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
Back to Gilwell: Why Wood Badge Still Matters
On this episode of Off the Gravel Road, host Malachi Reed sits down with Stephen Gousie and Jerry Cross from the Spirit of Adventure Council to explore one of Scouting’s most powerful traditions — Wood Badge.
More than just a training course, Wood Badge is a deep dive into teamwork, communication, and servant leadership — lessons that reach far beyond Scouting. Stephen and Jerry share stories from their own experiences as participants and staff, the humor and challenges of leading adults through “learning by doing,” and how the course continues to evolve for modern leaders.
Whether you’re a longtime Scouter or just curious how leadership can grow from the campfire to the community, this conversation will remind you why the best leaders never stop learning.
🎧 Off the Gravel Road — where lessons learned outdoors help us lead better everywhere else.
