-Compiled and edited by Shawn Nowlin
Who is Jamie Robinson and how would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
I would say that I am a very inquisitive individual. I enjoy learning new things and helping to solve problems around me, both personally and professionally.
Where were you born and raised? What was your upbringing like?
I was born and raised here in Roanoke. I grew up in a two-parent household where respect and education weren’t optional; they were mandatory. My passion for music began at an early age. After joining the music lab in downtown Roanoke as a teen, I learned how to engineer and construct concepts, among many other things.
After high school, what was the next chapter of your life?
I went to the U.S. Navy to become a construction electrician. During this chapter in my life, I lived in Illinois, Texas, California, Guam, and Japan until I was honorably discharged. When I came back home, I opened my own business and have been doing it ever since.
What is your official title, and what do your responsibilities consist of?
If you look it up online, a multimedia creator does things like combine graphics, video and audio to tell stories and promote brands. I do some of all the above. My experience allows me to specialize in different areas. Aside from my professional roles, I am a husband, father and servant of God.
How important is family to you?
When they were younger, to ensure that my kids got the attention they deserved, I worked from home. I remember spending countless hours at the YMCA teaching them several things: 1) Health is wealth 2) Routines create confidence and safety and 3) Shaping their identity protects them from the words and behaviors of the world.
If you were building the ultimate music playlist for a six-hour road trip, which artists would be on it?
Truthfully speaking, when I’m on the road, I always listen to music that is abstract from my normal. This playlist would feature all kinds of genres, from country to pop. Being open to different perspectives allows my mind to accept new and different things.
What are some of your favorite City of Roanoke memories?
Where do I start! When the Valley View Walmart was open 24 hours a day, my friends and I would hang out in the parking lot over the weekend for hours. Just being teens and having fun. The same goes for various festivals throughout the year. Arguing over which store had the best chicken wings or which neighborhood had the best basketball courts was always fun.
What are some of your hobbies?
Nowadays, I enjoy swimming, running, podcasting and helping the community.
Which people have had the biggest impact on your life outside of family?
Anybody who gives me profound wisdom that can’t be ignored. That doesn’t mean just those in high places. Sometimes it has come from people who are down on their luck. Everyone has a story, and I have gained wisdom from all communities over the years.
If you could go back and give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Life is a class you will always attend, and it will require reflecting on what has already happened to guide you on where you should go. Always create the life you want to live and know that you can walk away securely from anybody or any situation that compromises your ability to grow.
