Judge Krombeen says his approach to justice is holistic. “I take the same approach as I do to our farm.”
“I feel we are living the sweet life because of the fruitful contributions we make toward sustainable farming on our property and the relationships we build with our customers as we improve their quality of life through the products we provide,” he said.
Judge Krombeen and his wife, Sheila, turned their multi-acre property into a business venture nearly two years ago. They raise chickens, cows and pigs and make soaps and honey.
He believes working on the farm is good for him. “I deal with a lot of conflict at the court and I embrace it, but I love seeing and working with my animals and our farm because it’s good for my mental health and physical wellness.”
Krombeen attended a private school in Western Michigan before heading to Prescott to study and work at Yavapai College. He then joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Germany and Italy, where two of his three children were born. “My son was born in Italy and my daughter was born in Germany. As a young family, living overseas had a deep impact on us.”
Prior to serving as Justice of the Peace for the Williams Precinct of Coconino County, Krombeen worked for the Williams Police Department for 23 years.
“My greatest achievement during those careers was the ability to serve the public and have the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives, particularly those experiencing difficult personal challenges.”
Judge Krombeen says his approach to justice is holistic. “I take the same approach as I do to our farm. We have helped young mothers find help and have assisted people who have been evicted from their homes.”
“I’ve worked for Judge Krombeen for the past four years,” said Coconino Superior Court Deputy Court Administrator Shelly Bacon. “He was the first person to reach out and welcome me and even offered to help me find a place to live. I admire his thoughtfulness as well as his ability to be a full-time judge, grandfather, farmer and beekeeper.”
Another one of Judge Krombeen’s holistic approaches is utilizing the spent grain from a local brewery. “Honey Creek Farm has partnered with Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery to supplement our animals feed with their spent grain. This not only keeps waste out of the landfill but also is a nutritional supplement to the food we provide our livestock.”
In the last 13 years, he has officiated about 200 weddings, several at the Grand Canyon, the courthouse and other venues. “I kept records until last year. I had to quit because it was too much paperwork.”
Judge Krombeen is a graduate of the Verbal Judo Institute and an instructor with Vistelar, teaching verbal defense and influence skills to staff and members of the judiciary. He also serves as a training faculty member with the Arizona Justice of the Peace Association, Arizona Magistrates Association and National Judges Association.
He also is involved with Young Life and the Williams Economic Development Committee. And, he opens his courtroom to school-aged children from all over the region to learn about the criminal justice system.
The Krombeens have three children and eight grandchildren.
GUILTY PLEASURE
Having something like ice cream and dwelling on the moment and not dwelling on the guilt.
MEMORABLE SUNSET
I pay attention to the sunsets. The last memorable one was two months ago. The sky was on fire and stunning in the most beautiful way. I was in my backyard.
FAVORITE MEAL
Sweet and sour chicken on Jasmine rice.
LAST LATE NIGHT
Sheila and I stayed up late three weeks ago to binge watch a series that we enjoyed, Clarkston’s Farm. It’s about Jeremy Clarkson, a British personality who bought a farm in Central Southwest England. It’s done with humor but has actual take-always for a startup farmer.
BEST ADVICE EVER RECEIVED
The best advice was from my father who didn’t tell me but showed me that things that are hidden are still worth doing exceptionally well. People do things to get attention; my dad showed me sometimes the things that never get noticed are the things worth doing well. QCBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Judge Rob Krombeen believes working on his Honey Creek Farm is good for him. “I deal with a lot of conflict at the court and I embrace it, but I love seeing and working with my animals and our farm because it’s good for my mental health and physical wellness.”
