Rob Laughlin serves as President of Sunburst Chemicals, a family-owned manufacturer of cleaning and sanitation products based in Bloomington, Minnesota. Since joining the company in 1988, Rob has played an instrumental role in the organization's growth and success for more than 37 years. Founded in 1922, Sunburst Chemicals has established itself as an industry leader specializing in solid detergent systems for institutional laundry, food service, and hospitality markets.
What Matters Most in Building an Innovation-Driven Business
We are excited to welcome Rob Laughlin, President of Sunburst Chemicals, for an engaging and insightful presentation. With more than 37 years of experience helping lead a century-old, family-owned company, Rob brings a practical, real-world perspective on how innovation, intellectual property, and long-term thinking drive sustainable growth.
Rob Laughlin serves as President of Sunburst Chemicals, a family-owned manufacturer of cleaning and sanitation products based in Bloomington, Minnesota. Since joining the company in 1988, Rob has played an instrumental role in the organization's growth and success for more than 37 years. Founded in 1922, Sunburst Chemicals has established itself as an industry leader specializing in solid detergent systems for institutional laundry, food service, and hospitality markets. Under Rob's leadership, the company has expanded its reach as an emerging national provider serving lodging, hospitality, healthcare, and food service sectors across the country.
Rob earned his degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, providing him with the analytical foundation essential for business leadership and financial management. Throughout his tenure at Sunburst, he has overseen critical financial operations and strategic decision-making that have shaped the company's century-long legacy of innovation and quality.
Beyond his professional achievements, Rob is deeply committed to community service and leadership development. He has been an active member of the Edina Morningside Rotary Club since 2005, serving as club president in 2015–2016 and as foundation president. He currently serves as President of the Edina First Responder's Fund.
Rob and his wife Karen have been blessed with 38 years of marriage and have three children and five grandchildren. They live in Edina, Minnesota, and enjoy spending family time at their cabin on Bone Lake, Wisconsin.
In this session, Rob will share his thoughts on "what matters most" in building a business centered around innovation, intellectual property, and patents. This includes:
- Sharing the "Sunburst Story"
- What innovation means to the organization and how it impacts the business
- The importance of understanding where you are today (business stage and product life cycle) and how this perspective is applied
Whether you're building, scaling, or evolving a business, this is a unique opportunity to learn from a leader who has helped guide a company through decades of growth, change, and innovation.