Bob is a businessman from the Metropolis. Bob Rickman was trapped in a car during the meteor shower and he acquired the gift of persuasion. When Rickman shakes hands with a person he has complete control over them. He is seeking to buy the Kent Farm. Rickman goes to see Mr. Kent and using his power he gets him to sign off his farm. Lex Luthor ties up the contract with his lawyers, so Rickman goes to him to talk and instead he shakes Lexs hand, telling him to kill Clark Kent and Kyle Tippet. Kyle and Rickman end up face to face but Kyle being the better salesman coerces Bob to pull the trigger on himself.