Name: Robert (Bob) Lauter Title: CEO Company, city: Master Spas, Inc.; Fort Wayne, Ind. Number of employees: 400-plus Recent project: I recently completed a six-year term as president of the International Hot Tub Association, the leading trade organization for the spa and hot tub industry. First job: Delivering newspapers Little-known fact about you: I worked as a ski instructor and competed in Golden Gloves boxing.
Your Business
Essential business philosophy: We treat employees, vendors and customers like family, creating a culture of mutual respect and long-term relationships. Best way to keep a competitive edge: Foster a culture of continuous innovation. Consumers remain willing to pay a premium for meaningful advances and features that improve performance, comfort and efficiency. Yardstick of success: We track success through multiple measures — quality surveys, industry awards and customer feedback — but the clearest indicator is market performance. If you are consistently gaining market share while remaining profitable, that demonstrates real success; consumers ultimately vote with their dollars.
Robert Lauter as a Traveler
What is the most important item you take when traveling? Aside from my iPhone, I always bring my Bose noise-canceling earbuds to stay focused and comfortable in transit. How do you spend your time on board? I typically read, watch movies on my phone or listen to audiobooks to make travel time productive or relaxing. What is your favorite restaurant in the world? Victor Café in Philadelphia — it stands out for its atmosphere and memorable dining experience. What is your favorite destination in the world? It depends on the season: New Hampshire for cooler months and Jamaica when I want a warm, tropical getaway.
About Master Spas, Inc.
Tell our readers about Master Spas’ history. Master Spas traces its roots to 1978, when the company was among the pioneers in constructing acrylic spas. I joined in 1988 as vice president of the spa division and in February 1996 led an investor group to acquire that division from its previous owners. Over the past two decades we have experienced significant growth, including a decade where annual expansion exceeded 35 percent. This growth reflects our commitment to product quality, innovation and customer service. What can readers expect from Master Spas products? Customers can expect premium, energy-efficient spas equipped with advanced technology for comfort, performance and ease of use. Our products are designed to deliver long-term value through durable construction and thoughtful features. Master Spas products are environmentally friendly. Tell our readers more about those initiatives. Environmental responsibility is integral to our design and manufacturing. Our spas are engineered for superior energy efficiency, and we use eco-friendly foam insulation that minimizes harmful emissions. In addition, our manufacturing facility maintains a comprehensive recycling program to reduce waste and support sustainable operations.