Gerald Roper, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

This morning I had another wonderful opportunity to speak with Mr. Gerald Roper, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. I first met Mr. Roper over the summer, through my internship, and he proved to be a very kind and intelligent gentleman. He demonstrated that once again during our phone interview today. His achievement and experience over the years is admirable and his advice was both valuable and educational. We discussed the following questions:

What has made you successful in your career?
Mr. Roper answered, “I believe it has been a passion for work because I have enjoyed every position I’ve held.” He joked that in most cases it has been because he was the man in charge, but only at the staff level and he of course still had to answer to certain people. He also said, “You have to do work, so you might as well enjoy it and have some fun.” The main reason Mr. Roper has become successful in his career is because he has a passion for his work and the initiatives he is involved with. He enjoys changing the direction of companies and the city. He strongly advises students, “The day you get bored with your work, get out!”

What advice would you give graduating seniors?
For this question he really urged students to do the proper research, and I personally thought this was practical advice. “You have to do the research around the field you want to enter into. Get the research on the top ten companies in that field as well as the top five in the middle market of the field.” He explains that if you want to work for a particular company that you should understand their passion and mission statement. When you have completed the research, the interview “will be like talking to your best friend” because you already understand what the company stands for. He recommends during the interview, “Don’t ask for a job, but help them recognize how you can help that company grow. Have substance to bring to the table.” Mr. Roper explained that graduates are at the stage of life where chances should be taken; move to different locations but overall be confident in yourself. “Don’t give up on your degree. Look for a company that will also invest in your degree by sending you back for your MBA.” He also urged the importance of having strong a handshake, “It leaves a big impact on people when you can stick your hand out there and be confident.”

What was your first job out of college and how does that experience relate to your current position?
Mr. Roper’s first job out of college was for Sheraton Hotels working behind the desk, registering guests as they came into the hotel. He said, “This was all around customer service. To everyone checking in, I represented Sheraton Hotels.” He explained that the typical person at the front desk of a hotel wouldn’t start a conversation with the guests and he was determined to be different. “I asked how everyone was and ultimately got to know people, I liked the good conversation.” That is something he still proudly does to this day. Whether it be a taxi driver, someone walking down the street needing directions or a retail clerk, Mr. Roper starts out the conversation, “Hello, how are you today?”, instead of “How much are these socks?”. He explained that you never know who you are going to meet in life that you will meet again later on in life.

I greatly enjoyed our interview and want to sincerely thank you again, Mr. Roper!