit about your professional experience?
My experience has always centered on helping people grow wealth, first through education and workforce development in Cape Town, South Africa, Harlem, and for the past 16 years, Rhode Island. I’ve raised millions for educational institutions, led global philanthropy at Hasbro, Inc., and invested in real estate myself. I love the process of finding great properties, building the right team of designers, contractors, and craftspeople, and realizing a property’s full potential. Whether helping students, organizations, or, now, homeowners and investors, my focus has always been on relationships, trust, and achieving long-term goals.
Where are you from originally?
Born in Boston, I spent childhood summers at Rhode Island’s beaches, First and Second Beach, where my father once told me I might attend college one day. I did, at Salve Regina University, and as the first in my family to graduate from college, I fell in love with Rhode Island and never wished to leave.
What do you love about Rhode Island / Southern New England?
I love its proximity to all kinds of communities. You can go to any event and always find friends there – it’s a place where people and opportunities are naturally connected. That closeness is paralleled in geography, meaning I can be skiing in New Hampshire, visiting friends in Connecticut, or in my old haunts of New York City in just a few hours, but still visit my family in Massachusetts.
What made you decide Residential Properties was the right company to join?
Residential Properties has been a partner in my philanthropy work for over 15 years, so I knew the company long before joining. From my first welcoming encounter with founder Sally Lapides (it was my first day in Rhode Island) to trusting RPL with my first home purchase, I’ve always admired the company’s professionalism, warmth, and deep Rhode Island roots. Joining RPL felt like a natural extension of my commitment to helping people find the right home or investment, and the team has been immediately supportive and helpful.
What is your non-work life like?
I live in a diverse and active community, spending time with friends, students, and colleagues when not working. I’m an avid yoga practitioner, love visiting Rhode Island’s coffee shops and galleries, and often take walks through new neighborhoods, imagining how I’d style each home.
Can you tell us about your involvement in the community?
Service has always been part of my life. I served two terms on the Providence Public Schools Board, sit on multiple community advisory boards, and regularly volunteer for causes in health, equity, environment, and the arts. Mentoring students and colleagues remains one of my greatest passions. I love helping people set a goal and reach it!
Now that you’re with RPL, what are YOUR goals?
My goal is to help clients build wealth through real estate, whether they’re first-time homebuyers, growing families, or seasoned investors. With years of experience in Providence, Newport, East Providence, Pawtucket, and Barrington, I look forward to serving clients across Rhode Island with local insight and a commitment to their success.
To learn more about Bobby, please visit BobbyGondola.ResidentialProperties.com.
