Anderson joined his father L.W. "Andy" Anderson in Standard Plywoods Inc. following his graduation from Northwestern University in 1950. The younger Anderson was responsible for steering the company into the wood flooring business in 1954. Upon the death of his father in 1967, Bob took over sole control of the company.

Anderson established the Anderson wood flooring brand in 1978. He relinquished day-to-day control upon his retirement in 1992, but remained a guiding influence on the company until his death.

"He was a contemporary of Charlie Tibbals, Allen Harris and Sykes Harris - other pioneers in the American wood flooring business. He was very proud of the fact that, after more than five decades, we are one of the last private, successful family owned and operated wood flooring businesses," said Don Finkell, current company president.

Anderson is survived by his wife Dolores, four daughters, eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.