After conducting a qualitative study of workplace culture and job satisfaction, I compiled my preliminary research and went to an interview with Bob himself. It proved FAR more eye-opening than any other source of info. Per the data gathered, he comes across as smart and transparent, ie genuinely empathetic and invested in both employee and business success.
However I declined any further contact with this company despite my initial interest, and seeming core compatibilities. Office politics are too deeply embedded in the culture, the compensation too meager, to warrant commitment.
Specifically, in response to a five year employee's anonymous report of what sounded like malicious, patently false gossip about a group of leaders, Bob shocked me by confirming the unbelievable report to be TRUE. Then, I was absolutely blown away when instead of stating the discipline of the bullies, up to and including immediate firing, he went on to defend on record these individuals. He clearly placed his loyalties in the camp of those promoting a hostile, potentially discriminatory and harassing work environment. That camp is on a slippery slope, maybe not in the somewhat admirable if misguided grace and forgiveness heavy view of at least one high ranking leader, but certainly as defined by California and federal employment laws. Particularly when Bob adds a threat of transfer or demotion (retaliation) for the five year veteran whistle blower.