Based in Northbrook, Illinois, Robert Rome epitomizes the archetype of a consummate professional. With a career spanning over half a century, Robert Rome has amassed a wealth of experience in the realm of finance, establishing himself as a distinguished Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Financial Immersion Consultant, and entrepreneur. His journey commenced at Indiana University in Bloomington, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, laying the foundation for his illustrious career.
At the helm of Healthy Vending LLC since its inception in January 2021, Robert orchestrates the company’s operations with precision and foresight. His comprehensive grasp of the vending machine industry ensures that every aspect of the business is meticulously managed, setting a benchmark for excellence in the field.
Prior to venturing into the realm of vending, Robert’s prowess as a CPA was unparalleled. Armed with an innate understanding of accounting principles, tax regulations, and financial intricacies, he served as a beacon of expertise for individuals, organizations, and governments alike. His dedication to his craft was evident in his unwavering commitment to delivering impeccable financial services that transcended expectations.
Robert’s professional journey has been marked by a diverse array of roles, each contributing to his multifaceted skill set. As a Financial Immersion Consultant, he provided invaluable guidance to businesses, offering insights into office management, cash flow optimization, and strategic financial planning. His tenure as CFO and Practice Manager at Cole D. Lundquist M.D. underscored his versatility, where he adeptly navigated staffing, accounting, and financial matters with finesse.
Beyond his corporate endeavors, Robert’s passions extend to the realm of music and literature. A proficient pianist and trumpet player, he finds solace in the harmonious melodies that resonate through his instruments. His love for literature knows no bounds, with a penchant for biographies, current events, and the occasional dive into the captivating world of science fiction.
However, Robert’s contributions extend far beyond the confines of his professional and personal pursuits. A staunch advocate for community engagement, he channels his efforts towards supporting environmental initiatives and poverty alleviation programs. His involvement in various boards, including Providence St. Mel School, Allendale Association, Imperial Stamp & Engraving, and Capitol Bank of Chicago, serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to driving positive change in his community.
In essence, Robert Rome’s journey epitomizes the essence of a true Renaissance individual – a consummate professional, a passionate musician, an avid reader, and a dedicated philanthropist. His legacy serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to leave an indelible mark on the world around them.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I start and end the day reviewing the status of the machines in my vending business. I schedule future days’ replenishment trips at this time. Four out of five days I am in the field for several hours loading the machines and reaching out to the corporate customers where the machines are located. I have a great relationship with my wife and we spend many evenings at dinner out, movies and plays and productions at the CSO in the city of Chicago.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I spend some time each day reviewing online opportunities to assist people in need – political and other leaders in charitable arenas – through contributions or other means at my disposal
What’s one trend that excites you?
I am keenly aware of the environmental problems and follow several new inventions being pursued by entrepreneurs around the world. I follow Bill Gates’ newsfeed on solutions being presented to the scientific world.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I take notes on anything that I need to do or find interesting. I usually keep them on my phone’s calendar so I don’t forget something important to my daily life or that I wish to follow up on in the immediate future.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I should have taken more chances in personal growth areas in which I was interested. I also needed to have a more discerning eye when taking people at their word.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.
I believe that “wormholes” exist in space and that someday we will learn how to access them and the further reaches of the universe.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Reread what you write before you send it. Save it for a day before emailing if possible and look at it in a new day’s light. Try to do the same before you open your mouth in anger or haste.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Honestly I almost never feel overwhelmed. I do feel tension when a lot of things are unresolved or simply not yet accomplished. I make a list and put the date I hope to resolve them – which really helps reduce stress.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
If you want to grow a professional firm, as I did for forty years, you need to listen to what your client is actually saying and you need to be sure your staff does the same. Most people have trouble expressing themselves and if it’s a business problem they may not even know what the problem is. So listen and figure out what the real issue is, not the one you jump to or your client claims initially.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
If you cannot make ends meet then you need to acknowledge that to everyone involved. It is not a crime nor a personal failure that your dreams and your resources do not always align. It is a failure if you try to squeeze blood out of a turnip.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I am past the time when I have great business ideas. Followup, followup, followup.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I have a software system from Healthy Vending. It is wonderful and keeps me up to date on product levels everywhere to the minute and provides sales, cost of goods and inventory.
What is the best $100 you recently spent?
I gave $100 to a woman and her child who were in a doorway for the night. Actually more than $100, but it was the best spent money ever.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?
I really like Chris Hayes’ podcast – Why is this Happening? – which covers a multitude of topics. Chris does have a habit of using words I don’t know – so I consult Google frequently. His guestsare terrific.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Oppenheimer of course. Followed, no, preceded by, by Dune. Science fiction and science are subjects I read about all the time. Of course, on the rougher side – the two Reacher series were great too.
Key learnings:
- Start and end the day reviewing vending machine statuses and scheduling replenishment trips to ensure smooth operations.
- Spend time each day exploring online opportunities to contribute to political and charitable causes, bringing ideas to life through philanthropy.
- Keen interest in environmental solutions and following innovative inventions worldwide, particularly through Bill Gates’ newsfeed.
- Maintain productivity by taking notes on important tasks and ideas, organizing them on the phone’s calendar for future reference.
- Advocates for careful consideration of words and actions, advising to reread and reflect before sending emails or speaking impulsively.