R. Bob Smith III, PhD

R. Bob Smith III, PhD, is the Executive Chairman and Founder of PAR, Inc. 

Bob and his wife, Cathy, started the company in 1978 with two products, the scoring keys and profile forms for supplemental scales of the MMPI. From the beginning, Bob determined that regular communication with customers and outstanding customer service would be two qualities that would distinguish PAR from competitors. Excellent customer service has long been a core value of the company, from answering the phones with a live person to fulfilling orders on the day of receipt, responding to customer email inquiries within 24 hours, and providing error-free shipments. Today, PAR is a leading publisher of assessment resources and digital products including the PARiConnect online testing platform developed to meet the needs of professionals in psychology, counseling, education, and health care, and which are sold and licensed throughout the world. Bob continues to provide broad strategic leadership, governance, and consultation to the company by looking at current trends within the industry and business environment. 

Prior to founding PAR, Bob served as a staff psychologist at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Tampa, Florida, and was in private practice as a clinical psychologist from 1975 until 1986. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the United States International University in San Diego in 1970 and obtained his PhD in psychology from the State University of New York at Albany in 1973. Bob and Cathy are involved in a number of organizations in the community including Meals On Wheels, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Lifepath Hospice, the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa Preparatory School, and the University of Tampa.