In the world of business, there are those who make an impact, and then there are those who redefine industries. Rodger G. Ford, an octogenarian with an indomitable spirit, falls firmly into the latter category. As the CEO of FrameUpNow and co-founder and managing partner of Anthem Equity Group, Inc., Rodger's journey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and the importance of strong foundations—both in homes and in life. Rodger's remarkable journey began with an education rooted in finance and accounting, with a BS from Brigham Young University, and an MBA from the University of Arizona. Little did he know that his passion for numbers would lay the groundwork for a career characterized by innovation, leadership, and the ability to ‘build from the ground up.’ In 1970, Rodger’s entrepreneurial spirit was ignited when he founded AlphaGraphics, Printshops of The Future, a venture that grew from its humble beginnings into a global phenomenon with 400 locations across 20 countries by 1988. It was here that Rodger's knack for building strong business foundations first shone through, setting the stage for a string of future successes. Not one to rest on a single success, Rodger also co-founded PetsHotel, an upscale haven for dogs and cats that revolutionized the pet boarding industry. In 2000, PetSmart recognized the value of his creation and acquired PetsHotel, showcasing Rodger’s ability to turn innovative concepts into thriving businesses. Yet, some of Rodger's most significant contributions would be in the realm of medical technology. Rodger’s medical device leadership began at SynCardia, where he served as CEO from 2005 to 2011. Under his guidance, SynCardia achieved groundbreaking milestones in artificial
heart technology, including the development of two new driver systems for powering the Total Artificial Heart. Rodger's relentless pursuit of excellence also led him to secure the capital needed to develop and launch the Freedom portable driver, the world's first wearable power supply for the Total Artificial Heart. In addition, his leadership brought modern and effective business systems to SynCardia, such as the MasterControl quality management system software, later endorsed by the FDA. One key aspect of Rodger’s transformational leadership at SynCardia was assembling an experienced management team that metamorphosed the company from a "science project" into a celebrated bioscience pioneer. His ability to cultivate talent and build strong organizational frameworks once again emphasized the significance of a solid foundation, a principle that would continue to guide him in future endeavors. In December 2022, Rodger co-founded FrameUpNow, a company that has become the very embodiment of his lifelong dedication to strong foundations. Located in Tucson, Arizona, FrameUpNow offers design services to engineer cold-formed steel frames, commonly referred to as "skeletons." Their catalog boasts hundreds of unique home designs, ranging from small workshops to expansive Barndominiums exceeding 8,000 square feet of living and barn space under one roof. Together with co-founder, Brad Cooper, Rodger's vision for FrameUpNow has redefined home building, making elegant and efficient designs accessible to DIY enthusiasts, residential builders, and production builders across America. At the age of 80, Rodger G. Ford continues to inspire and lead. We spoke with him about his latest venture, FrameUpNow, and how it is redefining the building landscape, enabling almost anyone to build and own a home they can be proud of.
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