Professor Robert S. Todd[What was your career like before UB?]I worked for a bunch of different companies, successful and not. Like NASA – I was on a team that demonstrated the shuttle manipulator arm design was no good. I got to work for Bodine Manufacturing, which donated money for the dormitory, Bell Aerospace and Pitney-Bowes. I also started my own business, failed miserably and learned a great deal from it.
There are two kinds of accomplishments. The kinds that are product accomplishments, like Einstein, and there are process accomplishments, like Abraham Lincoln. Most of mine have been process oriented. For example my wife and I raised terrific kids and I keep learning all the time about teaching children.
[What happened with your failed business?]You need three different skills to start own business. Technical product expertise, a salesman for customer base, and a paperwork person for accounting. If one person has all that, then he/she can do it. I learned that you can be so anxious to start that you will start with less funding than you need.I was so wrapped up in the product itself I thought it would sell itself. At the end of half a year the backers pulled out. It was a worthwhile experience. Learned to be more involved with the process.
[What drew you to UB?]I came here in 1985. I got MBA here in the 70’s. I even met my wife in one of the classes. UB was also a place where I met Dan Shankerman. He was absolutely brilliant and was more of a mentor than my own advisor. It was he that told me to come teach here, at least part time. He showed me what it meant to be a teacher and a scholar. [What did you do when you were in school?]I was in a social fraternity, a service fraternity, other clubs associated with my major and the marching band. We got on television and into big stadiums, clubs associated with my major. Whatever you do enriches you. You can always start things.
My son went here last year and wanted to start a skateboarding club.
Any meaningful story: When I was an undergrad I was a terrible student. I took six years and had a 2.3 GPA. My excuse was a top 20 engineering school blah blah blah. I had a good time as an undergrad; you can still do anything you want, it’s not to late. I didn’t know I wanted to be a teacher till I was 40 and I’m happy to know I’m not afraid to change even at that age. I would like to express my deep hope that this year the Red Socks will win the series. I’ve been a fan for a long time and they keep breaking my heart.
Advisor of the Business School Club, it’s the organization that provides the forum for these speakers. Gad Selig brought in Walter Levine and Walter liked the students and invited him to speak to large audience and he keeps bringing his friends.
How does extra curricular effect your business life?
If the students don’t get involved, they’re cheating themselves, everyone goes to college and has a good grades. What else have you done. Show me that you are more capable than studying. It enriches the kid, raises employability and everyone wins if you do more.