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Robert (Bob) Simpson is the former President and Chief Operating Officer of Jelly Belly Candy Company. During Bob’s fifteen-year tenure, he led his team in innovative brand building and marketing, resulting in doubling top line revenue while increasing global distribution from sixteen to over eighty countries.Under his leadership, Jelly Belly gained a world-class reputation as one of the most recognized, innovative and respected candy brands in the confectionary world. Prior to Jelly Belly, Bob’s career path began with Raley’s Supermarkets where he served in many capacities including District Manager, Director of Marketing, and ultimately the position of Senior Director of Marketing and Merchandising. He played a major role in Raley’s phenomenal growth with responsibility for developing marketing strategies and merchandising concepts, including the acquisition and redesign of Bel Air and Nob Hill stores.
Bob has served on many boards, most notably as vice-chairman and chairman of the National Confectioners Association (NCA), the candy industry’s largest global trade organization. He also chaired the NCA Board of Trustees as well as various committees. At Jelly Belly, Bob served as the only non-family member on the board of directors, which included the owner and his four adult children. Currently, Bob is serving on the Lundberg Family Farms Board. Lundberg is the largest organic rice farming operation in the USA, family owned and operated since 1937.
In his spare time, Bob loves traveling with his wife and spending time with family, his three precious grandchildren, and close friends.
Education: Sacramento State University
Our team
Kurt is a founding partner of LeadershipOne. The product of a fourth generation family business, Kurt’s career spans three decades as a principal shareholder, CEO investor and executive consultant.
Hal is the CEO and co-founder of LeadershipOne, Inc. His experiences as a career CEO in the US and UK, led him to become a business-transition specialist – transitioning organizations from entrepreneurial to team-management cultures with an emphasis on work measurement, people development and improved performance.
Chris has more than 10 years of experience in systems and people management in the financial services industry. With LeadershipOne, he specializes in succession planning, strategic planning, systems improvement and strategic budgeting.
Tim is a team builder and problem solver. He excels at collaborating with stakeholders to develop and articulate company visions. Tim has served in many roles throughout his career in consumer-packaged goods and healthcare, including board member, CEO, COO and other senior level positions.
Stephen is an expert in the field of family business management. His career has spanned positions in sales and customer relations, social and marketing research, project management, policy analysis, legislative advocacy and CEO responsibilities in the non-profit and for-profit sectors.
Steve is a Human Capital Resource Management expert. Steve’s mission to create a positive impact through innovative solutions to organizational Human Resource needs.
Melinda is known as the “Business Implementer” and with over thirty years as a business strategist, systems specialist and HR consultant, she has a deep understanding of what it means to make a business successful.
Marcus is an 18-year veteran in leadership and organizational coaching. He has coached hundreds of leaders and entrepreneurs — motivating and mentoring CEOs, presidents, and business owners to increase their leadership impact and grow profitability through peer-to-peer collaboration and one-to-one coaching.
Ken works with teams, business owners and mature organizations with a focus on re-imagining the next stage of growth. He has a unique ability to design strategies, which align with the values and vision of the clients he advises both personally and professionally.
Karen brings more than 19 years of experience as a Public Relations and Marketing professional to LeadershipOne. A skilled communicator, she has successfully managed and implemented all aspects of corporate communications including public relations, marketing communications, social media and employee and community relations.
Elizabeth believes in helping organizations reach their full potential for the benefit of customers and communities. She has several years of experience working closely with business owners on strategic planning, marketing, and improving operations. Leadership development is her passion.