10 June 2025
/ Robert B. Weltman
The Man Behind the Milestone: Robert Weltman, A Pillar of Our 95-Year Legacy
CLEVELAND - As we proudly celebrate the 95th anniversary of our firm, we take a moment to honor the individuals whose leadership and dedication have shaped our legacy. At the heart of this story is Robert (Bob) Weltman, our esteemed Senior Shareholder, whose decades of service reflect both the values and vision that have guided us since our founding. Originally established in 1930 as Gardner & Spilka – Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA (Weltman) was founded by Bob’s father Maurice Weltman in Cleveland, Ohio. Now, with over 600 employees and 60+ attorneys, Weltman has expanded to eight cities across the U.S. with a nationwide footprint.
In a recent interview, Bob shared insights from his remarkable career, offering a glimpse into the history, growth, and enduring spirit of the firm he’s helped to build.
Bob’s journey with the firm began in a very different era—long before legal technology or online databases. One of his earliest tasks was visiting the bankruptcy court in person, poring over filings, and hand-copying names of businesses—mostly department stores and jewelers— being clients of the law firm. “My father worked in a jewelry store,” Bob recalled, “and those were our two basic clients back then.” He’d draft letters for claim assignments and make sure everything was set before the first creditor meeting. Even from the start, Bob showed a knack for efficiency and hustle, balancing courthouse runs with back-office work.
At just 26, Bob saw an opportunity to improve the firm’s collection operations. “No one was ever on the phone,” he said with a laugh, so he asked his father for a chance to lead the collection team. Energized, he set clear expectations: “You can drink all the coffee you want, but you’ll do it with the phone in your ear.” That drive quickly paid off when a major department store was so impressed they shut down their internal recovery team and handed over thousands of paper accounts to the firm—and Bob transported those files throughout downtown Cleveland in his son, Scott Weltman’s, Radio Flyer Red Wagon. This moment didn’t just grow the collections practice; it showcased Bob’s grit, entrepreneurial spirit, and forward-thinking approach that still defines the firm today.
Another key moment came when Bob was asked to meet with a major consumer products company struggling with bad debt in their in-house counsel. Before the meeting, Bob’s father’s partner insisted he clean up his appearance. “It was the ’60s,” Bob laughed. “I had hair down my back, sideburns to my mustache—but I told him, ‘I’m not cutting my hair.’” Despite that, Bob impressed the client, secured the business, and soon their senior counsel team closed, with one staffer joking, “You just got me fired… when do I start working for you?” That person ended up being Alan Weinberg, who moved on to become managing partner of the firm for many years and whose name became part of what is now Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA.
Beyond deals and clients, Bob credits the firm’s longevity to its people. “It’s the employees—the loyal, dedicated employees,” he said. Unlike many firms where senior partners hold all the power, Bob built a culture of fairness and inclusivity. “I made sure our younger partners were brought in as equals—not just in name, but in ownership and decision-making.” He laughed, “I get voted down sometimes. My vote is worth the same as anyone else’s.” That spirit of shared governance, reflected in the firm’s partnership agreement, has kept the team together and thriving.
Bob’s foresight extended to succession planning. After his father passed, he and close colleagues crafted a formal partnership agreement not just to protect themselves, but to prepare the firm’s future. “The lawyer said it was a great agreement for us, but we’d need a succession team,” Bob recalled. So they built one—hiring and mentoring the next generation to ensure continuity in client service and values. “We’ve always operated in the present,” he said, “but we’ve also looked down the road.”
At just 26, Bob saw an opportunity to improve the firm’s collection operations. “No one was ever on the phone,” he said with a laugh, so he asked his father for a chance to lead the collection team. Energized, he set clear expectations: “You can drink all the coffee you want, but you’ll do it with the phone in your ear.” That drive quickly paid off when a major department store was so impressed they shut down their internal recovery team and handed over thousands of paper accounts to the firm—and Bob transported those files throughout downtown Cleveland in his son, Scott Weltman’s, Radio Flyer Red Wagon. This moment didn’t just grow the collections practice; it showcased Bob’s grit, entrepreneurial spirit, and forward-thinking approach that still defines the firm today.
Another key moment came when Bob was asked to meet with a major consumer products company struggling with bad debt in their in-house counsel. Before the meeting, Bob’s father’s partner insisted he clean up his appearance. “It was the ’60s,” Bob laughed. “I had hair down my back, sideburns to my mustache—but I told him, ‘I’m not cutting my hair.’” Despite that, Bob impressed the client, secured the business, and soon their senior counsel team closed, with one staffer joking, “You just got me fired… when do I start working for you?” That person ended up being Alan Weinberg, who moved on to become managing partner of the firm for many years and whose name became part of what is now Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA.
Beyond deals and clients, Bob credits the firm’s longevity to its people. “It’s the employees—the loyal, dedicated employees,” he said. Unlike many firms where senior partners hold all the power, Bob built a culture of fairness and inclusivity. “I made sure our younger partners were brought in as equals—not just in name, but in ownership and decision-making.” He laughed, “I get voted down sometimes. My vote is worth the same as anyone else’s.” That spirit of shared governance, reflected in the firm’s partnership agreement, has kept the team together and thriving.
Bob’s foresight extended to succession planning. After his father passed, he and close colleagues crafted a formal partnership agreement not just to protect themselves, but to prepare the firm’s future. “The lawyer said it was a great agreement for us, but we’d need a succession team,” Bob recalled. So they built one—hiring and mentoring the next generation to ensure continuity in client service and values. “We’ve always operated in the present,” he said, “but we’ve also looked down the road.”
When asked which values he most wants to uphold, Bob didn’t hesitate: marketing, client service, and name recognition.
“You’d be surprised how often people hear ‘Weltman’ and say, ‘Are you…?’” he laughed. He hopes the firm becomes more visible beyond its financial services roots—reengaging with community arts and culture. Above all, Bob stresses responsiveness. “Lots of people offer similar services, but the quality comes down to service. That’s what people remember.” Timely communication, returning phone calls, answering emails—even late at night—is what sets the firm apart.
Bob’s definition of success isn’t just about collections volume. “When I first started, it was all about how much money you’re collecting,” he said. “But if clients don’t understand what you’re sending them or how you communicate, they won’t cash the checks.” Over time, the firm evolved to focus on quality, technology, and trust. He shared a favorite marketing quote: “People won’t remember what you said or did, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.” Comparing the firm’s service to dining out, he explained, “You want to be greeted, seated, waited on—that flow keeps people coming back. That’s what we should do here.”
These values come straight from Bob’s father, whom he described as “a warrior.” After World War II, his father moved to Florida and ran a wholesale hardware business, working long hours and making deliveries himself. After the business closed, his father’s work ethic never wavered. Back in Cleveland, he helped jewelry stores by typing lawsuits and collections paperwork late into the night. “He was always totally committed and dedicated,” Bob said. One lesson stuck with him: “If you never make a bad loan, you’re going to pass up a lot of good ones. Sometimes you’ve got to take risks.”
Bob’s definition of success isn’t just about collections volume. “When I first started, it was all about how much money you’re collecting,” he said. “But if clients don’t understand what you’re sending them or how you communicate, they won’t cash the checks.” Over time, the firm evolved to focus on quality, technology, and trust. He shared a favorite marketing quote: “People won’t remember what you said or did, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.” Comparing the firm’s service to dining out, he explained, “You want to be greeted, seated, waited on—that flow keeps people coming back. That’s what we should do here.”
These values come straight from Bob’s father, whom he described as “a warrior.” After World War II, his father moved to Florida and ran a wholesale hardware business, working long hours and making deliveries himself. After the business closed, his father’s work ethic never wavered. Back in Cleveland, he helped jewelry stores by typing lawsuits and collections paperwork late into the night. “He was always totally committed and dedicated,” Bob said. One lesson stuck with him: “If you never make a bad loan, you’re going to pass up a lot of good ones. Sometimes you’ve got to take risks.”
Bob’s advice to young attorneys reflects that grit: “Work harder than what you’re getting paid for.”
Bob’s story reminds us that the firm’s success is rooted in hard work, loyalty, and outstanding service. By valuing every employee and embracing fair partnership, the firm has thrived for decades. Looking forward, Bob envisions steady growth and innovation while holding fast to the values that built the company. This blend of tradition and progress ensures the firm’s legacy will continue strong for years ahead.
Thank you, Bob, for your insight and dedication to the firm – Cheers to the next 95 years!
If you would like to learn more about Weltman’s solutions, please connect with any of our attorneys at any time.
This blog is not a solicitation for business, and it is not intended to constitute legal advice on specific matters, create an attorney-client relationship or be legally binding in any way.
Thank you, Bob, for your insight and dedication to the firm – Cheers to the next 95 years!
If you would like to learn more about Weltman’s solutions, please connect with any of our attorneys at any time.
This blog is not a solicitation for business, and it is not intended to constitute legal advice on specific matters, create an attorney-client relationship or be legally binding in any way.
