A journalist by education, Rod got his formative training in the United States Navy submarine service. Prior to his current position, he was the Housing Director for Community Action Alger Marquette, the Housing Assessment Resource Agency for the Central ten counties of the Upper Peninsula. He has also worked as a disability advocate for the Superior Alliance for Independent Living and a vocational program coordinator for Pathways Community Mental while also serving as Mayor of his hometown of Munising for 20 years.