Talbott, Robert 1905-1986

TALBOTT

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/12/2011 at 10:30:07

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register; June 23, 1986

ROBERT TALBOTT DIES AT 80

Robert Talbott, 80, a former Grinnell resident who developed a tie company which now has annual sales of $15 million, died Wednesday, June 8, in Carmel, Calif.

A 1928 graduate of Grinnell College, Mr. Talbott later received an M.B.A. degree from Harvard Business Schoool. He subsequently joined Standard Oil in San Diego, Calif., then returned to Iowa where he worked as a personal assistant to John Cowles at the Des Moines Register and Tribune Co. in Des Moines.

He worked as sales manager for the Niagara Lithograph Co. in New York City from 1936 to 1939, at which time he and two partners formed the Vitarex Dog Food Co. in Tacoma, Wash.

After selling the business, he moved to New York City where he was the executive vice president for Bankers Security Life Insurance Co. from 1939 to 1960.

In 1950, he and his wife Audrey moved to Carmel and began their manufacture of hand-sewn silk ties. Robert Talbott Ties, Inc., has its manufacturing plant and office in Monterey, Calif. From two employees in 1950, the company now has more than 200 employees with a payroll in excess of $4 million. The firm is one of the largest employers on the Monterey Peninsula.

The Talbott family founded the Talbott Winery in 1961 in Carmel Valley. President of the firm is Robert Talbott's son, Robb.

Robert Talbott was fundraising chairman for the 50th and 55th Harvard Business School class reunions in Cambridge, Mass. On May 31 of this year he was presented with an award conferring the title "alumnus nobilissiumus" from Harvard. He was a member of the Harvard Club of New York City, the Old Capital Club of Monterey and the John Gardiner Tennis Ranch.

He served on the board of trustees of the Robert Louis Stevenson School and the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and was a member of the executive committee for 12 years.

Survivors include his wife, Audrey; their son, Robert; three grandchildren; and three brothers, Dr. John Talbott of Delray Beach, Fla., Stanley Talbott of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Arthur Talbott of Tiburon, Calif.

Memorial contributions may be made to C.H.O.M.P., P.O. Box HH, Monterey, Calif. 93942, or to the Harvard Business School, Sherman Hall, Room 14, Soldier's Field, Boston, Mass. 02163.