Robason’s background shapes his business future
Kelly Robason
It may have been more than 15 years ago, but it was an event that Kelly Robason draws upon even today.
Robason, a 1995 Lemke graduate, helped coordinate and promote the visit and performance of the Tibetan monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery in the early ’90s.
“Several students from the department were asked to create posters, press releases and radio spots to advertise the event,” Robason said.
The event, which lasted several days, opened Robason’s eyes to different cultures and practices, and introduced him to a new group of people and their political and personal struggles.
“That experience and curiosity, has, I believe, helped to shape my professional career and aided me in doing business at the international level,” Robason said.
Last July, Robason was hired by Hewlett-Packard as a global account manager, where he is responsible for the global PC sales to the largest retailer in the world (Wal-Mart), headquartered in Bentonville.
“I think what I enjoy most about what I’m doing right now is working with my different contacts around the world to create solutions to solve my customers’ business challenges,” Robason said.
Robason left the department with the intention of getting into music promotion in Austin, Tex., but a door opened in the technology industry instead.
“I have two University of Arkansas alumni to thank for my entry into the business,” Robason said. “My friend Katy Nelson (now the director of development and external relations in the Walton College of Business) introduced me to Shawn Riley (another UA alum). He worked for Dell and took a huge chance in hiring me; someone with zero high-tech experience. But what I lacked in industry experience, I made up for with a passion for the business and a determination to be successful.”
Since Dell, Robason has gone through a variety of jobs: two software start-ups, a technology services company, a specialty barcode printer and RFID supplier, and his current role with HP.
“I have been laid off twice when the technology bubble burst and the economy took a dive,” Robason said. “And while some of these moves were successful and some did not quite turn out how I expected, I do not regret one decision. Each experience has been instrumental in forming who I am and where my career has gone.”
Having seen upheaval in both his individual career and the economy, Robason offered a bit of advice to those looking to succeed in business.
“Network, network, network,” Robason said. “Networking and building relationships with people is what got me to where I am today. Take advantage of chances to meet new people and get to know them. You never know where it could lead. If you are good at what you do, opportunities will present themselves.”
Story Credit: Derek Oxford, News/ Editorial ’11
Photo Credit: Courtesy Photo
