Off The Gravel Road
Off the Gravel Road
Robb Ellis is a husband, father, grandfather, educator, tradesman, and public servant with a deep-rooted commitment to small-town life and hands-on learning. Born in Los Angeles, California, Robb moved to Vermont in the 1980s, where he began his first career in law enforcement. After retiring from the field, he transitioned into the plumbing and heating industry—eventually becoming a technical trainer at FIA, where he now helps shape the next generation of skilled trades professionals across New England.
Robb’s journey has taken him through Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, and now New Hampshire—where he and his wife Kristen have lived for many years. Married for over 31 years, they’ve raised three sons and are now proud grandparents to two granddaughters.
In addition to his work at FIA, Robb serves on the Barnstead Select Board and as an ex officio member of the zoning board, where he brings a grounded, practical voice to local governance. He’s also the force behind Storer Ranch and Cow Camp, rural education initiatives rooted in soil health, regenerative agriculture, and trades-based learning. Through programs like the Storer Ranchers 4-H Club and partnerships with local schools, Robb is helping rural youth gain real-world skills and a sense of stewardship for the land.
Having lived in small towns across New England, Robb has come to appreciate their quiet differences and shared spirit. Off the Gravel Road, his podcast, explores what makes these communities tick—sharing conversations from porches, pastures, and town halls that reflect the values, humor, and grit of life beyond the pavement.
Off The Gravel Road
Off the Gravel Road Podcast Trailer
Welcome to Off the Gravel Road. I'm Rob Ellis, quasi rancher educator, select board member, zoning board rep, and part of the team at FIA where we work on the systems that keep communities running. This podcast is about rural life, the land, the people, and the challenges we face when we're trying to do the right thing for both. We'll talk about soil health and cover crops, but we'll also talk about town budgets after school programs, and why zoning laws matter more than most people think. Each episode you'll hear from folks doing the work, farmers, educators, engineers, mostly kids, and maybe even your neighbor. So pull off the gravel road. Settle in and join me. First episode. Drops soon.
