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 Parent Who Builds: Nicole & Chloe Leonard on Family, Work, and the BES Renovation
In this episode of Off the Gravel Road, we bring both the parent and student voice to the microphone. Nicole Leonard, Human Resource Coordinator and Project Manager Assistant at Milestone Engineering & Construction, shares what it’s like to support the Barnstead Elementary renovation behind the scenes while also being a BES parent.
Joining her is her daughter, Chloe, a sixth grader and classmate of student co-host Amity Authier. Together, they talk about balancing work and family, the excitement of seeing the new gym and science labs take shape, and what it means to be part of a project that will serve their whole community.
Nicole gives us a look into the organization and teamwork it takes to manage a major school project, while Chloe reminds us what the changes mean from a student’s perspective. This conversation captures exactly what Off the Gravel Road is about — trades, kids, and community, with the student voice at the center.
