Robert M. Sterling

Robert M. Sterling is a third generation Charlotte native, born and raised in the Freedom Park area. In 1981 Sterling began his career in the paper industry with Virginia Paper Company loading trucks and working in the warehouse. Since that time Rob has advanced himself from that warehouse at 3rd and Graham Street to operating one the most successful businesses in the paper industry. Rob has been recognized with numerous awards for being a change agent and for delivering excellence. He was most recently inducted into the International Paper "Hall of Fame" (an award traditionally given to those in the industry that are retired or deceased) Rob received this award at age 45.

The Sterling Group Worldwide, a Division of xpedx an International Paper Company, was founded by Robert M. Sterling (Rob) in 1988, only eight years after beginning his career in the paper industry. The Sterling Group developed breakthrough strategies which significantly improved the efficiencies of the traditional supply chain for all participants within the supply line, thus playing a lead role in redefining how paper manufacturers and distributors approached markets and end customers.

Today, The Sterling Group Worldwide is still an industry leader continuing to deliver extraordinary value to major corporations through designing, implementing, and quantifying sophisticated supply chain solutions for a number of large US corporations. The group is unique in that it has the resources of the largest paper company in the world, while still operating an autonomous business unit that is highly focused and nimble. It is the first and only one of it kind.

Rob is a current board chair and investor in U.S. ISS Agency, LLC, a Charlotte-based Security and Intelligence firm. ISS has an impressive pedigree of principals, including a two-star Marine General, a Marine Col and JTTF Agent for the FBI-CMPD and two former Deputy Police Chiefs of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. Since the formation of the firm in mid-2005, ISS has already developed an impressive list of clients from the private sector as well government agencies. Rob has brought a similar philosophy to this firm as he has done within the paper industry of being forward-thinking and bringing cutting edge innovation to age old industry.

Personal and Civic: Rob continues to reside in Charlotte with his wife of 16 years and two children, Courtney and Roddey. He is a member of Myers Park Methodist Church. Rob is very committed to his native city and serves on a number of community and civic boards to include Jacob's Ladder Job Center, Inc., First Tee of Charlotte and The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Foundation. He is a past board member and still active in the Council for Children.

Rob's hobbies include spending time with his family, golfing, and collecting 1960s Ford Shelbys.