Bob Bolen

Business career Bolen's first business was the Bolen Toy Palace, which opened in the Westcliff Shopping Center in Fort Worth. He later expanded that store into Bolen's Bike World. He also opened approximately twenty Hallmark Cards stores throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex and the San Antonio metropolitan area. In the 1980s, Bolen partnered with a group of businessman and investors to create Cornerstone Investments, firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions.

Political career Bolen was first elected to the Fort Worth City Council in 1979. In 1982, Bolen won a special mayoral election to replace former Fort Worth Mayor Woodie Woods. He supported the redevelopment of downtown Fort Worth as mayor. He also spearheaded the creation of Fort Worth Alliance Airport, which has served as a major catalyst for growth in the region. Bolen successfully persuaded the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to open a currency production facility in Fort Worth. Under Bolen, Fort Worth established its first sister city relationship with Reggio Emilia, Italy. Two years later, Fort Worth established sister city links with Trier, Germany, and Nagaoka, Japan.

Bolen was elected to the board of directors of the National League of Cities in 1985. He also became the President of the Texas Municipal League in 1987. In 1990, Bolen became the President of the National League of Cities.

Bob Bolen retired as Mayor in 1991. He then became an advisor to the chancellor of Texas Christian University.

Bob Bolen died at his home in Fort Worth on the morning of January 6, 2014, at the age of 87. His funeral, which was attended by hundreds, was held at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Fort Worth on January 11, 2014. He was survived by his wife, Fran Bolen; their daughter, Terrie Manning; two sons, Randy Bolen and Ron Bolen; and their foster son, Don Cosby.