Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Robert Polk

Parker,State

Summary

Robert was responsible for building Polk Travel into the powerful and respected Travel Management Company it became. Upon retirement in 2015 Polk Travel had grown over $200 million in annual sales with over 150 employees and independent contractors.

There is no doubt Robert is a true leader that can build and grow a profitable company. People trust Robert and will follow his vision.

For the past six years Robert and his wife, Kim have assisted their children watching their three grandchildren for two days a week. Grandchildren now require less of Kim and Robert"s time. Robert is now looking for new opportunities and challenges.

Overview

38
38
years of professional experience

Work History

CEO

Polk Travel
12.1980 - 10.2015
  • Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
  • Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
  • Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive, and performance-oriented business culture to lead industry in innovation and push progress.
  • Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
  • Reviewed individual department performance and worked with leadership to improve processes, procedures, and practices.
  • Implemented strong hiring and training techniques to promote team cohesiveness and streamline overall workflow.
  • Directed market expansions to propel business forward, meet changing customer needs.
  • Updated business processes, products and team makeups to generate more business opportunities and cater to audience needs.
  • Identified new revenue generation opportunities to maximize bottom-line profitability.
  • Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive and performance-driven company culture to lead industry innovations.
  • Procured and coordinated new resources to achieve sales targets within optimal timeframes.
  • Negotiated terms of business acquisitions to increase business base and solidify market presence.
  • Engaged positively with staff and leadership colleagues, soliciting and encouraging feedback and collaborative spirit.
  • Analyzed and tracked business metrics and made appropriate adjustments to meet supply and demand needs.
  • Addressed employee and managerial concerns and implemented corrective actions to promote compliance.
  • Negotiated with suppliers and delivery workers and ordered materials according to forecasted customer demand.
  • Made large-scale financial decisions and supervised company spending to reduce material losses and maximize profits.
  • Established foundational processes for business operations.
  • Coached and guided senior managers to improve employee job satisfaction and achieve higher performance levels.
  • Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
  • Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate business expansion.
  • Formulated and executed strategic initiatives to improve product offerings.
  • Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
  • Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.
  • Oversaw business-wide changes to modernize procedures and organization.
  • Devised and presented business plans and forecasts to board of directors.
  • Led recruitment and development of strategic alliances to maximize utilization of existing talent and capabilities.
  • Directed technological improvements, reducing waste and business bottlenecks.
  • Founded performance- and merit-based evaluation system to assess staff performance.
  • Communicated business performance, forecasts and strategies to investors and shareholders.
  • Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
  • Initiated strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.
  • Oversaw divisional marketing, advertising and new product development.
  • Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
  • Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision making.
  • Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
  • Monitored key business risks and established risk management procedures.
  • Shaped solutions and approaches by leveraging trends in customer marketplaces and industries.
  • Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.

Inside Sales Representative

Carpenter Technology Corp
09.1977 - 11.1980
  • Managed friendly and professional customer interactions.
  • Answered customers' questions regarding products, prices, and availability.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of available products to best serve customers and maximize sales potential.
  • Prepared and submitted reports to keep management informed of sales activities and progress.
  • Collaborated with outside sales representatives, marketing and other departments to generate leads and close sales.
  • Developed strategic relationships with existing customers by learning preferences and managing regular communications.
  • Attended meeting and sales events to learn latest developments and brainstorm new sales strategies.
  • Met with customers to discuss and ascertain needs, tailor solutions and close deals.
  • Attended monthly sales meetings and quarterly sales trainings.
  • Served customers with knowledgeable, friendly support at every stage of shopping and purchasing.
  • Presented professional image consistent with company's brand values.
  • Built relationships with customers and community to promote long term business growth.
  • Contributed to event marketing, sales and brand promotion.

Education

BBA - Marketing

University of Mississippi
University, MS
05.1977

Skills

  • Strategic Planning
  • Staff Management
  • Project Management
  • Business Start-up
  • Fiscal Management
  • Risk Management
  • Contract Management
  • Change Management
  • Cash Flow Analysis
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Business Management
  • Operating Budgets
  • Operational Oversight
  • Relationship Management
  • Business Administration
  • Product Development and Expansion
  • Business Development
  • Operational Leadership
  • Negotiation
  • Revenue Growth
  • Market Understanding
  • Account Management
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Administrative Leadership
  • Business Alliances
  • Risk Assessments
  • Market Research and Analysis
  • Financial Oversight
  • Financial Management
  • Capital Expenditures
  • Public Relations Understanding
  • Operations Management
  • Process Improvements
  • Policy Development and Optimization
  • Financial Administration
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Productivity Performance
  • Executive Leadership
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Profit & Loss
  • Market Strategies
  • Corporate Leadership
  • Financial Leadership
  • Shareholder Accountability
  • Program Leadership

Accomplishments

Civic Activity:

  • January 2003 to May 2013 St. Joseph Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. Robert served on the Executive Committee, was Treasurer, Chairman of the Development Committee, Chairman of the Stadium Stampede Fund Raiser for four years.
  • January 2019-2022 Colorado Golf Club Board of Directors
  • January 2017-present member of The United States Senior Golf Association
  • January 2010-2022 Western Golf Association Director Evans-Scholars Caddie Scholarship. Responsible for introducing the Evans Scholarship Program to Colorado Golf Club. Colorado Golf Club now contributes over $100,000 per year to this amazing scholarship program.
  • January 2008-2022 Colorado Golf Association Board of Directors. Chairman of the Tournament Committee for 14 years.
  • April 2007-present member of The Colorado Golf Club

Timeline

CEO

Polk Travel
12.1980 - 10.2015

Inside Sales Representative

Carpenter Technology Corp
09.1977 - 11.1980

BBA - Marketing

University of Mississippi

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Robert Polk