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Robert Grove

Distinguished Service Award 
As An Ambassador of Utah

2025 Utah Guide Hall Of Fame
Throughout his career Robert (Bob) Grove has been an individual who has freely contributed his time and expertise in the service of individuals and entities within the state of Utah.  Raised in Bountiful, and further educated at Southern Utah University, Bob began his tourism career at Skywest Airlines and has also worked in car rentals, hotel/resort marketing, travel agency services, and tourism marketing / consultant. 

One example of the service-side of Bob's lifelong efforts is that he has been an active guest presenter on many Utah travel related radio and television shows or segments. Over the past 16 years Bob Grove, without compensation has been sharing his extensive knowledge of Utah’s travel destinations on KSL TV’s Studio 5. For the past five years he has also performed similar weekly services on KSL Outdoors radio show. 
Bob Grove - Studio 5
In the course of his 40 year career Bob has frequently provided pro bono consultant advice and assistance to the managers or owners of scores of public and private organizations and businesses.
One of the seemingly most enjoyable aspects of Bob's life-long career in the travel and tourism world has been to act as a tour guide, and information resources for thousands of visitors to the state of Utah. His associates have observed that Bob has integrated these experiences into his career for at least two selfless reasons...
  1. To keep a fresh perspective on the trends of tourism in Utah, and to enhance his ongoing education regarding the great attractions and integral stories of the people and places of Utah.
  2. To be an example, ambassador, and a premier representative of the people of Utah.
The following endorsements from people throughout the state of Utah provide some evidence as to the reasons Robert Grove has been selected to receive a...

Distinguished Service Award

Ambassador of Utah

Endorsements

Mindy Dunyon | Brooke Walker

“For more than 15 years Bob Grove has been a guest on Studio 5, a lifestyle’s program that airs on KSL TV. Our viewers love Bob’s travel related segments, and we appreciate that he has frequently traveled at his own expense, from his home in Southern Utah, just to participate on our show.

As a travel expert, he has been on the show dozens of times, speaking on topics such as The Top Spring Family Vacations Around the State, Lesser-Known Getaway Destinations in Utah, Exciting Utah Road Trips, and more. We always look forward to learning from him. Bob has proven his value through his expert knowledge of every part of Utah, gleaned over four-plus decades of tourism related work with lodging, transportation, dining, guided tours, and outfitters. We suggest that Bob has been, and is, one of the great ambassadors of  Utah.”

Mindy Dunyon, Producer | Brooke Walker, Host - Studio 5, KSL TV – Salt Lake City, Utah

Studio 5 Segment Samples:

Tim Hughes

“As the host of the KSL Outdoors radio show, Bob Grove became my weekly guest by describing for our listeners how to take "One-Tank Trips" (gas) that are both enjoyable and affordable. Over many years, Bob has donated his time to researching and presenting his various topics on the KSL Outdoors radio show. I've come to realize that he is one of the foremost experts on travel within Utah, and he is the consummate guru to advise our listeners about how to best experience this state. Bob's knowledge and passion for Utah destinations and the associated visitor services have caused an infectious enthusiasm from our listening base on the Outdoors radio show.

People have been known to simply hear Bob's voice in public and approach him to ask if he is Bob Grove from KSL Outdoors.  I've been able to tag along on a few of Bob's road trips, rather than just live vicariously through the mental images he expertly paints, and these experiences have been some of the highlights of my radio career.  Some of these adventures include snowmobiling at Brian Head, hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park, assisting a disabled person to fully experience Bryce Canyon, and exploring the once submerged "Cathedral in the Desert" at Lake Powell. "

Tim Hughes – KSL Radio - Morning Show Host / Host of KSL Outdoors

KSL Outdoors (Radio) Podcasts

Raelene Davis

“For all the work he has done to promote the whole of Utah as a world-class destination and host visitors to both the iconic and out-of-the-way beauties of Utah, Bob is very deserving to be honored for his contributions. He loves this state and loves showing it off to visitors whether it’s personally guiding them or taking breathtaking photos and sharing them online, Bob is a fantastic ambassador for the state.”

Raelene Davis - VP Marketing & Operations - Ski Utah

David M. Williams

"Bob has been a huge advocate for Utah tourism for many years. He knows every part of the state, he's created unique and successful partnerships, and he's provided his expertise to many counties, businesses, and the public at large. Whether guiding, writing, photographing, or consulting, he's promoting the state that he loves.”

David M. Williams - Associate Managing Director - Utah Office of Tourism

Shayne Wittwer

“Bob's tourism background and experience is extensive. Beyond his resume he is a tourism ambassador for the state of Utah and has dedicated his life to bringing people here to experience all that Utah offers. This came at no small risk with his entrepreneurial spirit.”

Shayne Wittwer – CEO – Wittwer Hospitality

Ernie Harker

“I think the world of Bob Grove professionally and personally. Bob Grove travels all over the state promoting Utah travel with his fantastic photos and social media posts. I worked with him when I was the Executive Director of Maverik. As a regional convenience store chain with many locations in Utah we responded quickly and positively to a custom sponsorship he proposed for Maverik which provided the company with a tremendous amount of quality exposure. In addition to the visual exposure he provided with a  vehicle wrapped in Maverik graphics that he took EVERYWHERE, he arranged fantastic adventurous experiences with local travel and tourist companies that Maverik purchased as sweepstakes prizes for customers in our loyalty rewards program we call the Maverik Adventure Club. Bob may be the hardest working travel business guy I've ever met!”

Ernie Harker – Former Exec. Dir. Maverik | ErnBurn.com

Will Warner

“I have had the privilege of collaborating with Bob Grove for nearly a decade. Throughout our professional relationship, Bob has consistently demonstrated his dedication by providing invaluable advice, unwavering support, and sincere encouragement to numerous tourism entrepreneurs, as well as state and county personnel. Bob's commitment extends beyond mere counsel; he has devoted countless hours to accompany me across the state, facilitating introductions to industry leaders and local authorities, thereby accelerating my company's expansion.

Notably, Bob Grove's lifelong dedication to the tourism sector is characterized not only by his professional achievements but also by his altruistic endeavors in supporting the success of others within the industry. His comprehensive understanding of the industry has empowered me to explore new routes, expand into new locations, and seek his guidance when necessary. 

As a seasoned guide, he has enriched the experiences of thousands of travelers, contributing significantly to the promotion of Utah attractions and businesses statewide.”

William Warner - Owner - Southern Utah Scenic Tours

Steve Brown

“In the more than two decades I have known and worked with Bob Grove, I have never found anyone who has done more to selflessly advance the tourism industry for the State of Utah. He has extolled the virtues of this state to thousands of people from all walks of life. Much of these efforts have been done at his own expense. As an ambassador, Bob is second to none. His knowledge and historical expertise, delivered with his personal style and down-home personality, resonates with everyone.

There are those who's vocation requires them to interact with visitors to our state who could learn a lot from Bob about what truly interests tourists, whether first-timers or repeat guests. I have been working with Bob on media projects, both radio and television, for more than 20 years and I am constantly amazed at his knowledge of hidden corners of our state.  I have also accompanied Bob to various symposiums and Expos in surrounding states and witnessed him interact with tourism professionals both national and international.

The people of Utah can be proud of the type of representation, even unofficially, he exemplifies. It is a privilege to add my voice to those who admire the efforts this hard-working individual contributes to the State of Utah.”

Steve Brown - Former Broadcaster – KUTV-4 / Utah Jazz TV

Ray Golden

“Since 2016 I have worked with Bob, utilizing his guidance and counsel for our tourism-related businesses in the most remote location in the state of Utah. Bob was instrumental in developing the marketing program that put Ticaboo on the map. He set out forming networks and partnerships with his vast contacts, began opening doors that I could never open, strategically targeting demographics that would find interest in our location and outdoor recreation opportunities, and single-handedly took our business from zero off-season numbers to a reputable and growing concern.”

Ray Golden / General Manager - North Lake Powell - Ticaboo Lodge & Offshore Marina

Becki Lewis

"I would love to endorse Bob Grove. I have known Bob for most of his tourism career, since 1986 (we were just kids!). Bob was at the Brian Head Hotel and I was based in Cedar City with TW Services.  At that time I was taking care of group tour bookings for the area's National Parks and we sent our overflow business his way."

Becki Lewis - Travel Trade Specialist - Visit Cedar City Brian Head

Jessica Powell

“I have had the pleasure of crossing paths with Bob Grove while working in the media and content development side of the Utah tourism industry. I am always dazzled by Bob's knowledge and experience in our home state. I have seen first hand his grit, passion, and love for this state: early mornings, late nights, long drives, and use of his own resources all to capture, promote, and share what he knows Utah has to offer. It is an honor to have had the opportunity to tour parts of Utah with Bob and hear his amazing stories, his recommendations, and interesting facts, just about anywhere we go. Gleaning from his experiences has undeniably improved and will continue to enrich my life and experiences in the state of Utah.”

Jessica Powell – Media/Content Developer & Consultant 

Mark Wade

“Over several decades Bob and I have crossed paths in the education and tourism world. I've regularly observed Bob generously donating his time, and expertise to small businesses, organizations, media outlets, and individuals. I've observed Bob's skills as a coordinator of tourism related events, activities, and marketing efforts and have come to realize that there are few people who better understand the intricacies of travel in Utah. He has visited nearly every nook and cranny of Utah and seemingly has a good friend or associate in every Utah community or organization. He's skilled at writing, photography, content creation, public relations, and as a media spokesperson. His knowledge and polished radio voice, and on-camera abilities, have qualified him to speak regularly about Utah on television, radio, and social media. He is a conscious advocate for the needs and welfare of even the smallest tourism based business, and their individual operators. I can think of few people who are more deserving to be recognized for their contribution to the people of Utah.”

Mark Wade – Tourism Development Consultants LLC

Paul Jewkes

“I'm happy to endorse Bob Grove's nomination for this honor. Bob has been a tremendous asset to Utah tourism for decades, and I fully support his recognition.”

Paul Jewkes - Owner/Manager - Soren Digital

Tourism Work History

  • Skywest Airlines (Station Manager – Cedar City)
  • Brian Head Hotel (Marketing Direction)
  • Avis Car Rentals (Convention & Theme Park Relations Manager)
  • Morris Travel - “Drive-Away Vacations” (Contract Supplier)
  • Maverik Stores - “Maverik Adventure Getaways”
    (300+ locations - 11-year consultant promoting road trips and outdoor recreation
  • Utah Tourism Marketing / Consultant
    Utah tourism-related business & organizations including resorts, county tourism offices, associations, outfitters, lodging, restaurants, etc.
  • Professional Tour Guide

Over the course of his 40+ year tourism career Bob has guided thousands of guests throughout Utah and the inter-mountain region via motor coach, van, walking/hiking. He is one of the foremost experts on travel within Utah.

Media (Utah Tourism)

  • KSL Studio 5 with Brooke Walker – “Family Friendly Adventures”
    - Guest travel specialist since 2008.
  • KSL Outdoors Radio with Tim Hughes
    - Weekly Utah Travel guest contributor – (Five years and approx. 200 Shows) 
  • KFAN Radio “Inside The Outdoors” – Associate Producer with Steve Brown
  • KJZZ -14 TV – “Off The Couch” Co-Host /Associate Producer with Steve Brown
    - (12 episodes, a series of half-hour specials (e.g. - outdoor recreation, cities, counties, etc.)
  • KSL Outdoors TV with Adam Eakle (multiple content contributor)
  • Utah Tourism Writer (magazines, blogs, other)
  • Utah Tourism Social Media Creator
  • Featured on...
    - Cover of Travel Agent Magazine “Bringing Diversity to Travel”
    - KSL Radio's “Speaking On Business”

Associations Volunteer Work

  • Utah Chapter of Hospitality Sales & Marketing (Former President)
  • Board and committee positions...
    - Utah Society of Association Executives
    - Utah Chapter of Meeting Professionals
    - Grand Circle Association
  • Southern Utah Tourism Summit  (Committee)

 

Please note that there is likely more that we are missing, but this information was gathered without knowledge or input from Bob Grove

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