Businessman Robert Ellis: Helping kids in school is a top priority

By Paul Takahashi

Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011 | 2 a.m.

Businessman Robert Ellis is the sort of fellow who can nurture that small-town feeling in a decent-size city.

Ellis, 68, has lived in Henderson for almost a half-century, and is president and CEO of Snap Towing. He’s made some money along the way and over the past several years has contributed more than $1 million to schools and charities.

Most recently, he donated $25,000 to the Green Valley Library to construct a space for teenagers to study and socialize.

We wondered what motivated him. Here is part of our interview, edited for clarity:

What prompted your gifts to such schools as Nevada State College, Whitney Elementary and Basic High?

I thought I’d give a little back. When I was growing up, we didn’t have a lot of money. But at least we had a roof over our heads. A lot of these kids, they have nothing. Some are homeless. I’m just amazed with all the money we have in this town that more people don’t do it.

What caused you to donate specifically to the Green Valley Library’s Teen Lounge project?

I figured the chances are nil that the library would get a grant to do this, and even if it did, this would give it an extra $25,000. The place is supposed to be an addition where kids have a place to study.

Why would you care about this particular project?

Because it’s to keep kids out of trouble. The kids are the future, our next generation. If we don’t start getting them more education, we’re going to be lost. Kids are dropping out and not completing school. So maybe this will help keep the kids there, give them a place to stay.

Why is it important for people to step up and help support education?

In 1961, I went to the Nevada Southern University (now UNLV) and I’ll never forget the orientation. They told me, “Look to your right and look to your left. After the first semester, one of the three of you will be gone.” And not to screw up this statistic, I was gone. But these kids have the chance to get a good education, which is the most important thing toward getting a good-paying job.

Why do you call Henderson your hometown if you were 17 when you moved here?

I graduated from Rancho High School in 1960. Got married in 1965 and moved to Henderson. When we got married, hell, the population in Henderson was only 12,000. But even today (with more than a quarter-million residents), I still consider Henderson a small town. You know, it’s a great town.

You don’t strike the image of a high-powered philanthropist ...

I’ve never been on a cruise, and I don’t expect to go on one anytime soon. I’m just not that type of person. I’ve had a black tie on one time, when I got married 45 years ago (laughs). That’s just not my thing. My thing is to give back a little bit.