Get to Know: Rob Kujath

Work Experience

Prior to joining the Nationwide team, I spent 28 years as a Member in various roles for family-owned independent retailer Baillios in Albuquerque, NM. My experience in frontline sales, sales management, merchandising, marketing and as GM ultimately led to my role as President of this large regional company.

Education

Bachelor of Science from University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management

Awards/Certifications

Graduated with Honors

Total years of experience with the independent channel/retail

I have worked in the independent channel for over 30 years, 28 of those years came from various roles at our family owned independent retailer, Baillios.

What motivates you to get up and go to work for the Independent retailer every day?

I love to compete in everything I do. There is nothing more that I enjoy than helping my dealers compete with the big box stores and win.

Tell us about your role at NMG.

I support the large Core dealers mainly in the Western US.

Why did you want to come work at NMG?

Baillios was a Nationwide dealer for almost 25 years, and I always believed in the tremendous value the group provided our business.

Why do you think NMG is the best buying group for Independent retailers in today’s climate?

The amount of resources available to our Members from NMG is amazing. I don’t know how an independent dealer can survive without the buying, finance, digital, and advertising support the group provides its dealers.

What is the most important project you are working on right now, and why?

I am working to help my Members grow their ecommerce business. A dealer’s website is his most important store in today’s COVID economy. It must be merchandised and managed with the same focus as his physical stores. For many of our independent retailers they created websites 5-10 years ago but have done very little to grow that business. That has to change if they are going to be successful independent dealers moving forward post COVID.

What is your favorite memory from your time at NMG?

I love the community outreach events we get to participate in. From packing meals at PrimeTime to delivering donated mattresses to a shelter in New Orleans. The independent channel is all about community.

What do you like most about your job?

I love helping dealers grow and compete in the ever-changing landscape of retail.

What else do you want people to know about you and NMG?

I have been married to my wife Michelle for over 30 years and have 3 grown kids Robbie (27), Baillie (25), and Beau (23). In my spare time, I coach High School football and train QBs and receivers in the offseason.