Hero's Luncheon 2023 Robert Taylor

Dear Community Foundation of West Texas Friends,

Through the years, Robert has made a conscious effort to invest in the growth of

people, local businesses, and the Lubbock community. 

​

Robert Taylor grew up in Lubbock and graduated from Texas Tech 
University in 1971, after a brief interruption to serve in the U. S. Army reserves.  

​

Robert joined his father’s wholesale tobacco and candy business, R.C Taylor

Wholesale, but shortly thereafter, he began operating the growing company when his

father became seriously ill. In July 2007, Robert sold the business to one of his

largest customers, United Supermarkets, and joined United’s leadership team as

vice president of logistics for the 50-store retail operation. In February 2010,

Robert was named Chief Executive Officer of United Supermarkets. Robert remained

CEO until March of 2021, when he stepped into an advisory role.

 

Robert has been very active in the Lubbock community.  He provided leadership to the Lubbock Area United Way and is a past president of Salvation Army, leading the organization’s capital campaign for a new building.  A past president of Southwest Rotary with a passion for growing young entrepreneurs, Robert has taught in high school business classes and chaired the Lubbock Lemonade Day board for several years. The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce named Taylor Business Person of the Year in 2013 and Champion for Business in 2020.

 

Robert recently served as chairman of the TIF Committee, working to revitalize Downtown Lubbock. He formerly served on the Plains Capital Bank board of directors and is currently on the board of Hilltop Holdings. He is a 
member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he has served on the session.  

 

Robert also has been extremely active in professional organizations.  He was a board member and served two terms as President of the Texas Association of Wholesale Distributors.  Robert served on the board of directors for FMI (Food Marketing Institute) and was named to the Food Industry Hall of Fame in 2021.

 

An avid Texas Tech fan, he serves on the Texas Tech University Foundation Board, investing in the long-term 
viability of the university and the students it serves. Taylor is a member of the Texas Tech Alumni Association and was honored with their 2021 Lauro F. Cavazos Award. He is a member of the Chancellor’s Council and serves on the Chancellor’s Council Advisory Board. A member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, Taylor is on the fraternity’s house corporation board. 

​

Robert is married to the former Jan Smith, also a Texas Tech University graduate. The Taylors have four children and nine grandchildren.  In his spare time, Robert enjoys fishing, golfing and traveling.

 

If you have questions, please call Michelle Tosi-Stephens, Vice President of Development & External Affairs,

at (806) 762-8061.