Founding Chair and CEO Nicolet Bankshares a NYSE listed banking company (NIC). Nicolet provides comprehensive retail, commercial and wealth management services across 55 locations in Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota. Nicolet has grown from a start-up bank in 2000 to the second largest Wisconsin based banking institution. The company holds $8.3 Billion in assets and has provided a cumulative return to shareholders exceeding 1,000% since its founding. Nicolet has successfully acquired over 10 banking institutions since 2012. This includes distressed and failing banks as well as multiple public and privately owned banks. Bob stepped down as Chairman in December 2023 and continues as a board member and advisor.
Bob serves on many private company boards including as Lead Director at Ariens Company in Brillion Wisconsin, a fifth-generation manufacturer of outdoor power equipment. He is a director and shareholder at Great Northern Corporation in Neenah, Wisconsin, a privately owned manufacturer of packaging and displays. He is a shareholder and board member of Albert Lea Seed House, a fourth-generation family company that is the largest provider of organic corn and soybean seed in the United States. He is Chairman of Cash Depot, a financial services transaction processor serving retailers across the United States. He is also a board member of Gemplers Inc, Jet Out and Promotion Management Inc.
He has been active in numerous not-for-profit organizations. He is co-founder and a current board member of Relevant Radio, a Catholic radio network which owns over 140 radio stations and broadcasts over many network affiliates. He has served 7 years as a member of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents. He also serves on the Board of the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in Champion Wisconsin, which is the only approved apparition site in the United States of Mary the Mother of God.
Bob holds a BA from Beloit College and Masters from Yale University. He and his wife Sally have 11 children and 13 grandchildren (so far).