Alumni Spotlight: Robert Reese '01
A Conversation with Robert Reese '01
April 30, 2026
We are proud to spotlight Robert Reese, who returned to campus last week to share his perspective on our Alumni Discussion Panel. As the President and Owner of Veld Landcare, Robert offers a grounded look at what it means to build a business and find purpose in the process.
Purpose: The "One-Third" Rule
Robert’s definition of purpose is refreshingly candid. He doesn't view it as a constant state of inspiration, but rather as a commitment to the grind.
"I think if something is consistently challenging and continually shows up in a way that a third of the time you love it, a third of the time you're indifferent, and a third of the time you hate it—but you keep showing up—then there's purpose and fulfillment in it.
For Robert, purpose isn't found in a perfect day; it’s found in the persistence through failure and mistakes.
From the Playing Field to the Boardroom
A twelve-year student at ESD, Robert credits the community with giving him his most valuable professional tool: critical thinking. While he notes it took nearly two decades of life experience to fully appreciate it, he now sees how those early lessons shaped his approach to problem-solving.
He also draws a direct line between his time in ESD athletics and his role as a business owner.
- The Team Analogy: "As a business owner, it's impossible to field a team with all 'A players.' Fitting together everyone's role and natural skill set is much like a sports team."
- Outdoor Roots: It’s no surprise that the owner of a landcare company cites "anything outdoors with Mr. Lutken" as his favorite ESD tradition.
Education & Leadership at a Glance
- Education: Texas Tech University; Finance major, Spanish minor
- Current Role: President/Owner, Veld Landcare
- ESD Legacy: 12-Year Student; Multi-sport athlete
- Business Philosophy: Building teams based on complementary skill sets
Advice for Future Entrepreneurs
Robert’s advice to students is practical and emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and resisting the status quo:
- The 5-Minute Audit: "Take five minutes a week to scribble down a few notes on what mistakes you think you made and what you did or need to do to fix them."
- Challenge Tradition: "Be wary of anyone who gives you advice that includes, 'this is the way we've always done it.'"
Every day, our alumni are fulfilling ESD’s mission by making an incredible impact on the world. From innovative entrepreneurs to community leaders to creative trailblazers, their stories are a testament to the power of our community and the values we share. This series is dedicated to showcasing the diverse paths our alumni have taken and the meaningful work they are doing. We believe their journeys will inspire you and highlight the many ways our alumni are living lives of purpose.
Are you an alum with a story to share? We want to hear from you!
Each month, we feature a new Alumni Spotlight, and we're looking for alumni stories to highlight your success, purpose, and impact. Whether you've launched a new business, led a community initiative, achieved a personal goal, or made a difference in your field, we want to celebrate your accomplishments. Ready to be featured? Submit your updates and achievements through the form below for a chance to be our next alumni spotlight.
