Rob is the FloridaMakes Business Advisor based at the First Coast Manufacturers Association in Jacksonville. He has more than 34 years of manufacturing experience leading complex cross-functional processes in the military aviation and commercial manufacturing sectors including leading the Navy’s largest aviation multi-product repair depot and full responsibility for the quality, environmental, and safety programs for a large commercial manufacturer.
Prior to joining FloridaMakes, Rob served as the Quality and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Manager for Vac-Con, Inc. in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Vac-Con is a leading manufacturer of industrial hydro-excavation and sewer cleaning trucks for customers worldwide. Prior to that, Rob served a distinguished 28-year career in the US Navy as an Aviation Maintenance Officer. During his military career he held leadership positions in operational squadrons and shipboard and land-based aircraft repair departments, served on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, and was Director of Depot Operations for naval aviation overhaul depots before finishing his Navy career as the Commanding Officer of Fleet Readiness Center (FRC) Southeast. FRC Southeast is one of three Navy Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) depots overhauling aircraft, engines, and components for Navy and DoD operational customers.
Rob has served as a board chairman for the First Coast Manufacturers Association and holds a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Auburn University as well as a master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.