Title: Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer
Company: Kuhlmann Pleasure Island Resorts International
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
Robert F. Kuhlmann, founder, chairman, and chief executive officer at Kuhlmann Pleasure Island Resorts International, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Business Owners for dedication, achievements, and leadership in resort management.
Mr. Kuhlmann has built a successful career spanning nearly six decades in resort management. Since 2008, he has been the founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Kuhlmann Pleasure Island Resorts International. Before this, he owned RFK Associates from 1988 to 2008 and worked as the convention director at the American College of Cardiology Foundation from 1983 to 1988. His earlier roles include serving as executive vice president and on the board of directors for Camelot Hotel and Casino from 1979 to 1983. He also held the position of director of sales and marketing, food and beverage, and advertising at Meridien Hotel Corporation from 1977 to 1979, chief of the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau from 1974 to 1977, sales executive at Washington Hilton from 1970 to 1974, and sales representative and restaurant manager at Marriott Hotels Corporation from 1965 to 1970. He also served in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 to 1962. In light of his impressive undertakings, he was named one of the Top 10 Influential People in St. Louis in the early 90s.
Mr. Kuhlmann has been involved in civic and professional organizations throughout his career. He served as a board member of the Young Men’s Christian Association in St. Louis for 20 years. Additionally, he holds memberships with the American Society of Association Executives and the National Association of Exposition Managers and is a chartered member of the Professional Convention Management Association. He is also affiliated with Meeting Professionals International, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Civic Entrepreneurs Organization.
Mr. Kuhlmann attributes his success to his ability to think outside the norm and his willingness to innovate. He believes that most people follow the crowd, which is why so many hotel companies offer similar experiences. He says that, in contrast, his convention center is unique and flexible, capable of adapting to meet the evolving needs of his clients. His process involves sharing ideas with trusted industry friends to gauge their potential success and using their feedback to refine his concepts.
One of Mr. Kuhlmann’s career highlights is the founding and development of his convention center. Drawing from his extensive experience as a convention director for the American College of Cardiology, he was able to create a facility that can host multiple meetings simultaneously. His background in working with architectural and engineering firms also provided him with the necessary skills to design and manage such a complex project.
In the coming years, Mr. Kuhlmann plans to establish his headquarters and a corporate office in the Dominican Republic, as well as build a new convention center. In offering advice to aspiring professionals in his industry, he says not to be afraid to fail, think outside the box, and voice your ideas confidently but respectfully. He emphasizes the importance of originality and learning from newcomers, who often bring fresh perspectives, adding that there is no such thing as a dumb question. He also believes in treating people equally and allowing them to be themselves.
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