Bob Kiel is a seasoned creative leader with nearly 40 years of experience transforming ideas into memorable brand experiences. As Vice President of Creative Services at Ferguson, Bob combines strategic thinking with hands-on expertise, guiding projects from the earliest concept sketches through final execution.
In his role, Bob leads a talented team of art directors and copywriters, developing thoughtful, impactful creative solutions for clients across many industries. During his tenure, he has helped shape Ferguson’s evolution, helping to oversee the agency’s growth from a team of 13 employees to more than 70.
As the marketing landscape has evolved, Bob has also led the expansion of Ferguson’s experiential and environmental design capabilities, spearheading the agency’s engineering and display services. From custom trade show exhibits to one-of-a-kind branded installations, he enjoys bringing ambitious ideas to life by bridging the gap between design and fabrication.
A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Saint Francis, Bob has built his career around the belief that the best creative work is both smart and timeless. He approaches every project with passion, while maintaining the philosophy that it’s important to take the work seriously—but never yourself. Creative problem-solving, personal accountability, strong relationships, thoughtful decision-making and a desire to create meaningful work have guided Bob throughout his career. Those qualities are reflected in his CliftonStrengths: Ideation, Responsibility, Relator, Deliberative and Significance.
Outside of work, you’ll often find Bob in his garage welding, painting or restoring classic vehicles. His collection includes a customized 1959 Ford Ranchero, a 1963 Mercury Comet Convertible and a 1968 International Harvester Scout built in Fort Wayne. He’s also an avid collector of vintage treasures, always exploring back roads and antique shops in search of automobilia, antique Coca-Cola machines, gas pumps, pinball machines and other pieces that blend grease, rust and nostalgia.
Bob also shares his talents with the community through his work with LC Nature Park, where he has helped create a variety of custom exhibits and displays, including a 30-foot antler tower, reclaimed lumber furniture and interactive educational pieces designed to inspire curiosity and connection with the natural world.