For much of his life, Bob Grandhas occupied rooms where important decisions were made. He has worked alongside some of Indiana's most influential political leaders, led one of the largest law firms in the country, and helped shape organizations.
Yet, what made the biggest difference in Bob’s life doesn’t point to his accomplishments, but to the people who showed up for him.
Raised in Munster, Indiana, Bob grew up in a hardworking blue-collar family. His father worked in the steel industry; much of his extended family worked on the railroad. Life wasn’t always easy. His parents divorced when he was in high school, and his father's later health struggles created additional challenges.
Looking back, Bob says he was "raised by the village." Teachers, coaches, church members, and community leaders stepped into his life at critical moments. Among them was John Friend, Munster's athletic director and football coach, who became one of Bob’s most influential mentors.
Friend gave him jobs, guidance, and perspective. When Bob considered quitting basketball at Wabash College, Friend reminded him why he was there. "We didn't send you to Wabash to go to the NBA," he told him. "We sent you to Wabash to go to law school." This reframed Bob’s mindset.
He realized he was not guaranteed a college education, and attending Wabash College seemed almost impossible financially. When he was concerned about how he would pay for school, several respected mentors promised that if money became the obstacle, they would help.
That support gave direction to Bob’s life and put him on a positive trajectory. He attended Wabash, earned his law degree through Indiana University, and began a career that would exceed anything he had hoped for.
While attending law school, Bob accepted an opportunity to work for then-Lieutenant Governor Bob Orr, who was running for governor, launching him into public service and political leadership. What began as a temporary opportunity became a defining chapter in his life.
As Bob worked closely with influential leaders such as Governor Orr and U.S. Senator Richard Lugar, his experiences taught him lessons he lives by today: surround yourself with talented people, seek diverse perspectives, and never stop learning from younger generations.
Professionally, Bob spent decades at Barnes & Thornburg, eventually serving as managing partner of the Indianapolis office and eventually was elected firm managing partner. When he joined the firm in 1987, it employed roughly 100 attorneys. By the time he retired from leadership, the firm had grown to approximately 600 lawyers with offices across the country.
Yet Bob remains quick to reject the notion of being self-made. "I got a lot of breaks," he says. He believes his success was built on the generosity, mentorship, and encouragement of others. And because of his belief, service has defined his life.
More than three decades ago, he became involved with Camp Little Red Door, an organization that sends children with cancer to a week-long camp staffed by oncology doctors and nurses. What began as a short-term commitment evolved into a 36-year labor of love. Under Bob's leadership and fundraising efforts, the organization's golf tournament has grown dramatically. When Bob first began working with the tournament, it funded camp experiences for approximately 35 children, but it now supports nearly 100 campers annually.
Bob’s commitment to service extends throughout Indianapolis. He was involved in the early days of Outreach, a ministry serving homeless youth. Thought it began as a small effort helping a few dozen young people, it has grown into an organization serving more than a thousand youth annually.
These experiences reinforced something Bob has long believed: communities flourish when people are willing to invest in others. And that’s what Citizen 7 does. Bob's involvement with Citizen 7 grew out of a longtime friendship with founder Don Palmer.
He believes the organization seeks to encourage Christian men to become engaged leaders in their communities. Although Bob is more of an advisor than a regular participant, he is committed to the organization's mission and how it serves Indianapolis.
What excites him most is its focus on younger leaders. Having spent decades mentoring emerging professionals, Bob believes one of the greatest responsibilities of leadership is preparing the next generation.
When aspiring professionals ask Bob about his success, his best answer is, "I just showed up." For Bob, showing up means being dependable: returning phone calls, keeping commitments, arriving prepared, and following through on responsibilities.
Faith, a constant presence throughout Bob's life, has helped him learn to show up. Raised Methodist before joining the Presbyterian church, he has spent decades serving congregations and seeking ways to put his faith into action.
His wife, Melody, has been beside him through the journey. Married since 1981, they raised two successful sons and now enjoy being grandparents to two young granddaughters.
Ask Bob what he's proudest of today, and he probably won't start with his career. Success is more about the people he has helped and encouraged and the example he sets. Whether mentoring young professionals, supporting charitable organizations, serving his church, or leading national organizations like Beta Theta Pi, he remains focused on one goal: helping others discover their potential.
As Bob reflects on lessons he has learned, the one he returns to most often is remarkably simple: Success begins by showing up.
And once you find success, he encourages, find a way to help someone else along the journey.
Q & A
How did you land in Indy? Made a lot of connections there while in law school and decided to stay.