From the reason we grow and innovate to the reason our culture feels like home, our people are truly the engine behind every single win. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Bob Brown, our new VP of Growth & Development, whose leadership and desire to lift others up will help keep Tallgrass moving forward.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to know and work with Bob Brown for over a decade now, and I’ve always been impressed by his tenacity and his approach to not only his work, but his family and his life,” says Sean Richardson, Tallgrass President. Get to know our newest addition to the TGF leadership team.
It All Starts with Heart and Hard Work
Long before Bob ever stepped foot in a conference room, he was a kid on a farm raising cattle, learning how responsibility shapes character and how effort and consistency can bring results.
By 13, he was assembling bikes and bagging groceries at Walmart. That eventually led to a management role where he ran various departments, oversaw night operations and led a team of nearly 300 employees for 12 years. Those years gave him a gift he carries with him today: the ability to recognize what people need, meet them where they are and help them grow.
Through a family connection, Bob was introduced to the logistics world, and he was hooked almost immediately. “I learned how the whole thing works,” he says. “LTL, full truckload, warehousing, parcel, international — all of it.”
Also integral in Bob’s journey was his work in sales, spending years building relationships, hustling for new business and navigating the same realities Tallgrass agents face every day. He knows the grind, the pressure, the excitement and the ebbs and flows of growing a book of business.
Because of these experiences, Bob sees his role at Tallgrass as not only a leader, but also as a partner. “I’ve been in agents’ shoes,” he says. “I know what those tough months feel like, and I love being a sounding board, whether they’re brainstorming ways to enter a new market or working through a challenge we can tackle together.”
“Having someone with not only his talent, but also his tremendous amount of experience, not only strengthens our already very strong team, but is also a benefit to our agents,” Sean shares about welcoming Bob to the TGF team. “One of Bob’s significant strengths is his sales experience. He’s been successful in many sales roles and in negotiating partnerships. His strategic approach is something really valuable that he brings to the table.”
Why Tallgrass Stood Out
When Bob began considering the next step in his career, he knew it had to focus on people. Having known TGF President Sean Richardson for years, the two reconnected. “Sean’s character alone told me Tallgrass was the kind of place where people are treated right,” Bob says. And as he talked to others in the industry, he kept hearing the same thing.
“I couldn’t find anyone with a negative thing to say about Tallgrass,” Bob recalls. “Everyone told me Tallgrass was full of great people.” After meeting with Sean and Dave Barnes, everything fell into place. “The culture, the mission and the opportunity aligned with exactly what I was looking for. That’s how I knew this was where I was supposed to be,” he says with a smile.
Support Through It All
From helping new agents find their footing to improving daily workflow and helping teams expand, Bob is excited to be a resource for our agents through every step of their entrepreneurial journey. He understands how vital it is to have a back-office team agents can rely on — one that handles the critical tasks that often steal time away from growth, sales and relationship-building.
“When we take those things off their plate, it gives them the freedom to do what they do best,” he explains. “And independence doesn’t have to mean isolation.” Agents have the autonomy and flexibility to build their business their way, but they’re backed by a world-class team that supports them at every turn. “That’s the beautiful thing about Tallgrass,” he says. “You’re never in it alone.”
A Leader Who Shows Up
If you stop by the Tallgrass office in the morning, you’ll likely catch Bob doing one of his favorite parts of the job: walking by desks, checking in with the team and simply being present. “Any time I get to engage with another person, it inspires me,” he says. “I’m here to listen, encourage, and show up with a mindset of service.”
This is something you just won’t find anywhere else. Tallgrass is a place where leadership is accessible, colleagues lift you up and the opportunity for growth and earning is truly unlimited. And Bob loves the team atmosphere here at Tallgrass, sharing, “It’s the first place I’ve worked where I haven’t felt stressed. Not even one day. I look forward to Mondays now. And I’m not just saying that to say it or trying to convince somebody to be here,” he continues. It’s one of those things you have to experience to understand.”
Building the Future, Together
“Culture is so very important to us here at Tallgrass, and when we’re considering hiring someone, we have to consider how they’ll fit into our culture. Talent is great, experience is great. But if someone isn’t doing things the right way, we’re not interested. So with Bob, it’s a real home run. His background is impressive, but he’s also a good person who wants to serve people in the best way he can,” Sean says.
Looking ahead, Bob is excited about all the new possibilities on the horizon, like expanding revenue streams, making technology upgrades and exploring tools that make our agents’ lives easier. “Our vision is to give agents every tool they need to succeed,” Bob says. “If we keep investing in the right people and the right support, the sky’s the limit.”
If you’re ready for unmatched support, real mentorship, and a culture that puts people first, come build your future with us. Contact our team today to start a conversation with us.