Hey there, I’m Rob. Professionally known as “Dr. Robert Urban”, but feel free to roll your eyes at the “Dr.” part as my wife does as well. My journey through life has taken me on some pretty wild rides, each twist and turn shaping me into the man I am today. I was born in Savannah and raised between there and Charleston, SC. Normal Southern Childhood- complete with collard greens and bacon.
When I was 17 years old, a day after graduating high school I stepped onto the yellow footprints of Paris Island- the start of a young recruit, clad in Marine Corps green, navigating the rugged terrain of duty with grit and determination. Working over those next few years in various places throughout the world taught me more about discipline and camaraderie than any textbook ever could. I loved it and planned on making it a career, retiring at 37 and fishing and camping for the rest of my life.
But life’s funny like that. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out and have plans that you believe are in stone-things change. I had a severe shoulder injury and was honorably discharged after nearly ten years in the Marines. I traded in my combat boots for sandals and moved to Florida. While working in various jobs of increasing responsibility in marketing and writing, I also dove headfirst into the world of Earth and Environmental science. I eventually earned my Ph.D. while also raising a son, and balancing everything else life has to offer. I started my own digital marketing agency – PaperBoat Media in 2011 and continue to run that to this day. Fueled by curiosity, I’ve spent years unraveling the mysteries of ecosystems, from the depths of the ocean to the peaks of the mountains, understanding and solving business challenges and trying to be a modern renassisance man.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Despite my serious demeanor when it comes to science and work,. I’ve got a secret weapon up my sleeve: humor. Yep, you heard that right. I like to sprinkle a dash of wit and laughter into everything I do. Life’s too short to take it all too seriously, am I right? So, whether in a business meeting or kicking back with friends, you can bet there’ll be a joke or two thrown into the mix. I took that humor and wrote a book- not expecting much from it, just more a bucket list item to complete- and it became an Amazon Best-Seller in the family category for 8 months straight. People enjoy what I had to say. 8 books later- 5 of those best-sellers, I still try to make people laugh through my writing. I write about relationships, funny stories and experiences from my life, thoughts on various things, really whatever I feel like.
These days, you’ll find me soaking up the Florida sunshine in Deland, where I live with my incredible wife and three children. My wife is a high school teacher and my oldest son is 19 and out of the house, but the others are 9 year old twins, a boy and a girl- so it’s a whirlwind of chaos and laughter, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m writing the next chapter of our adventure, one joke, one discovery, and one precious moment at a time. Sincerely, Rob Urban
