Author: Zak Lodhi
“Took a look down a westbound road
Right away, I made my choice.”
The song spread through the cool Denver air as Bob Seger’s voice echoed from an old-school radio. It’s the mid-80s, and Terry Shippy is relaxing after a hard day’s work at his company, Rolling Planes Construction, listening to his favorite song and spending time with his family, his brothers, and his son, Robert Shippy, ironically his first employee.
Terry can remember working with his father on fireproofing. The legend himself, Mr. Lester Shippy, started as a true master plasterer. But he would venture into the fireproofing business back in the 40s and 50s when it was being applied by hand. Lester passed these skills down to his sons, who formed their own company and passed it to their children. And that afternoon, sitting across from his dad as Roll Me Away played, Robert had no idea he would pick up his father’s workload in just a few short years. Because in 1991, Terry would unfortunately pass away. Robert and his uncles would mourn that heavy loss. The five brothers had worked together, bringing their unique skills and dedication to make Rolling Plains successful. Without Terry, the company’s fate now rested with Robert.
And Robert Shippy took up the mantle from his father in a huge way, tirelessly driving RPC to unprecedented heights. Terry Shippy had already etched the “Shippy” name into the fireproofing industry in Denver, but it was Robert who transformed this legacy into an empire. Through relentless dedication and visionary leadership, Robert Shippy elevated RPC to become the undisputed leader in fireproofing, crowning it the biggest fireproofing contractor in the country.
Beyond his professional affiliations, he is a community pillar, deeply involved in numerous charitable organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, the Nabi Foundation, and Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Foundation.
Nowadays, Robert spends his free time in Mesa, AZ, with his wife, four daughters, one son, and five grandchildren. He loves boating, fishing, motorcycle riding, and tending to his 500 cattle at his ranch. But Robert’s true passion is hunting. Where the line between man and nature blurs, Robert finds himself most at home no matter where in the world he is hunting.
But every hunter needs a hunting cabin, although Robert, true to form, has something that’s a bit more than your average cabin. In Northern Arizona, there sits a vast, 12-acre plot of land with the Shippy name stamped across it on the maps. Tucked away on that property, hidden from the world, is the cabin from which Robert plans his globe-spanning hunts.
In the heart of nature, where luxury meets the wild, lies the “Roll Me Away” hunting cabin, an extraordinary sanctuary that epitomizes opulence and the spirit of adventure. This cabin is not just a retreat but a living testament to a legacy of passion, family, and the great outdoors.
Rolling up to the locale, the first thing that strikes you is the scale. A 7600 sq ft main house greets you with the master, four guest bedrooms, an office, a bar, a Billiard room, and a few other fun surprises.
An incredible view extends from any of the massive windows overlooking the property, but once you step inside, it’ll be hard to tear your eyes outside. Crafted from animal hides collected during Bob’s travels, the furniture adds a rugged yet refined touch. And his many, many hunting trophies are on display in nearly every space, testaments to his great hunts over the years.
Every bedroom is a luxurious suite, including the guest room, featuring a hand-carved custom bed made initially for Ralph Lauren. The master bedroom offers a breathtaking view of the property, ensuring a serene start to each day.
You’re also greeted by custom-made barstools embossed with “Roll Me Away,” each a nod to countless hunting trips captured in pictures adorning the walls. The billiard room boasts Randy Johnson’s former table and is a perfect touch. Inside, Pendleton blankets adorn custom sofas, complemented by rugs of bespoke weave. The cabin is adorned with art depicting beautiful women and original Western pieces, enhancing its luxurious yet homely feel. State-of-the-art AV technology and a love for refined music resonate throughout the home.
The converted garage, now the “SHIPPY Cantina,” is an art lover’s paradise filled with artwork and photos celebrating family and adventure. The “SHIPPY” wine labels on chandeliers and old Sears and Roebuck wood from Chicago add unique touches to the cantina.
The cabin’s elegance is further highlighted by 100-year-old reclaimed wood flooring, Burberry wallpaper, and a $60,000 petrified wood coffee table in the billiard room.
Robert’s exquisite taste extends to a world-class wine collection and a passion for cooking, best enjoyed in the outdoor kitchen equipped with a custom Santa Maria grill and pizza oven. Evenings are spent by the campfire, sharing stories and laughter under the stars. Because Robert crafted this place, this wild paradise, not just for himself but for his family too. The “Roll Me Away” cabin is not just a luxurious retreat; it’s a haven where legacy, luxury, and the love of the wild converge to create unforgettable memories.
The sprawling property caters to a range of activities: fishing, boating, quad rides, volleyball, cornhole, hatchet throwing, and horseshoes. A professional-grade volleyball court ensures competitive play for enthusiasts. These are all activities the Shippey family loves. Robert is often there, not alone, but with his four adult daughters and their spouses, his adult son, his six grandchildren, and Jacque Metcalf, his love of 16 years.
For moments of ultimate relaxation, the extensive spa and outdoor 10-person hot tub offer a perfect escape, allowing his family to unwind and reconnect under the vast, starlit sky. The “Roll Me Away” cabin is not just a luxurious retreat; it’s a haven where legacy, luxury, and the love of the wild converge to create unforgettable memories.
You might even find him there now; the sun would be getting low as he wheels out a beautiful dinner alfresco from the outdoor kitchen and his beloved custom Santa Maria grill. The pop of a wine cork hits the air, along with the smell of good food and the sound of laughter. After dinner, as the family winds down their evenings by the campfire, you just might hear a song on the breeze.
“And as the sunset faded, I spoke to the faintest first starlight
And I said next time
Next time
We’ll get it right.”
