PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.—Aftermarket industry veteran Robert R. Schoeberl, a former TBC Corp. board member and consultant, died Sept. 19 at age 77.
Until his recent resignation, Mr. Schoeberl had been an active member of TBC's board of directors, according to the company, and then served in various consulting roles with TBC until his death.
“We have lost a very good friend of the TBC family and of me personally,” said Larry Day, TBC chairman and CEO. “Bob was a great leader, a highly regarded professional, a loving family man and a friend to everyone he met. We will truly miss him.”
Mr. Schoeberl began his career in the automotive retail industry in 1955 when he joined Montgomery Ward & Co. in merchandising and marketing management. After nearly 40 years with that firm, he retired in 1994 as the executive vice president and general merchandise manager of automotive, electronics and appliances.
TBC said his “noteworthy career in retail” led him after retirement to a second career in consulting, where he worked with such companies as Rayovac, Armored AutoGroup's Armorall brand, and Midas Inc.
While with Midas, he served as a lead director, member of the compensation committee, member of the nominating and corporate governance committee, and member of the audit and finance committee at various times between 1998 and 2006.
Mr. Schoeberl was an active member of TBC's board starting in 1995, the company said, adding that he was a member of the board of trustees of Mount Mercy University, the Automotive Aftermarket Foundation, and was the former chairman of Lund Inter-national Holdings Inc.
Bob Hirsch, president of the Aftermarket Foundation, paid tribute to the late Mr. Schoeberl, noting he “was one of those very special guys who is extremely capable, and seem to just exude confidence without even the slightest hint of arrogance.
“Even during intense project efforts, Bob always seemed relaxed. He was naturally likeable and easy to be with, and made the people around him comfortable and willing to follow his lead on pursuits to benefit his fellow man.
“He was an immeasurably valuable resource to the Aftermarket Foundation and he will be sadly missed.”
In honor of Mr. Schoeberl, the board of the Aftermarket Foundation said it will rename its annual golf tournament “The Aftermarket Foundation—Bob Schoeberl Mem-orial Tournament,” and the winners' trophy will be named “The Bob Schoeberl Cup.”
Preceded in death by first wife, Patricia (nee Ferrie), Mr. Schoeberl is survived by his wife Nancy Heche Schoeberl; daughter Elaine (Brett) Trainor; and three grandchildren.