For more than 20 years, Bob was the proud owner, alongside his wife Valerie, of two thriving dealerships in Ohio. His journey began in 1964 when he bought his first motorcycle from Hall of Famer Dick Klamfoth.  Never knowing his avocation would become his vocation, he acquired the landmark A.D. Farrow Harley-Davidson. Under his leadership, it expanded into three successful establishments in the greater Columbus area.

Bob's dealerships consistently earned Top 100 honors for 17 consecutive years (until he was ineligible to compete due to his acquisition of DealerNews). With a passion for motorcycles spanning over six decades, Bob is not just a dealership owner but also an avid industry historian.

His dedication to preserving motorcycle history is evident in his acquisition of the Heroes of Harley-Davidson exhibit from the American Motorcyclist Association. His museum quality motorcycle collection stands as a testament to his commitment to preserving the heritage and culture of the motorcycle community.

Bob Althoff was honored with the prestigious Don J. Brown Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. This accolade acknowledges his significant contributions to the motorcycle  industry and underscores his impact on both the local community and the broader world of motorcycles.

As a Founding Director of the NPDA, Bob was honored to be unanimously elected to serve as the Association's first Board Chairman in 2021 and continues to shape the landscape of the motorcycle industry that has meant so much to him over the course of his life. He came Immediate Past Chairman of the NPDA in 2025.