Robert Brands – You Will Be Missed

I was saddened to learn today of the death of Robert F Brands, a frequent contributor to Innovation Excellence.

He died in an ATV accident while vacationing with his sons and the innovation community (and frankly the world) has suffered a great loss.

Robert F Brands is the author of two books:

• Robert’s Rules of Innovation – A 10-Step Program for Corporate Survival
• Robert’s Rules of Innovation II – The Art of Implementation

I had the pleasure of meeting Robert virtually and then in person in Florida at the first Open Innovation Summit many years ago. Robert was always willing to share information, contacts, or whatever he could, to help people.

He introduced me to the editor at John Wiley & Sons who published my first book Stoking Your Innovation Bonfire.

He passed me keynote speaking or workshop opportunities when he was unable to do them himself.

He was always willing to take my call and discuss whatever I wanted to talk about. I am proud to call him a mentor and a friend.

Robert was a true thought leader and did an amazing job capturing and clarifying and sharing powerful innovation concepts with readers and audiences around the world. Robert was an innovation coach and an innovation accelerator, and shepherded the foaming hand soap dispenser successfully to market. It may seem weird, but I will remember him every time I wash my hands.

I know the thoughts of all of the Innovation Excellence founders, and I’m sure the Innovation Excellence community, are with his family and friends.

He will be missed.

Please feel free to share your memories of Robert in the comments here.

Keep innovating!