robert
brock nancial aspects of deals and the impact they would have not only locally, but on a national level.” Parrish credits that “big picture” mentality as the impetus behind Brock’s invention of the indoor pool and entertainment center concept—a concept that would make his corporation the largest Holiday Inn franchisee in the country with 76 hotels. Parrish, who worked for Brock when he launched the ShowBiz Pizza Place Restaurant and Entertainment chain (which later acquired Chuck E. Cheese Pizza), speaks of Brock fondly, recalling the mentoring he received from Brock both in politics and in business. “Even though Bob was incredibly influential, he always treated me like I mattered,” Parrish says. While Brock mentored numerous individuals, he wasn’t one to simply give advice to others; rather he led those asking for advice through a
Robert Brock was known as an accomplished businessman, a brilliant strategist and a tenacious supporter of the Democratic Party. Born in Pawnee Rock, Kansas, Brock received his bachelors and law degrees from the University of Kansas and was a lifelong KU fan. Brock is no longer with us, but his memory remains vivid for Jim Parrish and others who knew him well. “Bob was a tireless dealmaker,” Parrish says. “He had a tremendous grasp on the fi-
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Brock served on numerous local boards. He was a Trustee of the Menninger Foundation and a Trustee of the University of Kansas Endowment Association. Brock supported numerous non-profits and held a special affinity for Boys and Girls Clubs of Topeka. Locally, Brock may be best known for his Holiday Inn and ShowBiz Pizza franchises, but his real love was politics. A successful businessman and staunch Democrat, Brock was somewhat of an anomaly in Kansas. His involvement in politics ranged from sponsoring local candidates to befriending governors, senators, congressmen and even presidents. Brock was named Kansan of the Year by the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas in 1976. Parrish remembers Brock for his keen mind, incredible focus and uncanny business acumen, but mostly he remembers his personality. “When
“When Bob walked into a room with his great big smile, everyone knew he was there and they were glad.” thought process to help them find the answers to their questions themselves. “He would get you thinking creatively about what might go right and what might go wrong,” Parrish says. “Then he would let you come to your own conclusion by taking you through the possibilities.”
TK...Topeka's Business Magazine
Bob walked into a room with his great big smile, everyone knew he was there and they were glad.”