Bobby Kutteh, President/CEO

What was your first job?

My very first job was landscaping (or should I say mowing grass!) as an 11 year old. My first real job after finishing school was working as a healthcare salesperson for American Hospital Supply (now Baxter International) in Dallas.

When did you join Crothall?

I joined Crothall in September 1999, after having served as a member of the Board of Directors since 1996.

What was your first job at Crothall?

My first position at Crothall was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for a short tenure.

Who is your biggest influence?

My parents, my brothers, and my wife, Carol, have been the most consistent influencers in my life.

What CD do you have in your car right now?

A CD that my daughter made for me entitled “Cruising with Bobby” that is a collection of many of my favorite songs and artists ranging from Keith Urban, Good Charlotte, James Taylor, Lifehouse, Fuel, Sheryl Crow, etc.

What is your funniest Crothall moment?

We were having dinner several years ago as a Management Committee in Florida and shortly after dinner we began singing many “golden oldies” in the restaurant. Songs like Delta Dawn. . . I still laugh thinking about how uninhibited we were. (You had to be there!)

What is your most special Crothall moment?

There are many special Crothall moments. In general, one of the most special is when the company really began to turn the corner financially in mid 2001…we were on the road to greatness! Also, the National Recognition/Awards Program held in February where we recognized our 2005 Top Performers. Finally, launching CROTHALL CARES and really feeling the positive impact it has had on so many people.

What is your favorite book?

THE COMPANY MAN, by Joseph Finder.

What’s in your VCR, DVD or TIVO?

Nothing; however, we just watched the final season of Friends and enjoyed the movie Annapolis on DVD.

Who is your favorite American Idol?

From the most recent competition, Chris. I had the opportunity to see Taylor Hicks in D.C. a few months ago.

What advice would you give to someone who just joined Crothall?

Work hard, expose yourself to as many of the services we offer as possible, identify a mentor to help you navigate, be honest with yourself and your fellow employees, celebrate and have fun.

Describe Crothall in October 2021 (another 15 years)?

We will be number 1 in healthcare support services with annual revenues approaching $3.0 billion, will have exceptionally high employee satisfaction, achieved 100% customer retention, increased our focus on automation and technology, will have a very diverse and well-trained workforce and will be a company nationally recognized for giving back to society. In essence, the envy of American business.

“Pizza and beer” or “Sushi and Sake?”

Sushi and Sake whenever possible.

What is the one thing that nobody knows about you?

In late 1989, my wife and I were in a helicopter crash over the Pacific Ocean, which we thankfully survived.

Country, Rap, or Rock?

Country, Soft Rock and Motown.

Favorite sports team or athlete?

My daughter’s 8th grade basketball team...they are awesome. Seriously, my favorite athlete is Tim Duncan, a great role model for youth and a fellow Wake Forest University graduate.

Biggest “Pet Peeve?”

My biggest pet peeve is centered around communication. Problems occur when for a variety of reasons; the original communication is misunderstood and/or interpreted differently than what was intended. Also, when the intended message is not communicated consistently throughout the organization (as previously planned or agreed to) and it leads to confusion and a bit of a “disconnect.”