Palm Beach Gardens Lving - October 2026

O C T O B E R 2 0 2 6 | PA L M B E A C H G A R D E N S L I V I N G 11 himself assigned to financial crimes before moving into the Sexual Predator Tracking Unit. “For the first couple of years, I worked there one day a week,” Bob said. “I was a clerk getting records from other law enforcement agencies.” The role grew from there. Friedman began accompanying detectives into the field, assisting the detectives. More than two decades later, his relationship with the Sheriff’s Office remains an important part of his life. The detectives he worked with remain among his closest friends. “Most people don’t understand the professionalism they have,” he said. “While working with the detectives, I met all kinds of people from all walks of life. From billionaires to people so poor that they live literally in the woods. They all had to be monitored, and I was a small part of it. It was so rewarding.” As a result of his dedication, in 2025, Bob was awarded the Honorary Deputy Designation from the Sheriff’s Office. His commitment to the community also comes with a deeply personal connection to Trustbridge. In 2005, Friedman’s nephew Michael died at what was then Hospice of Palm Beach County. Michael had served in the Air Force before returning to Florida, where he was battling cancer. Friedman remembers the experience not only because of the loss, but because of the care his family received. “The whole family could stay here all night if we wanted,” he said. “We could bring in all the food we wanted. We ate here, we sat with him.” That experience stayed with him and ultimately became one of the reasons Friedman chose to serve Trustbridge and its mission. He has served as board chair of the Trustbridge Foundation and still serves on the board. Friedman said when discussing his commitment to the community, “Trustbridge here is an important part of my life.” In fact, his involvement with Trustbridge has gone beyond board service. Friedman has helped develop and support programs and events, including the Country Club Chef Showdown, which began before COVID-19 and has since been reimagined as a showcase featuring chefs from local country clubs and restaurants. Philanthropy, in other words, is not something separate from Friedman’s professional life. It’s part of the same philosophy that has guided him throughout his career, including how he views-and defines-leadership. In discussing leadership, Bob says, “Never ask anyone to do anything you haven't or wouldn't do yourself.” It is a lesson, he said, he has learned through decades in business. Whether that was making cold calls, selling insurance, or managing an organization, he believes leaders must be willing to demonstrate the work themselves. The same principle, he added, applies to honesty. “Tell the truth, whether it's good news or bad news.” Ultimately though, leadership is about credibility. People need to know they can trust what a leader tells them, particularly when the news is difficult. That philosophy was reinforced by one of the most influential leaders in his professional life, Bob Barth, the former president of Equitable Life’s insurance division. Friedman remembers Barth as someone who encouraged him to think beyond what seemed immediately possible. “He said the only difference is that people don't dream big,”