Rob was born in 1958 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. After spending his early childhood in Los Angeles, his family returned to Canada, where he was raised on a small farm in British Columbia. Despite a difficult home life—leaving home at 16 and supporting himself through school, Rob pursued his passion for creativity. He studied briefly at Art College and worked a variety of jobs before following his heart into the world of art. In his twenties, Rob discovered his talent for metalwork and became a successful metal artist, specializing in medieval and Renaissance armor reproductions. Within just a few years, his craftsmanship gained worldwide recognition, supplying pieces for movies, television, theater companies, and private collectors.