Bob grew up on a family farm in Melrose, graduated from Albia High School, and received an Engineering Degree from the University of Iowa. After an Internship in Eddyville, he joined Cargill full time, working in their corn and rice milling operations. After 8 years of night school in Tennessee, Mississippi and Ohio, he received an MBA from the University of Dayton.

Bob left Cargill and founded Sinclair Tractor in 1998. The company evolved beyond its John Deere dealership roots, became a Napa Auto Parts dealer, created a computer repair business, founded an agronomic consulting company and most recently added a supply business serving butchers, repair shops, offices and restaurants. Today Sinclair Tractor has 16 Locations in southeast Iowa.