Rob (aka Rube) is an accomplished interactive director, information architect, and web strategist. With more than a decade of internet related experience, Rube has worked on and spearheaded successful web projects for Fortune 500 companies; city, state, and foreign governments; various non-profit organizations; and a bevy of small to medium sized businesses along the way. Rube earned his BA in Cultural Anthropology from Wheaton College (MA) and his Masters of Arts in International Studies / International Business from the University of Miami. Rube currently holds the distinction of being Mississippi’s only Information Architect recognized by the Information Architecture Institute (http://iainstitute.org). A lifelong learner, Rube thrives at helping Mad Genius’ clients navigate the challenges and opportunities of the ever-changing digital landscape.

What is your hometown?

I was ‘Made in Dade’. Miami-Dade County – The 305. The few, the proud, the native gringos of Miami. I represent, yo.

Share a bit about your family.

I am husband to Alice and Dad to Chance. I do my best and am sure to digitally record any instance of praise for use in future confrontations. Maggie, our Jack Russell likes me best. Mom, Dad, and Sis all still live in Miami.

What are your hobbies? What’s your passion?

I’m a voracious learner and keep up-to-date with dozens of industry-related feeds on a daily basis. I blog on a regular basis. I also love getting wet in the pool or in the Rez and following my beloved Miami Hurricanes.

How did you hear about Mad Genius?

Jackson Free Press classifieds.

Tell us about your first day at Mad Genius.

My only recollection was that I was hired to lead the interactive department and didn’t have a computer. Go figure.

What’s your greatest accomplishment (or what have you enjoyed most) at Mad Genius?

Spending a romantic, cozy weekend with the first ever Best of Show Interactive award trophy. It was an affair to remember.

What Genius memory(ies) stand out?

• Learning to eat crawfish.
• Winning the Ping Pong tournament. Go Slappers!
• Never failing to hit Stuckey’s during a work road-trip.
• Attempting to conjugate the past tense of Tweet on stage during an entrepreneurial conference.

What’s your most NON-Genius moment at Mad Genius?

None come to mind at present, but I’d love to tell you about the time I told a room full of people in Tanzania that “I wanted tea and that I didn’t have lactating breasts”. Swahili is tough!

What is the one thing no one really knows about you?

• I crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1994 on a 44-ft sailboat.
• Despite being separated by more than a decade, I can still hold my own in Swahili.

Of all the world’s geniuses, whom do you most admire?

Bill Gates – not for his business or tech skills but for his philanthropy. The work he does with his wife through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation makes me proud to be an American.