Spartan Profiles: Robert Skandalaris

HIS SUCCESS IS NOBLE

            Since Noble International, Ltd., Warren, was founded in 1993, it has grown to become North America’s largest laser welder of engineered blanks—single steel panels created by the bonding of various metals.  It generates $250 million in annual sales and employs 3,500 in more than 20 states.  Founder and CEO Robert Skandalaris, ’74, however, hails from a background in finance. 

            “I’ve always loved investing,” says Skandalaris.  “I started investing in college, investing in silver futures and small stocks.”  After several years with Touche Ross & Co., he joined Prudential-Bache and established a financial planning group for professionals. 

             In 1987 he bought Acorn Asset Management and became a shareholder of The Oxford Investment Group, Inc.  “I was interested in focusing my energy on my passion, investing in under-managed securities,” says Robert.  “Oxford completed over 20 acquisitions, we started a few banks and Acorn grew to over $2.5 billion in assets under management.  I sold my interests in these entities in 1993 to start Noble.” 

            A native of Detroit, Bob and his three brothers all followed his father in attending MSU.  “I loved MSU,” says Bob, who met wife Julie on campus. 

            He loves Spartan football and served in Ron Mason’s advisory committee during the football coach search.  As a student, he remembers many professors, most notably (the late) Walter Adams.  “To me, he defined the word ‘smart,’” he says.  “He was always available.  I was initially lucky at investing, but Professor Adams introduced me to the concept of ultimate failure if I continued to invest without proper fundamental knowledge.” 

            Bob and Julie have established a family foundation that provides scholarships to potential future leaders, and currently about 20 of them are at MSU. 

             Not all his memories of MSU are about academics, however.  He remembers all the streaking in the 1970s.  “I tell my children, two of whom currently attend college, that I did not participate in these activities,” he admits with a chuckle.  “I was merely an observer, albeit a willing and enthusiastic one.”