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
“A Life Well Built: My Father, Bob Ellis”
In this very special episode of Off the Gravel Road, host Robb Ellis sits down with his father, Bob Ellis, to capture a remarkable life story. From growing up in Massachusetts with deep roots in Prince Edward Island, to serving in the Coast Guard, building a career in construction and consulting, and even running the Arlington Inn in Vermont, Bob shares the experiences that shaped him across nearly nine decades.
Alongside tales of hard work and adventure, he reflects on 57 years of marriage, raising three sons, and the pride of watching his family grow to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren. With wisdom, humor, and honesty, Bob offers a perspective on how America has changed, what has stayed the same, and the lessons he hopes future generations will carry forward.
This episode is more than family history — it’s a legacy of resilience, love, and the values that stand the test of time.
