Bob Krause might seem like a golf pro who never left the course — but he’s actually more than that. As Business Development Advisor for Trion Solutions, Krause has turned his passion for golf into a powerful tool for business development and relationship building.
His story is not just about fairways and birdies — it’s a lesson in connection, trust and the simple magic of spending a few hours on the course.
Krause’s journey began at 16, when he picked up a club at Maple Lane Golf Club in Sterling Heights. “It just came to me naturally,” he says.
After a self-taught start, Krause went pro in 1990 and spent a decade on mini tours across the country — living out of his car, surviving on Taco Bell burritos and granola bars while chasing a dream with relentless belief.
He played with legends like John Daly, Bernhard Langer and Ernie Els. One of his proudest moments was shooting an 11-under-par 61 at the Reno Tahoe Pro-Am — an unforgettable round that reminded him what was possible when talent meets timing.
But when Krause eventually stepped away from tour life, he wasn’t leaving golf behind. He was just getting started with a different kind of game.
Now a respected golf instructor at the Detroit Athletic Club and a familiar face in dozens of elite charity tournaments each year, Krause uses golf to break down walls and build authentic relationships.
“Golf is the international language,” he says. “You talk about it at weddings, at business dinners, even at funerals. It connects people in a way few other things do.”
It was one of those charity outings that changed the trajectory of Krause’s career. Former NFL star Braylon Edwards had invited him to play but couldn’t make it at the last minute. So, Krause was asked to join another group — one that included Trion President and Co-Founder David Stone and Trion Chief Operating Officer Craig Vanderburg. They were immediately impressed.
Weeks later, Krause was in their office — he thought to discuss sponsorships for the golf documentary he was creating. Instead, he was asked to join the Trion team as a business development executive.
“They said, ‘Let’s not just support your project. Let’s make you part of what we’re building,’” he recalls.
Trion relieves the stress and burden of managing payroll and other HR functions so business owners can stay focused on their core business. Trion, with national headquarters based in Troy, has more than 1,000 corporate clients spread throughout all 50 states.
For Krause, success at Trion starts with relationships, his greatest strength. In his role, he’s found the freedom to grow new business by doing what he loves most—building trust on and off the golf course.
“I’m not a traditional sales guy,” he says. “I’m a relationship person. If we become friends and you ever need payroll or HR services, I’ll have a solution in Trion. If not, we’ll still play golf.”
Living that philosophy, he has brought Trion partnerships with major brands, including Joe Vicari Restaurant Group and Jimmy John's. More importantly, it’s earned Krause deep, lasting friendships that happen to connect to business.
One of those relationships is the man Krause calls his business mentor: Jeff Caponigro, Executive Vice President–Corporate Communications and Chief Marketing Officer for Trion.
“Bob has an extensive network and is held in high regard,” Jeff says. “Golf is one of those rare spaces where you quickly learn whether you’d want to do business with someone. Bob’s honesty and likability stand out — on the course and in the office — which makes him an ideal representative of Trion.”
For Krause, the golf course is a proving ground for character. “You can’t fake it out there,” he says. “That’s why it works.”
Krause believes any business leader can use golf — or something like it — to explore new ways to build rapport that leads to business. “Whether it's on the course or over coffee, the key is to be real,” he says.
So while Bob Krause may have traded tour life for business meetings and client rounds, he’s never strayed far from the fairway. In fact, you could say he’s still chasing wins — only now, they look a lot more like handshakes than trophies.
And in the world of business and golf, that’s the kind of score that really matters.
PRO TIP: HITTING OUT OF THE ROUGH
Here’s a pro tip from Bob Krause, Trion Solutions Business Development Advisor, at Walnut Creek Golf Club: When you’re in thick rough chipping onto the green, but hitting into heavy tree cover, play the ball mid-stance with a little weight forward. Hinge your wrists early, keep the finish short, and use a 9-iron instead of a wedge to keep the shot low. It’s a tough spot — but evaluate, adjust and get out clean so you can enjoy the round.
Catch more tips from Krause on “Teeing It Up With Bob Krause” on WXYZ-TV Local 7, sponsored by Trion Solutions.