It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our company’s founder, Robert “Bob” Dumouchel, on July 7th. A true visionary, a serial entrepreneur, a dedicated mentor, and a pillar of the Central Coast business community, Bob’s passing is a tremendous loss for all who knew him. He was 72.
True to his character, Bob could never retire. He spent his final day engaged in the work he loved, facilitating a Softec event and contributing to the community he was so passionate about building.
Bob was a genuine pioneer in digital marketing. In 2003, he founded our company, originally as Systems and Marketing Solutions, making it one of the very first to offer Pay-Per-Click management for Google AdWords and among the first to be certified.
A serial entrepreneur since 1988, Bob formed and served as CEO for five businesses. His remarkable business acumen was recognized nationally when one of his companies made the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies two years in a row (1993 and 1994). Another of his ventures was selected by IBM as a Premier Business Partner, placing it in the top 5% of IBM Business Partners worldwide.
Bob’s impact on the Central Coast community is immeasurable. He was a driving force behind Softec, the nonprofit trade organization for our region’s technology firms, and a founder of the Central Coast CEO Roundtables, fostering leadership and growth among local businesses.
A fierce advocate for education, Bob started the initiative to support high school robotics on the Central Coast, an effort that has directly contributed to our region becoming a strong contender in national robotics leagues. As a founding mentor of the Eagle Robotics Team at Arroyo Grande High School, he inspired countless young students.
His compassion was as notable as his business success. While running Systems and Marketing Solutions, Bob worked with a local women’s shelter to provide employment opportunities for at-risk women who had recently moved to the area to escape dangerous situations, offering them a chance for a new start.
With a background that blended technology, marketing, and sales, Bob had a unique and fascinating way of seeing the world. This vibrant perspective was often on display in his signature bright-colored, button-up shirts—a familiar and welcome sight to all who knew him. He was a strong advocate for entrepreneurship and a generous mentor to many. His leadership, innovation, and deep commitment to his community have left an indelible mark.
He is survived by his wife, Robin Dumouchel, and sons, Robert Dumouchel II and Ryan Dumouchel.
We are honored to carry on his legacy at Torchlight Marketing. He will be deeply missed.