By Steve Rhodes
I spotted Limo Bob in this series of photos titled “America’s Obscene Wealth, In Pictures” and wondered how this character had escaped my attention.
The caption: “Limo Bob” builds, sells, and rents out limos in Chicago. His fleet includes a 100-foot-long limo and one made from a Boeing 727. He wears 33 pounds of gold jewelry on his hands and neck.
I had to know more.
*
“On June 16th, 1958, Robert J. Strauser (‘Limo Bob’) was born into this world of good times and hard times,” his website says.
“He made – and lost – two fortunes. He rose up from the ashes of defeat and built Star Limo, Inc., his third successful Limo business (and his third fortune) that he enjoys today. This is his story, where fact is often stranger than fiction . . . God Bless America & the limo world! (Looking forward to Gracing the cover of your magazine) wearing the full 33 pounds of Gold & Diamonds and the Mike Tyson Fur Coat!”
*
Merch.
*
*
Tampa Bay Times: Reality TV, And A Dose Of Reality, For Limo Bob.
“He said he amassed a fleet of lawn mowers at age 13; took over his father’s limo business five years later; fled Chicago for Florida after someone (he suspects the mob) started blowing up his limos; resurrected his limo business in Chicago a few years later and lost it again, this time in a business deal that Bob claims was a scam.”
*
Winona Post: Limo Bob’s Son Featured On MTV Program.
“Strauser, it turned out, had an MTV crew heading to his Chicago neighborhood to film Bobby’s birthday party . . . ”
*
Chicago Tribune: Ride Sometimes Bumpy For Limo Bob.
“Mike Tyson rode with us and gave me a fur coat. Bob Hope gave me 24-carat gold martini glasses with `Thanks for the Memories’ on them,” Strauser said. “I probably have stuff in my house from over 300 celebrities. I love the limelight and the stardom.”
*
E!: Limo Bob’s Life Is A Full-Time Vacation Now.
*
Limo Bob On TLC’s Brides of Beverly Hills.
*
Limo Bob pilot.
*
Limo Bob’s YouTube channel.
–
Comments welcome.
Posted on May 23, 2017