“Hey TJ, can I call you back? I just arrived at my house that got destroyed in the storm, and folks are here to review the damage.” I was stunned. Rodney and I were just catching up on something that suddenly felt trivial. This was 2019, his home had been hit by a tornado a few days earlier and they were getting settled in temporary housing. Yet despite the chaos, he stayed on the call when he could have easily rescheduled. 

Now, while I rebuild after the Palisades Fire while balancing work commitments, I have a new appreciation for the poise he showed that day. 

One of the early employees at Asurion, Rodney has guided its Business Development function for over 25 years, evolving it from a small startup into the world’s largest tech care company. It now boasts of 17 thousand employees serving some of the biggest brands (including Amazon, AT&T, Verizon) in more than a dozen countries.

Rodney’s personal warmth shines through when he’s helping people understand the genuine power of trusted business relationships. His approach is driven by empathy and authenticity. Over time, he’s refined this through workshops—ranging from executive sessions at the University of Texas at Austin to audiences comprising of leaders in sales, business development, client success, government relations and fund raising. He reminds us that relationships aren’t just about products or services; they hinge on trust, clarity, and human connection.

For Rodney, the goal isn’t to make everyone the same—it’s about helping participants discover and enhance their own styles, whether they’re building new partnerships or repairing existing ones. While he’s putting the finishing touches on his website, Rodney keeps designing workshops that let people stay true to themselves yet become stronger communicators. The result? Relationships that extend far beyond transactions, leading to success that truly lasts.

About The Series

This is the sixteenth installment in the “One Expert, One Topic” series, where field experts select a topic and share essential insights using Matt Abrahams’ What/So-What/Now-What format. Presented in written form, it allows you more time to absorb the topic and guides you on where to go for further learning. Writing is both challenging and time-consuming; we are grateful to our contributors for sharing their wisdom in this format.

What

Business is about relationships. Deals don’t happen just because of a great product or pricing—they happen because of trust, authenticity, and strong connections.

Rodney has spent over 20 years in business development, and he’s seen firsthand that the difference between success and failure often comes down to relationships. It’s not about transactional networking. It’s about building, maintaining, and strengthening real business relationships—ones that last beyond a single deal.

His workshops focus on this exact topic: how to develop trusted, authentic business relationships that drive real results. He’s taught this at top universities and inside companies, helping professionals build better connections with clients, stakeholders, and partners.

So What

Why does this matter now more than ever?

1. AI and digital communication are changing everything – Messaging, automation, and AI are making communication more efficient. But efficiency isn’t the same as trust. The more digital our interactions become, the more critical real relationships become.
2. Deals happen because of people, not just products – Every industry talks about partnerships, but many still think in terms of P&L first. The reality? People connect first, then the business follows. Rodney’s workshops focus on building that foundation.
3. One size doesn’t fit all – Universities teach general business relationship skills, but every industry has its own language, challenges, and dynamics. That’s why Rodney’s customized workshops work—because they focus on the specific needs of your industry, your company, and your role.
4. It’s not just about making new connections – Rodney teaches how to:
   • Build new relationships
   • Strengthen existing ones
   • Repair damaged ones
   • Reignite dormant ones
5. Each requires a different approach, and his workshops give professionals the toolkit to do it right.

At the end of the day, trust drives revenue. Strong relationships create repeat business, referrals, and long-term partnerships. If you don’t invest in this, you’re leaving opportunities on the table.

Now What

Where to go from here?

• Rodney’s Workshops – These are offered in two ways:
  • Custom Sessions for Companies & Trade Associations – Tailored workshops designed for your team, industry, and business needs.
  • University Executive Programs – Available at University of Texas at Austin.
• How to Get Involved
  • Website: http://www.rodneyschlosser.com/ 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodney-schlosser-a912a5/
  • Email – info@RodneySchlosser.com
• Resources & Further Learning
  • Rodney curates a library of books, research, and case studies based on the workshop topic and audience.
  • Every session includes pre-read materials, in-workshop discussions, and post-workshop recommendations to help participants apply what they’ve learned.

Rodney’s message is simple: People don’t do business with companies. They do business with people they trust. If you want to build better relationships—and better business—his workshops are where to start.