Bob Kent is truly an example of American diversity. Born in Japan to Yaeko Takizawa and Bill Kent, a U.S. soldier, Bob’s early years were spent at military bases around the world. He attended college at Brigham Young University, majoring in Zoology. While at BYU he joined the Army Reserve Officer Training Program. Seeking a connection with his father’s Native American roots, Bob became a member of the Tribe of Many Feathers, a Multi-cultural Student Organization of Brigham Young University composed of representatives from various Indian nations.

Bob began his career in 1973 working as a public health investigator in Monterey County. This experience led to a job as a communicable disease specialist in Solano County. While there he worked to combat the spread of infectious diseases through diligent epidemiological analysis. He continued his service to the public as a peace officer for the Seaside, California Police Department.

In 1979, Bob and his brother Tom founded Phoenix Associates, a corporate training and development firm. Their focus was to help companies in the United States compete effectively in the highly competitive Pacific Rim market. From its humble beginning in an apartment to its large offices today, Phoenix Associates employs more than 120 people and has a client list of more than one hundred Fortune 500 companies. Considered an American success story, Phoenix Associates is lauded as one of the dominant players in the Japanese American corporate training and development market today.

Bob, has been a community activist wherever he is. At present, he is a member of the California Democratic Party’s Executive Board. Bob served as Chairperson of the Sutter County Democratic Central Committee. He formerly served as president of the Japan Chapter of the Japanese American Citizen’s League, and is currently a Life Member. Bob also served as a board member of the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California. He was active in the successful effort to pass Measure S, the Yuba City school bond measure, as well as efforts to bring the Calpine energy plant to Sutter County providing 250 well-paying jobs to local residents.

Bob has set-up a number of programs designed to help troubled youth. These include both boxing and judo programs. This effort resulted in taking at-risk youths off the streets and channeling their energies in a positive direction. To assist in these efforts, Bob brought his own experience as a judo practitioner (4th degree black belt) and record as an amateur boxer (58-2, 40 by KO). While living in Monterey, Bob taught judo for several years at the Monterey Buddhist Church. In the past Bob also coached basketball, soccer and was active in the Boy Scouts of America.

Bob’s greatest pride is his family: his wife Carol and their seven children. Tom, Sarah and Beverly have followed their father into the Pacific Rim business. Jason is in Taipei, Taiwan and Jennifer is in Tokyo, Japan, on missions for their church. Lauren and Aryn the youngest, live at home.

In addition to being the Democratic nominee for the 3rd Congressional Office in California he has been endorsed by the California Democratic Party, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, Governor Gray Davis, and former Congressman Vic Fazio, who represented the 3rd District for 20 years and other elected, business and community leaders.