He received three Bachelor of Arts degrees from The University of Tennessee and graduated from The Tulane University School of Law.

Rob, his wife and their two sons live in the Historic Fourth & Gill Neighborhood in a 112-year-old home which they were honored with an award for its renovation.

Rob has previously been involved in development projects that have been honored with Metropolitan Planning Commission Excellence Awards, Keep Knoxville Beautiful Orchid Awards and awards from Knox Heritage.

Rob was honored with the Friend of Fountain City Award in 2003 and Knox Heritage's Citation for Preservation Leadership in 2001.

Rob additionally served on the board of his neighborhood organization for a decade and is a former board member of Knox Heritage as well as formerly serving on the City's Historic Zoning Commission.