By Michael R. Grigsby, Editor | Somerset-Pulaski Advocate
In the quiet moments of a life rebuilt, Robert “Bobby” Gumm often thinks back to a specific phone call from his U.S. Probation Officer, Nick. It wasn't a call of reprimand or a routine check-in; it was the news that Gumm had been granted early termination of his federal supervision. For most, it’s a legal formality; for Bobby, it was the ultimate validation of a decade-long journey from the depths of substance abuse to the pinnacle of community leadership.
“Nick took a chance on me,” Bobby reflects, his voice steady with the conviction of a man who knows the value of a second shot. “I’ve not let him down, and I won't. But more importantly, I won’t let my family or myself down ever again.”
A Foundation Built on Faith and Concrete
Bobby Gumm’s story isn't one of avoiding the past, but of outworking it. After serving time in federal prison for the sale of oxycodone—a period of his life he views with radical accountability—Bobby returned to Somerset with a shovel and a vision. He didn't just want a job; he wanted to build something that would last.
Today, he is the successful owner and operator of Gumm Concrete. In the literal sense, he spends his days pouring foundations for the homes and businesses of Pulaski County. In the metaphorical sense, he has spent every waking hour since his release pouring a foundation of spiritual recovery and professional integrity. His business has become a staple of the local economy, known as much for its craftsmanship as for the man standing behind the work.
Image Courtesy of Candidate (C) All Rights Reserved
Fishing for a Cause: Leading the Next Generation
Bobby’s recovery did not stop at his own front door. Understanding the importance of mentorship, he founded a junior and high school bass fishing team, providing local youth with the discipline, camaraderie, and outdoor passion that kept him grounded during his own restoration. He plans to continue his community involvement and provide more opportunities for accountability, responsibility, and changing the trajectory of his life. During the disastrous floods in Kentucky in 2022, his dedication
to his community intensified. Bobby took action as others watched the news. In addition to bringing fishers together, he arranged a huge adult fishing competition that earned more than $50,000 for flood victims in Kentucky. It sent a strong message to the neighborhood: Bobby Gumm is more than just a local; he is a neighbor's defender.
Robert Gumm, second from right, celebrates with winners of the bass fishing tournament that he organized to raise money for flood victims in Kentucky in 2022. Image Courtesty of Candiate (2) 2026 All Rights Reserved
Why the Jailer’s Office?
As Bobby prepares for the May 2026 Primary Election for Pulaski County Jailer, his platform is built on a unique, first-hand perspective. He understands the mechanics of the justice system not just from a textbook, but from the inside out.
• Experience with Transformation: Having successfully navigated the federal system and earned early release through exemplary behavior, he knows how to identify and encourage those ready for change.
• Business Acumen: As a local business owner, he brings the fiscal responsibility and organizational skills required to manage a county department effectively.
• A Heart for the Community: His history of charitable work proves that his primary motivation is service, not status.
The Power of Trust
“The fact that Nick trusted in me meant everything,” Gumm says. Now, he is asking Pulaski County voters for that same trust. His story is a powerful reminder that while your past may be written, your future is still yours to build. Bobby Gumm has spent years proving that a life, once broken, can be made stronger than the concrete he pours every day.
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