Bob Gross, president and founder of Gross Automation
Name: Robert (Bob) Gross
Title: President/CEO/Founder
Company: Gross Automation (R. J. Gross and Associates, Inc.)
Web Sites: www.grossautomation.com, www.visilinc.com, www.BrewCityTools.com
Industries: Industrial Automation Controls Distribution, Video Visitation/Arraignment Systems for Secure Detention Facilities, High Quality Industrial and Commercial Tools
Education: BSEE from Marquette University
Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and Advanced Degrees in Commissioner Science
Family: My wife Bev and children, Katy, Bobby and Murphy
Hobbies and Interests: Private Pilot (Instrument Rated); Lions Club of Wauwatosa – President Elect; Wauwatosa Kiwanis – Board Member; Boy Scouts of America, Commissioner, Pianist and Men’s Choir Director.
Favorite Movies: “Anything set in space that blows a lot of things up like the Star Wars, Star Trek, BattleStar Galactica, and Stargate series of films.”
Favorite Book: “It hasn’t been written yet but will be written soon by Katy, my daughter who is an up and coming author. Hopefully she will be kind in her characterization of her father.”
Favorite Musician/Band: “Bev Gross, my wife and the Wauwatosa Community Band of which she is president.”
Favorite Place to Visit/Vacation: “The Milwaukee County Council of the Boy Scouts of America has a campground about 400km north of Milwaukee near Leona on Harwood Lake in the midst of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest named LeFeber Northwoods Camp. I went there as a youth with my dad and have gone there for the last 10 years with my Eagle Scout son. This last year I was able to attend with my father once again along with my brother and 2 nephews. A true week out with the boys spanning three generations!”
Favorite Local Restaurant: “So many places; so much food! For those that know me, this is a hard one because, after all as the fittest executive “most improved” last year, I am supposed to set an example. Let’s start with breakfast at the Blues Egg off of Bluemound and 76th, enjoy the creamed corn at PS-23 for lunch in Brookfield and then stop off at Wing Wednesday’s at the Silver Spur in Elm Grove. I can’t forget the potato pancakes at Nora B’s in Elm Grove as well over the weekend.”
Words to Live By: “It’s a great day here in paradise!”
What is Your Core Philosophy for doing Business? “We say this in our values statement for Gross Automation. Working Hard, Keeping our Sense of Humor and Seeking Win-Win.”
Who is your Role Model and Why? “Back in 1984, I interviewed with and then went to work for a gentleman by the name of Don Craighead who lives up in the Twin Cities. When I got off the plane to meet him for the first time, he dropped a penny on the floor as we were walking out of the airport. I picked it up and put it in my pocket without saying anything. He turned to me and said that not many people knew the value of a penny; the job was mine if I wanted it. The other thing that he told me, and made me live by while I worked with him, is to spend it like if it was my own money – because it is! I am pleased to say that even after all these years; Don is still both a friend and a business advisor.”
What was the Funniest Thing that ever happened to you? “There are a couple that come to mind, however, I do remember that anything I say can and will be held against me. How about a pass on this one? After all, this is a family publication!”
