Retail 2024: ROBERT A. ‘BOB’ ARCHER

Archer’s career began after earning a business degree from Virginia Tech in 1969, followed immediately by military service and a tour in Vietnam.

Upon his discharge in 1972, Archer was named general manager and vice president of Blue Ridge Beverage, the wholesale beer, wine and nonalcoholic distributorship his family has owned and operated since 1959. He became chairman and CEO in 2001. Jacqueline Archer, his sister, was promoted to president and CEO in November 2023, after having served as president and chief operating officer. The business employs about 520 people.

Along the way, Archer retired from the Army Reserve in 1999 after 30 years of service. He was inducted into the Army ROTC Hall of Fame in 2021 and received the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Distinguished Alumni award in 2020.

Archer serves on the boards of the Virginia War Memorial Foundation and the Roanoke Higher Education Center Foundation. He and his wife, Sandra, have three children.

HOBBY/PASSION: Photography. My wife and I enjoy world travel, and I personally drive people crazy with my camera.

BOOK THAT MADE AN IMPACT ON ME: “Vietnam: An Epic Tragedy, 1945-1975,” by Max Hastings