Robert J. Bobb, B.S. '69 | WMU Alumni Skip to main content

Robert J. Bobb, B.S. '69

Robert J. Bobb, B.S. '69

Before making his name in the business world, Bobb accomplished himself in the field of law. After graduating from WMU, he went on to earn his Doctor of Law degree from The University of Notre Dame in 1972. He then served as a law clerk to the Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Court, Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Trial Division, and an attorney at Hopkins & Sutter.

Since 1978, Bobb has been a principal equity investor in small to middle market companies engaged in real estate development, financial services, beverage distribution, trucking, steel processing, construction, and agriculture. Such investments have included start-ups, turnarounds, and acquisitions from both private and public sellers. In all of these endeavors, Bobb served as CEO or Chairman of the Board.

In addition to these private investments, Bobb and a partner formed Cardinal Growth L.P., a small business investment company, in 2000. Cardinal, of which Bobb serves as its chairman, is a $100 million fund investing in small to middle market companies and is located in Chicago.

A life member of the WMU Alumni Association, Bobb has maintained close ties to his alma mater. He is currently serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Western Michigan University Foundation and as a member of the Advisory Board of the Haworth College of Business.