ROB URBACH'S ENDORSEMENTS
“I had the pleasure of working with Rob Urbach at USA Triathlon for five years during my seven-year tenure on theBoard. Rob has the exact requisite skills required of a sports-related CEO, including leadership, vision, relationship-building, and a keen business sense. As President I worked very closely with Rob, and during that time, the organization and the sport made tremendous advancements that resulted, primarily because of our CEO and the programs he led .These included:
- An unprecedented growth in our general membership; the number of USAT-sanctioned triathlon events; and certified race directors, coaches, and officials
- A doubling in USAT revenues
- Hosting multiple International Federation Championships, including the IF’s World Championships for thousands of age-group athletes and elite-professionals for the first time on US soil
- Creation of a youth series of races (Splash ‘n Dash) to foster the sport and its exercise benefits to youth
- Creation of a Junior Elite program that feeds our Olympic program
- Creation of a high school regional and national championships
- Creation of an NCAA program so that triathlon is now an NCAA-recognized sport offering scholarships to athletes across the country
- A more robust talent identification program that led to USA being awarded their first Olympic gold medal at Rio
- Creation of a comprehensive USA Paralympic program and delivering the highest medal-count of any country at Rio
Because of Rob’s national leadership and support for the IF including bringing ‘more flags’ to the Olympics, the sport was awarded additional medals to be competed in Tokyo as opposed to many IOC sports experiencing a decline in medal availability. While these are not all the major successes Rob brought to the international sport and the national organization, they do represent the results-oriented bottom line that resulted because of Rob Urbach’ s wide range of executive talents, skills, and abilities. I fully expect that Rob will be able to lead a future organization similarly.”
- Bob Wendling, Former President of the Board, USA Triathlon
“For 27 years, I have been a staff person at USA Triathlon, most recently serving as its COO while under the tutelage of Rob Urbach for the past six years.Leadership comes in many different forms. Rob Urbach was one that led by example. In the time I worked for Rob, he was -
A Solutions Seeker.
Nothing was off the table as far as different directions he might head. But, he always knew where he wanted the ultimate decision to be. He sought creative, turnkey solutions that were most ideal for the organization to support.
Staunchly Committed.
Time was no factor – early in the morning, late at night, week days or weekends - Rob immersed himself in doing all that the sport demanded.
Empowering.
Rob empowered his key staff with responsibilities that they were hired to do. In return, the key staff worked hard to support his and the organization’s needs.
Fiscally Responsible.
Many would agree that Rob was extremely financially astute - his acumen in this capacity lead to incremental program growth and sustainability.
A Man of Unique Intuition.
Some people have it, others don’t. Rob had it. He knew the most critical steps we needed to pursue for longer term success. The organization and related constituencies were the ultimate benefactors of that intuition.
A Keen Negotiator.
Rarely was he not able to negotiate a better deal for USAT in any area of our business.
Purposefully Passionate.
There was NEVER a time when his passion for USA Triathlon waivered. Those who met him for the first time were more impressed about USAT and his leadership than they were before meeting with him.
A Consensus Seeker.
Although very open minded about alternative solutions, Rob was also gifted when it came to getting others to view a different solution through the USA Triathlon lense.
Trusted and Respected.
Those who came to know Rob learned quickly that his background and experience was important and material to the conversation. You trusted him and his messaging and respected him for his insights, time and history in the sport but more importantly for his business instincts.Leadership is important for every business but great leadership is what takes good organizations to the highest levels of performance. Rob took USAT from good to great.”
- Tim Yount, COO, USA Triathlon
“Throughout his tenure at USA Triathlon, Rob’s exceptional business acumen, leadership and vision were directly
responsible for elevating the organization – and each of its verticals – to unprecedented levels of success. He was the right CEO at the right time, and I am convinced that the numerous milestones and records we achieved would not have been otherwise possible. His multifaceted background and skill set – combined with a passion for the positive impact that sport can play in the lives of so many – make Rob uniquely qualified to lead corporations across this industry.Employing a results-driven philosophy, Rob’s indefatigable work ethic also set a shining example for the entire staff. As creative as he is cognitive, Rob served as a personal mentor in the marketing and sales fields, and left an indelible mark on my professional development.”
- Chuck Menke, CMO, USA Triathlon
“I have had the pleasure of working with Rob in his capacity as CEO of USA Triathlon for several years. In my career asa senior leader of Visa International, and in my current role of Partner of 21 Marketing and also Chairman of USAPentathlon, I have had the opportunity to assess talent and understand what it takes to be a successful CEO; particularly at the NGB level. It takes vision, leadership, organization, energy, passion, and the ability to listen to all stakeholders.This is then amalgamated into an action plan led by the CEO. I have found Rob to possess all of these qualities and more. Rob is a leader who has put USA Triathlon on the winning track, and has the ability to transfer his capabilities to successfully lead any organization.”
- Tom Shepard, Partner/ CMO, 21 Marketing and President of the Board, USA Pentathlon
“I met Rob at a triathlon in 2012; he just wasn't there to watch, he was participating! As a former owner of a publicly held NASDAQ software company, my greatest admiration was for fellow executives who understood their businesses from the ground up. Rob is that executive. My respect for him over the last 5 years has grown each and every year. I have watched him interact with his associates on many occasions, and I can tell that they really respected and enjoyed his leadership. I will personally miss him at USAT.”
- Nace Mullen, Athlete
“I was walking down the street in Aukland, New Zealand a few days before the ITU World Age Group Championship sin October 2011, when I ran into Rob Urbach for the first time. I'd been a triathlete and USAT member for 5 years, and I couldn't have told you the name of the CEO during those years. But Rob, from the first meeting, I never forgot. He had a sense of purpose, professionalism, and energy that were noticeable and contagious. He connected with people, from the highest levels down to the age-grouper getting to race for Team USA. I watched USAT over the next few years grow from a small organization, to leading a sport that not only everyone was talking about, but everyone wanted to participate in. He was at the helm for the booming membership of USAT, the emergence of a world class elite program with a gold medalist in the Rio Olympics, the growth of a very competitive age group program, and the accessibility and relevance of triathlon to thousands of people, especially large numbers of women and kids who found in it challenge,fitness, self-fulfillment and fun. While Rob was leading the organization to new heights, he never forgot to be there at races, cheering us all on. I feel lucky to have been in triathlon while Rob Urbach was CEO, and I'm grateful for all he's
done for us. “
- Ellen Hart, Athlete