Ken Barron - CORT Global

Please introduce yourself;

 - Kenneth S. Barron: Present vocation, Managing Director, Global Relocation and Client Services for CORT Global, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, based in the USA. In 2001, started the CORT Global Furniture Rental Network and built the program into a 50+ country service capability, establishing CORT as a well-respected global brand within the relocation industry.
 - Developed a business model to present to multinational and international corporate clients and globalize a 70 year old industry (which was started in the USA by my father).
 - Successfully created a program that operates within the three global regions, The Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific through an international service center that has assisted thousands of transferees from the program’s inception and has contributed to the profitability of the parent organization. 




What was the last good book you read for business? 

“Good to Great” by Jim Collins 

For pleasure?

“The Number” by Lee Eisenberg

How much cash are you carrying right now?

$20.00 USD. My three teenage children are always asking me for money. If I have it, they usually get it. When they go to the movies, between admission and refreshments for three, that doesn’t leave much left in my wallet.

How many credit cards do you have – do you carry the same cards when at home, on the weekend, abroad?

I always carry three American Express cards (two for business and one personal), Visa and MasterCard to use when others cannot. One is designated for internet purchases only.

Do you have any hobbies?

Photography, glass collecting, Asian Art, gardening, bicycling, skiing, travel and Family.

Do you have a favorite airline?

Singapore Airlines.

What is your ultimate travel dream, money no object?

A 12 month “around the globe” trip with my family, visiting the Forgotten, Modern and Natural Wonders of the World. 

What do you never travel without?

“Rubber bands” wrapped around my wallet.

How many countries have you visited in the last year?

China, Singapore, Canada, United Kingdom and Portugal.

What have you got on your iPod/mp3 player?

I have approximately 600 pictures that have been transferred from my camera that are yet to be downloaded to my computer for editing. I spent last Saturday with my three children at a regional state fair who were all taking part in a photography class. We are all avid photographers.

What car would you love to own?

“A Hummer”. I’d never get struck in the snow and be able to easily navigate the sometimes unrelenting New England weather.

If you found 500 euro in the street what would you do with it?

There is a good chance that I would be attending a EuRA Conference so what better way to spend the money than buy drinks and share the wealth with my European colleges.

Which three things would you take with you to a dessert island?

My camera, a fishing pole and a Tempur-Pedic pillow.

Thanks Ken -