Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Robert Olson of Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum Is Helping To Change Our World
Keep an open mind. Sometimes opportunities present themselves in a variety of ways. My career in law enforcement inspired me to volunteer at KKAM which ultimately led me to become the President of the organization.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Robert Olson.
Robert Olson is a recently retired Chicago Police Detective and President of Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum(KKAM). Robert’s story begins as a lifelong resident of Chicago growing up on the south side. His volunteerism, sense of community and passion for cars led him to writing an unforeseen chapter in his life — advancing the good work and educational opportunities KKAM offers.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
I have always had a passion for automobiles and history. I worked in law enforcement for the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and made time to volunteer at schools and community events. My CPD coworker asked me to volunteer at a private automobile collection as a docent, and I jumped at the chance. That allowed me to meet Larry Klairmont, the patriarch and founder of KKAM. We hit it off and the rest is history. Larry asked me to assist the museum in its transition as an exhibit for the public and educational hub. He ultimately asked me to help shoulder his iconic automotive legacy.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
One of the vehicles on display at KKAM is the Golden Sahara II. It was an original George Barris Kustom integrating innovative and futuristic features such as; illuminated tires, an automatic starter, voice commands and the beginnings of experimental self-driving and radar design. I had the privilege of helping in the restoration and exhibition of the historic vehicle at the Geneva International Motor Show in Switzerland.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I made the mistake of taking a senior living facility on a tour and thinking I was going to “Teach them about the cars.” I quickly realized it was a knowledgeable group with an average age of 80 years old that was giving me the tour. The group shared personal stories about the cars, their youth, history and more. I was left smiling with tears in my eyes.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
KKAM is using its vast collections of automobiles to create programs geared towards science, technology, engineering and math-based (STEAM) educational models of learning. We are making our facility available as an educational hub for all things STEAM. The social impact of assembling such a diverse collection of automobiles is simply uplifting and inspiring to future engineers, technologists or students looking to broaden their historical understanding. KKAM’s exhibitions hone learning skills, team building and create life lessons.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
I previously mentioned the Golden Sahara II (GSII). One of the team members on that project “Greg” started a new body repair shop. His experience was limited but his heart was in it. Initially, Greg did not get the assignment to paint it in the restoration but instead was helping us convince Goodyear to remake the one-of-a-kind Illuminating tires for the GSII. Greg not only did that, but ultimately got the entire restoration job. That success earned him a spot on the roster to take the special car to The Geneva International Motor Show in Switzerland and opened his eyes to the worldwide impact he and the GSII made.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
I’m not sure that solving a problem is the right terminology for what KKAM and I are setting out to do. We are bringing awareness to the educational value automobiles have. Cars have played a significant part in the advancement of technology and engineering throughout modern history. We’re passing those lessons on to future generations. Politicians and community leaders should #1, embrace the notion we as a community have far more in common than not. #2, abandon the “us vs them mentality.” Through my experience, the enthusiasm people have for cars, the artistry and ingenuity that’s a unifying feeling. I wish we had more of that.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
There is a big difference between being a leader and a boss. A boss simply barks out instructions. A leader moves forward by example. I know it is a bit of a cliché, but actions speak louder than words.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
#1, Keep an open mind. Sometimes opportunities present themselves in a variety of ways. My career in law enforcement inspired me to volunteer at KKAM which ultimately led me to become the President of the organization. #2, Don’t be afraid to fail. I dropped out of college as a biology major confused about my future direction. That hiccup opened another door allowing me to become a Chicago Police Detective a few years later. #3, Set goals and milestones. Your measures of success are like bricks in a wall. Cherish the smaller accomplishments, the bricks, that ultimately form your life wall. #4, Be the best you that you can be. We all have limits but are you being your best you? I ask myself that every few months and reboot my mindset. Clear your personal cache. I get more clarity in tackling projects by doing so. #5, Smell the roses. The destination is important, but life is all about the journey. Embrace your family, friendships and even the adversity you experience.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
You never know what your idea can trigger. I would like to see a shift in education. The cost of education is ridiculous. Traditional universities have a stranglehold on educational certifications and costs. I am hoping through technology, college and technical school costs will plummet. Forget forgiving educational loans. Instead, push to lessen educational costs. YouTube university is a real thing. You get the idea!
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Making it happen.” I’m a problem solver and would like to say, one that has an analytical mind. This is relevant now because to be successful in my mission, it requires bringing people together and “making it happen.”
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Alan Alda. As a kid growing up watching M.A.S.H., I appreciated the storytelling and life lessons learned from specific characters and episodes. Those are the kinds of life lessons that the Klairmont Museum exhibits through the displays of vehicles. The creators of the vehicles tell a particular story through design. Each car is an expression of the life lessons of the creator and that period of modern history. Collectively, the cars are like the characters of a book telling a much broader story of humanity.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Simply follow the path and success of the educational hub at KKAM. Those programs will be the focal point of my work and the measurement of KKAM’s success.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Robert Olson of Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum Is Helping… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.