“Robert is the versatile leader you want on your team. His creativity, passion for action and attention to detail are unmatched, as he thinks about things that others overlook. As one of my dotted-line direct reports during his tenure on my Supplier Diversity team at Allstate, I’ve observed Robert flawlessly implement new programs without needing significant direction. He is a skilled communicator with the gift of storytelling that I’ve seen few match and can translate vision and strategy into tangible accomplishments. Robert’s strong service orientation, cultural/workforce inclusion competence and sincere care about his work and the people around him provides a wonderful mix of skills that drives positive impact and outcomes.”

-Eugene Campbell

Message from Rob:

I still remember it like it was yesterday. A large black man with a wonderful smile approached my desk and asked if I had a few minutes for introductions and to learn more about each other’s role at the company. We talked for 30 minutes, as he told me about his passion for helping others and he explained something that I was not yet familiar with, called supplier diversity. 

At the end of our talk, he told me that he was looking for someone who shared his passions and that he hoped/believed I could be that person. I left the conversation feeling inspired and surprised that someone who had already accomplished so much in their career would even consider someone like myself as a good potential partner. I could tell that something about him was special, but I never could have imagined the journey we would embark on together, the friendship and bond we would share, and the way he would change my life forever.

We met in 2015 and after that Eugene was always there to help guide me through any major life or career decision. From traveling across the United States attending conferences together, to the countless hours of advice and wisdom he would provide, and to the many laughs we would share whenever we would connect in person or on the phone – Eugene was always there for me. 

God works in wonderful and mysterious ways, and he placed Eugene in my life at the exact right time. God must have known that this young man who always had a passion for helping people and who also deeply loved entrepreneurship, was himself struggling to find his way in corporate America… so He sent me an angel who I called Mr. Campbell to help nurture and guide me, and help forever change my life for the better. 

I owe Eugene more than I can ever express. The guidance, lessons, and passions he shared with me remain a central part of who I am today as a person and professional, and today I proudly follow in his footsteps as a corporate business leader dedicated to empowering underserved communities. 

In 2017, I posted the below picture and a message to Facebook sharing the importance of representation and mentorship. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor and friend. Eugene was truly a giant in my life, and I promise to pay forward all that he has given me. 

Thank you for everything, Eugene. Until we meet again.

-Rob

Pictured: Eugene C., Michael B., Randal Pinkett (CEO, Author, Rhodes Scholar, Winner of The Apprentice, 2005), Rob Stein