Robert Leonard

Sonoma, CA



My business experience

I spent 25 years with top Madison Avenue advertising agencies helping Fortune 500 CEOs and key decision makers achieve their strategic business objectives. In this capacity I worked as a Vice President/Account Director for several of the most respected advertising agencies in the world, including: J. Walter Thompson and Foote, Cone & Belding. I have been responsible for developing successful business strategies for a variety of diverse high-profile products and services ranging from Burger King Whoppers to Gulfstream G5 luxury business jets.

I also spent 10 years as a freelance business consultant, specializing in strategic planning for entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations. In this capacity, I developed successful strategic business strategies for clients in diverse industries ranging from the largest mountaineering guide service in North America to the second oldest hospice foundation in the United States.

For the past 5 years, I have managed a family partnership with Sotheby’s International Realty, selling more than $21.6 million in total volume sales transactions since January 2005.

My unique background has enabled me to acquire extensive experience in problem solving for both consumer and business-to-business enterprises, regardless of size and profit motivation.

My Vistage experience

My first Vistage group experience began when I participated as a member of a Vistage Trusted Advisor group in Seattle, Washington. The September 11th terrorist attacks occurred during the first week of my membership and I personally witnessed the powerful strength of the Vistage experience during a time of fear and economic uncertainty.

As a Vistage Chair, I have two abiding beliefs:

  • Nothing is more dangerous than an idea when it’s the only one you have.
  • You get ahead in life by helping other people get what they want.

My Vistage groups

I am a Vistage Chair located north of the Golden Gate who specializes in forming small business groups (under $5 million in annual gross revenues and/or less than six employees). Members of my Small Business group represent both for-profit companies and non-profit organizations. They range in size from sole proprietors of emerging enterprises to CEOs of established small companies with multiple employees. Industries represented include: financial services and wealth management; healthcare and wellness products distribution; corporate investigation services; pizza takeout and delivery/Italian restaurant; boutique inn and spa; specialty food marketing; wedding and event planning; travel and tourism; text messaging services for mobile phones; computerized distilled spirits monitoring for bar service; and a well known, non-profit Military Veterans Service Organization.

Who is the “ideal” Vistage member?

I’m looking for a few good men and women who are emerging entrepreneurs and/or small business CEOs, who live and/or work in San Francisco or just north of the Golden Gate in Marin, Sonoma or Napa Counties.

I am only looking for business leaders who have decided that:

  • This is the year to take their business to the next level. No excuses.
  • They will do whatever is necessary to triple their company’s annual revenue growth rate during the next 12 months. No excuses.

I am also looking for business leaders who can check their egos at the door and:

  • Admit to not having all the answers
  • Want to be better human beings, not just better business leaders
  • Are willing to help other people achieve their vision and goals
  • Have a big and generous heart

More about Robert Leonard

Following college graduation, I served on active duty as a U.S. Marine Corps Infantry officer and was promoted to the rank of Captain. I have a Master of Arts degree from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Morehead State University.

I serve on the Board of Directors of Hospice by the Bay; the Marketing Committee of the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau; the board of directors for the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller; and in various leadership roles for several high-profile national service organizations. I am also a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Freemason.

I’m very fortunate to live, work and play in the heart of California Wine Country with my wife Kathy and our Australian shepherd, Clio.