In addition to instruction from distinguished faculty recognized as global leaders in their academic fields, TCU Neeley students also learn the latest best practices from highly respected business leaders who come to the classroom as Executives-in-Residence, such as Rhoads.
September 11, 2023
By TCU Sales Center
The TCU Neeley School of Business welcomes a familiar face as our newest Executive-in-Residence. Jonathan Rhoads ‘03 is the Rachel Roth Taylor ’53 Executive-in-Residence and will bring his experience as a Neeley alumnus and partner with Lowry Rhoads Associates to the role.
"Professor Jonathan Rhoads has been instrumental in our program for the past four years. He has coached, mentored, and had an unbelievable impact on the lives of hundreds of TCU Sales Center's students,” said Zachary Hall, director of the TCU Sales Center.
“'Rhoads,' as the students call him, has an uncanny ability to connect with our students. Drawing from his expertise in his sales, sales development and professional search, Rhoads is able to prepare our students and help them not find the 'perfect' company but rather the 'perfect fit' for each student.”
His dedication extends beyond the preparation to teach, and the hours of coaching and mentoring outside of class, Hall said. For the past four years, Rhoads regularly drove 306 miles one way from Tiki Island south of Houston to teach. That's about 18,408 miles he has voluntarily traveled to support students.
Jonathan Rhoads responded to a series of questions, providing firsthand insight into his thoughts on the Executive-in-Residence role, his perspective on the sales program and his view on the value of industry connecting with academia.
What does the Executive-in-Residence position mean to you?
The Executive-in-Residence title holds profound significance for me. It signifies the privilege of serving as a bridge between academia and industry, particularly in a program like ours that thrives on industry insights. Being entrusted as an industry ambassador to contribute to a program rooted in real-world application is a remarkable honor. As both a seasoned sales professional and a dedicated sales professor, I believe there's no better opportunity than championing the prowess of our TCU Sales talent.
Why do you find teaching in the sales program fulfilling?
- Career Development Emphasis: The Sales Program's emphasis on consultative sales and its recognition of the universal importance of effective selling in career development strongly resonates with my personal convictions.
- Enhanced Student Experience: Through the Practitioner/Academic Model at Neeley, we harness the expertise of esteemed faculty members like Prof. Steve Lewis and Prof. Jeff Yale, enriching the student journey. Sharing our life experiences, stories, failures, and triumphs empowers students. Every facet of our teachings is directly relevant to their future careers.
- Dynamic Team: Working alongside the talented individuals on our team is immensely gratifying. Collaborating with likeminded and driven colleagues who share a common purpose, mission, and passion is an exceptional opportunity.
What aspects of your interaction with students and teaching do you cherish most?
Without a doubt, this role holds a special place in my heart. Guiding and nurturing talent, and aiding individuals in their career growth, fills me with immense joy. The students in our program, the dedicated Horned Frogs, are exceptional. Their commitment to self-improvement and advancement is inspiring. Contributing to their achievements and seeing our relationships extend beyond graduation, as they continue to thrive in their careers and lives, is both invigorating and rewarding.
Describe your company, your role, and the impact it has?
Our firm, Lowry Rhoads Associates, operates as a specialized retained executive search company, dedicated to identifying pivotal leadership talent for organizations. My specific focus, which I find particularly fulfilling, centers on leveraging my extensive background in navigating change and fostering growth within the industry. I collaborate with small to mid-sized companies undergoing transformative growth or change. As they lack dedicated strategic human capital leadership or organizational development departments, I step in as an advisory force. In this capacity, I guide them in assembling the essential leadership and management teams required to propel them from their current state to their envisioned future.
How do you spend your leisure time?
My ultimate source of happiness lies by the water, a luxury I'm grateful to enjoy as a reality. I am an avid traveler, drawn to historical literature. Exploring novel ways to engage our energetic Australian Shepherd is a delight. Furthermore, my wife and I are deeply engaged in our roles within the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, with me serving as Vice Chairman of Sales, passionately raising funds for the Poultry Auction Committee to support scholarships for Texan youth.
