I’ve often wondered if a former Michigan Governor got the idea for his slogan of “relentless positive action” from my long running friend Bob Rhoa, because that was certainly Bob’s calling card through his many years in the world of business across Michigan’s Great Southwest. Sadly, we’ve learned today that Bob has died this week following a long battle with leukemia.
Bob Rhoa was, at one and the same time, one of the softest spoken yet decidedly driven men I have ever met in my nearly 50 years in this community. He was the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Marana Group which he started in 1977 under the previous name of Lake Michigan Mailers. His son, David Rhoa, who now anchors the business as leader, says that Bob died yesterday, Monday, March 8th, at the age of 77.
I’ve always loved the story of the start-up of Lake Michigan Mailers because, as the story lives on at the company website, “It started, as most good things do, at a folding card table.”
In 1977, Bob and Karen Rhoa used the metal Samsonite table and benches in their St. Joseph, Michigan, basement to launch Lake Michigan Mailers, Inc. Their idea was to assist businesses with mailing services.
The Rhoas’ first client was a customer experimenting with cutting-edge technology: cable television. Lake Michigan Mailers worked one week each month to distribute cable program guides and invoices to their client’s subscribers.
Today, the table and benches – dubbed the “good mojo table” – serve as a spot for cleaning supplies in the company’s warehouse.
A lot has changed since those basement days in the 1970s — both in the size of the company and the work they do. But some important things have remained constant: Lake Michigan Mailers — now Marana Group — has been a family owned and managed company for decades, partnering with clients of all sizes to accomplish their data, document, and distribution needs. Since 1977, the Rhoa family has built a business rooted in personal service, flexible support, and innovative solutions.
David Rhoa has posted to the corporate Facebook page the following message:
Marana Group mourns the passing of company co-founder, and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Rhoa. Bob passed away March 8, 2021 following a more than four-year battle with leukemia. He was 77 years old.
Bob founded the company with his wife, Karen, in the basement of their Saint Joseph, Michigan home in 1977. Bob was a consummate salesman and worked tirelessly to build long-lasting relationships with customers throughout the United States.
While Bob had retired from daily operations several years ago, he continued to serve as an advisor to the Company in his role as Chief Executive Officer. Those who knew Bob would agree that he was a man of great honor, charity, and continuous enthusiasm.
Final arrangements are still pending. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Bob’s memory to one or more of the following:
- Lake Michigan Catholic Schools, 915 Pleasant St, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
- Caring Circle, 4025 Health Park Lane, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
- Berrien County Cancer Service, Inc., 3900 Hollywood Road St. Joseph, MI 49085
Family ownership and management of the company continues with David Rhoa who has served as company president since 1997.
If there is one thing that David Rhoa inherited from his father through the years, it is that same demeanor of a soft spoken yet decidedly driven approach to life and business and he has carried the business to amazing new heights through adaptation and innovation since taking the helm.
Marana, by the way, is the Irish word for “think,” and the word “group” suggests a team. Therefore, consider Marana Group to equal “Think Team.” As David has been known to say, “This name reflects who we are today and who we will be in the future — unrestricted, dynamic, and adaptable.”
Sadly, however, the Think Team has lost a valued mentor and leader, but will carry on with relentless positive action.
Bob’s obituary has not been published as yet, but we will share that here when it is released.
