Robert Skandalaris is an entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist who has founded several public and private companies, including a technology-based company that became the largest supplier of laser-welded blanks. He also founded the corporate investor Quantum Ventures of Michigan, LLC, a family office specializing in the acquisition and development of middle-market firms. Previously, he co-founded the Private Bank LLC, built an international investment firm to more than $2.0 billion in assets under management, and was a director and shareholder of a private equity firm.

Bob is the author of "The Evolution of the American Dream" and "Rebuilding the American Dream", both of which examine the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship to the American way of life. He strongly believes that technology and innovation are changing the way we think, learn, and live, and his books explore the way these changes will impact our future, both as a nation and as individuals. An active philanthropist, he established the highly regarded Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Washington University in St. Louis, as well as the Skandalaris Family Foundation which grants scholarships to college students.