Robert J. Duke is a native of Parkersburg, West Virginia, who owns and operates several businesses based in the state. Drawing on his background in computer science and hardware engineering, Robert builds products and experiences rooted in his home city.

He runs 4th Co., a company that develops smart infrastructure products for municipalities and private businesses. He also founded and operates duke bikes, which is bringing a fully custom, automated bike share program to Parkersburg. Bike share programs like this are usually found only in large cities, and Duke Bikes aims to show that a smaller community like Parkersburg can have one too.

Robert also owns Robert J. Duke Holdings, which he hopes to use for charitable giving in the future.