About Our Company

As a family-owned business, we know that relationships are one of the most important aspects of our company. We cherish the relationships that we’ve built with all our Team Members and customers. Thank you for being a part of our family throughout our 50-year history!

Our History

1970s… Bob Barker graduated from Campbell University in 1965 and began his career as publisher/editor of his own newspaper, Western Wake Herald, in Apex, North Carolina. He became the town’s mayor in 1972 was elected state senator and served until 1974. Eventually, Bob sold his newspaper business and got involved selling slushy machines, but as the weather turned cold, he realized he needed to expand his line. By the late 70s, Bob had added chicken fryers, icemakers and many other products to become a full-line restaurant equipment supply company.

1980s… In the early 80s, Bob bought a friend’s small jail supply business and started supplying restaurant supplies along with personal care, bedding, clothing and security equipment to jails in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The company soon expanded sales into the Southeast and started a cut-and-sew operation to manufacture uniforms and mattresses. In1985, the company created and mailed its first full-line catalog throughout the country. In 1986, Bob Barker Company moved headquarters to downtown Fuquay Varina, North Carolina and soon after purchased a building to manufacture metal products. By the end of the 80s the company had grown to 33 employees.

1990s… As business grew, more space was needed for cut-and-sew and distribution so the company built a 200,000 square foot building for these operations. Throughout the 90s, Bob Barker Company brought many new innovative products to the corrections market including a polyester-core mattress which became the industry standard, a triple bunk to help with over crowding, the Van Cell to provide secure and economical prisoner transport, and personal care products in see-through plastic containers to make it impossible to hide contraband. By the late 90s, the company had grown to over 200 employees.

2000s… Throughout the 1990s, Bob Barker’s children, Nancy and Robert, worked in various aspects of the company learning the family business. In 2001, Bob turned over the role of President to his daughter, Nancy. After several years Nancy decided to spend more time with her children and passed the position of President to her brother, Robert. In 2006, Robert led a merger with Leslee Scott, Inc. further growing the company’s product offering to include Officers Only. Today, Robert serves as CEO and Nancy returned to the company and is now serving as COO. Bob Barker serves as Chairman of the Board and Pat continues to play an active role on the company’s Board of Directors.

Bluewater Maritime School

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Bob Barker Inc., Bluewater Maritime School is a U.S. Coast Guard-approved vocational training center based in Jacksonville, Florida. Since 1998, Bluewater has provided easily accessed, skills-based training to help individuals, many of whom face barriers to employment, launch successful maritime careers.

Through a hands-on, three-week program, students gain practical seamanship knowledge and STCW certifications that prepare them for immediate job placement on inland, near-coastal and international waters. With a strong demand for trained maritime workers and a structured, substance-free environment onboard, Bluewater Maritime School’s training programs offer a clear path to stability and self-sufficiency.

The acquisition of Bluewater Maritime School supports Bob Barker Company’s broader mission to reduce recidivism by creating real opportunities for transformation. By equipping individuals with the tools and certifications to succeed, Bluewater Maritime School plays a key role in helping people start fresh and stay out of jail for life. Learn more at maritimeschool.org