Full name: Robert L. Burgess
Title: President/COO
Company: EATEL
Age: 58
Hometown: Lafayette
Why do you do what you do?
I’m having fun and can still make a positive difference.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
The success of Gulf Coast Wireless – a Sprint Affiliate – In spite of the many challenges associated with being in a business relationship with Sprint, the company was very successful because of a talented, motivated and incredibly loyal workforce.
What was your first job?
Bag boy for a Five and Dime in college, Naval officer – first job after college
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Trust your judgment and I’ll stand behind you.
Who do you most admire in the local business community and why?
Jill Rigby – Manners of the Heart – She’s not had an easy life but has a deep faith that one sees in her eyes and hears in her voice.
Myrtle Dorsey – BRCC – A singleness of purpose and a total commitment to educating kids in academics and in the important lessons of life.
Stephen Moret – BRAC – A statesman that will transform this region.
If you could have any job other than your own, what would it be?
College or high school teacher
What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you've overcome?
Being forced to resign from a job.
If you started over, what would you do differently?
Go to med school
What is your prescription for life?
You are always auditioning because someone is always watching.
What book are you currently reading?
The Forgotten Man – a different historical / political perspective on the Great Depression
If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would they be? (Authors? Leaders?)
Condoleezza Rice, Peggy Noonan, Tim Russert
Who would play you in a movie?
Any balding fat guy.
What do you do to unwind?
Read
What is the most expensive purchase you've made for yourself?
Golf clubs
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Golf game plus dinner with daughters.
What's your theme song?
I can’t carry a tune in a bucket.
What's your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?
Parrains
How do you take your coffee/tea?
Coffee – black, tea – un-sweet
What is your favorite movie? TV show? Band?
Movie – She Wore a Yellow Ribbon – John Wayne
TV show – MASH
Band – Creedence Clearwater Revival
What is your favorite gadget?
A $5 folding book holder that helps me read in restaurants.
What is something that you can't live without?
Books
If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?
Public school system
What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?
That we one day have a great public school system.
What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?
That we get tired of trying to improve the community and give up.
Comments
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)