Author, Automation Engineer, and Technology Leader
I write truth-based fiction and practical manuals shaped by thirty years in industrial automation and food systems. My stories blend technical authenticity with suspense, drawing on the real risks I've encountered in the field.
My novels explore the collisions between technology, compliance, and human ambition. My nonfiction speaks directly to technicians and engineers who need clear thinking, not theory. Both emerge from the same place: real problems, real stakes, real people.
The Knox Ramsey thrillers, historical sagas, and the Boots on the Ground nonfiction series. Each explores the hidden machinery of power and survival.
30+ years leading process control, automation, and system integration. 2 patents. CTO/COO at Molly's Grape & Citrus. Co-founder of Iris Automation.
Adjunct professor at Mid Michigan College. Mentor to students and practitioners. Author of guides for real-world problem solving.
My career began in automated test equipment and process control. Over three decades, I've led teams at Fortune 500 companies and launched two ventures. But I've never stopped being a problem-solver at heart.
Every technical detail in my thrillers comes from real-world exposure: FSMA compliance failures, supply chain vulnerabilities, ICS security gaps, and the human cost of automation gone wrong. My characters face problems I've seen, bringing a layer of authenticity to the stories.
Key career milestones:
Writing wasn't a detour—it was the next logical step. After decades solving problems in industrial settings, I realized the best way to capture what I know is through narrative. Stories stick. They change how people think. They raise questions that whitepapers never can.
The Knox Ramsey thrillers let me explore what happens when smart people meet systems they don't fully control. The Long Road Home digs into the untold stories of frontier life. The Boots on the Ground series hands practical wisdom to the next generation of technicians.
All three come from the same instinct: Help readers understand something real.
I'm based in Michigan, where I've lived long enough to appreciate lakes, winter, and the no-nonsense work ethic of the Midwest. I'm also deeply involved in Molly's Grape & Citrus Company, where my wife and I lead a team transforming premium produce distribution.
I've taught adjunct at Mid Michigan College, mentored entrepreneurs, and advised on everything from ICS security to compliance strategy. I'm a recovering engineer who now spends half his time writing and half his time actually fixing things.
I write across three distinct categories—each telling a different kind of truth.
Thrillers (Knox Ramsey Series)
International espionage, food systems, and the hidden wars fought in compliance documents and supply chains. Book 1, Dark Recipe, launches December 2025.
Historical Fiction
The Long Road Home (in development) follows a family saga across westward expansion and industrial revolution. Raw, grounded, and told through voices that matter.
Engineering & Nonfiction
The Boots on the Ground series is written for technicians, engineers, and students. Real problems. Real decision trees. No theory.
Want to discuss a story idea, book club, guest lecture, or collaboration? I'm always open to conversations with readers, educators, and fellow problem-solvers.
Email: robert.cummer@outlook.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rcummer3205
Instagram: @robertcummerwrites
Knox Ramsey Deep Dive: knoxramseythrillers.com