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
Building the Future of BES: Inside the School Renovation with Milestone
In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, we bring trades, kids, and community together to highlight the renovation at Barnstead Elementary School. Sixth-grader and co-host Amity Authier sits down with Brett Hupfer (Job Superintendent) and Matt Beaulieu (Project Manager) from Milestone Engineering & Construction to ask the questions every student is curious about: What exactly is being built? How long will it take? What’s the biggest machine on site?
Brett and Matt walk us through the gymnasium addition, new science labs, classrooms, and even a brand-new kitchen, all while explaining the behind-the-scenes work it takes to keep the project on track and safe for students. Along the way, Amity gets a first-hand look at how math, teamwork, and the trades come together to build the future of her school.
This is the first episode in our special series on the BES renovation — a project that blends construction, community, and the student voice.
