Robert was born in Baltimore. He wrestled at Hereford High School amassing a career record of 108-5-1. He was undefeated during regular season matches, became the first wrestler to win four Baltimore County titles and the first Hereford wrestler to reach 100 wins. In 1989 and 1990, he capped his high school career by reaching the state finals. 

After attending Essex Community College from 1990-1991, he applied his work ethic, determination, and attention to detail – all learned from wrestling – and started his next chapter in life by joining the Maryland Army National Guard. He entered basic training at Fort Benning, Ga., as an Infantry Dragon Gunner returning to Maryland as a member of B Co 2-175th Infantry at Ruhl Armory in Towson as a traditional guardsman. He remained in the 175th Infantry for 17 years, quickly gaining rank. During this time, at the request of Bill Hastings, he joined the Maryland Wrestling Officials Association officiating junior league and high school matches. In 2000, he returned to his Alma Mater of Hereford to coach with fellow teammate and Hall of Famer Brett Baier. He has helped coach many state champions and state place winners. 

In 2009, Robert entered the Active Guard Reserve program as training NCO for the 244th Engineer Company located in Baltimore City at Cade Armory. He has held many positions in the Army, all culminating into an opportunity to voluntarily deploy as a First Sergeant on a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2019. The unit changed the way that Vertical Engineers are utilized in current operations. While under his supervision the unit completed nearly 170 different projects that improved living and safety conditions for troops in 12 locations across the area of operation. He currently has 32 years of service in the military, serving now as a Battalion Operations NCO at the rank of Master Sergeant where he has been awarded the Army Commendation Medal (5), Army Achievement Medal (5), Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (5), Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Star and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, among many others.

He has been inducted into the Sparks-Hereford Alumni Hall of Fame, the Baltimore County Wrestling Hall of Fame and, in 2021, received the Service to Wrestling Award from MPSSAA.

His wife Misty’s support over the last 30 years has made it easy for him to stay involved. All three of their daughters, Anna, Kaylee, and Peyton, have served as managers of the wrestling team.