Owner, CEO and Bronco at helm of Kaiser Enterprise adds to significant gift

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Robert (Bob) S. Kaiser, B.B.A.’78, owner and CEO of Kaiser Enterprise, has made an additional investment in the sales lab that bears his name at Western Michigan University. The new gift, which will become part of the lab’s endowment, allows the Robert S. Kaiser Sales, Negotiation and Leadership Lab to remain a state-of-the-art space, supported by best-in-class technology, faculty and experiences that prepare students for success in sales and business marketing. 

Kaiser’s initial gift, celebrated in 2018, funded the construction of a new sales lab facility and inaugural operating expenses. His most recent gift generously provides:

• Scholarships
• Funding for students to travel to premier sales competitions 
• Outreach to high school students interested in sales, including the WMU Kaiser Sales Challenge
• Professorships and executive-in-residence positions for sales faculty
• Technology and software upgrades
• Operational expenses

“The Robert S. Kaiser Sales, Negotiation and Leadership Lab has become the heart of the sales and business marketing program, challenging students through multiple interactions and role-plays that are not possible from classroom instruction alone,” says Dr. Kelley O’Reilly, chair, Department of Marketing.  We are deeply appreciative of Bob Kaiser’s support.” 

The sales and business marketing program is one of the most successful programs in the Haworth College of Business. According to Western’s Career Outcomes Report:

• 100% of sales and business marketing graduates felt their education and experiences as a student at WMU prepared them for their profession.
• 100% of sales and business marketing graduates had instructors who made them excited about learning.
• 98% of sales and business marketing graduates are working or continuing their education quickly after earning their degree.

“Bob Kaiser is a visionary who always has his eye on the future,” says Dr. Satish Deshpande, dean, Haworth College of Business. “This is true in his own business, and true of his support of our sales and business marketing program. Bob’s gift will enable WMU Haworth to prepare students for their futures so that they can add immediate value to the companies that employ them and find fulfilling and meaningful careers. I cannot thank Bob enough for this generous gift that will fund experiences to help students build the future of their dreams.”

Kaiser will be the keynote speaker at the Sales and Business Marketing Association kickoff event for the student organization on Thursday, Sept. 12.

About Robert Kaiser

Robert (Bob) S. Kaiser is the owner and CEO of the multibillion-dollar Kaiser Enterprise, including Gallagher-Kaiser Corporation, with locations in the United States, Mexico, Canada and Germany, Universal Piping Industries, TANN Corporation, Kais-AIR®, Commerce Controls Incorporated, Ventcon Incorporated and Rival Insulation. Kaiser Enterprise maintains over 1.3 million square feet of facilities—both manufacturing and offices—and directly employs thousands of people throughout North America and Europe.

After graduating from WMU with a degree in industrial marketing in 1978, Kaiser went on to work in the family business. In 1984, he began competitive offshore powerboat racing and became a national and world champion. After 14 years on the world circuit, he retired from the sport and was inducted into the hall of fame.

Under his careful leadership, the company has managed to create turn-key solutions for a diverse range of industrial and commercial customers. From mission-critical data centers, to battery manufacturing projects, to new automotive paint facilities, the vertically integrated Kaiser Enterprise offers customers a single point of contact to execute a wide variety of needs. The company provides a unique level of in-house expertise, including design and engineering, electrical power distribution design, process controls, utility generation systems, equipment installation, mechanical piping and plumbing, ventilation and insulation.

Gallagher-Kaiser has received global accolades like the prestigious General Motors Supplier of the Year Award for several years and multiple highly coveted General Motors Overdrive Awards.

Kaiser’s business interests have expanded beyond manufacturing and construction. With extensive real estate holdings of top properties throughout North America, Kaiser has proven to be a dynamic force in the world of business.

Learn more by visiting the sales and business marketing program web page. 

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