Haub School of Business
2024 Hall of Fame Award

Honored Robert J. Almond Jr. '04 

April 24, 2024

The Union League of Philadelphia

For over 30 years, the Erivan K. Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University has honored corporate citizens for their excellence in business management, entrepreneurship and ingenuity. These award recipients are extraordinary performers in their field who have not only achieved success in business, but have also had a positive and tangible impact on those they have led. Moreover, this select group of honorees embodies the integrity, steadfastness and self-reflection that the Haub School instills in our students.

2024 Event Photo Gallery

Robert J. Almond ’04 MBA

Rob Almond ‘04 (MBA) is the esteemed chief operating officer of NEST, the leading Integrated Facilities Management solution provider.

Having joined NEST in 2002, Rob has been involved in every facet of the business, demonstrating his versatility and deep understanding of business development, technology, operations, quality assurance and executive leadership. Since assuming the role of CEO in May 2015, Rob has propelled the company to unprecedented heights. NEST now serves over 60,000 retail and multi-site locations across North America through its extensive network of independent service providers.

A testament to his commitment to fostering an engaging workplace culture, Rob takes immense pride in his team of 220+ dedicated "NESTers" who deliver exceptional customer service year-round. The company has consistently achieved double-digit percentage growth over the last nine years, reflecting the team's unwavering dedication to excellence.

Inspired by his father's philanthropic values, Rob established NEST Nurtures, a charity arm focused on supporting nonprofits and improving communities. Building upon the company's long standing philanthropic efforts, NEST Nurtures has surpassed $1 million in charitable giving since 2020, benefiting over 300 charities nationwide.

Rob's connection to his alma mater, Saint Joseph’s University’s Erivan K. Haub School of Business, has remained strong. After completing his MBA in 2004, he has actively engaged with the school. Rob has served as a judge for the Business Policy Competition for six years, participated in CEO interventions and facilitated co-ops for students majoring in Decisions and System Sciences. He continues to act as a judge for the SJU high school analytics competition.

Rob has also established himself as a sought-after thought leader in his industry and has appeared on prominent platforms such as CNBC and Fox Business. He was honored with the Most Admired CEO Award by the Philadelphia Business Journal in 2021.

Rob holds an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he is now a Board Member for the Bryan School of Business and is a proud graduate of the Saint Joseph's University MBA program. Currently, he sits on the Saint Joseph's Board of Visitors and serves as a member of the University's advisory board for the Department of Decision & System Sciences. He also extends his commitment to education and the future of the trades by serving on the board of his high school alma mater, Paul VI, in South Jersey, and the Board of the NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation.

Rob was inducted into the Saint Joseph's University DSS Honor Society, class of 2022. As a member of SJU's Alpha Mu Chapter of Alpha Iota Delta, Rob supports the mission of SJU students who share a common interest in advancing the decision sciences and information systems.

In 2023 Rob founded the Skilled Trades Advisory Council (STAC) with leaders from across the nation who share a passion for growing the trades. The mission of STAC is to elevate the skilled trades as high-paying, honorable and often heroic career paths.

When he's not working Rob enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife Nicole and three children, Bob, Joe and Mary.

Our Benefactors

President's Benefactors

Bob & Dolores Almond

Chairman's Benefactors

Rob '04 (MBA) & Nicole Almond

Dean's Benefactors

Jim '86 & Diane Brecker

Christopher ’81 & Monica Furman

BENEFACTOR OPPORTUNITIES

Net proceeds benefit Dean's Excellence Endowment Fund

For questions regarding these opportunities or to confirm seating, contact Lauren Spergel at rsvp@sju.edu or 610-660-2314.

*The full amount is tax-deductible if seats are donated back to SJU before April 10, 2024. 

Contact Us

For any questions, please reach out to:

Lauren Spergel
610-660-2314

Business Attire

Email Us