Rod has been in the construction industry since 1985, starting as an apprentice in a small construction firm. He served in the United States Marine Corps and received several awards for exemplary leadership and superior performance.

After receiving an honorable discharge in 1995, Rod acquired his Associates of Science degree in Architectural Drafting Technology in 1999 from University of Hawaii. He worked for landscape architectural firm Lester Inouye & Associates, where he was an important member on projects which attained several design awards, including from the Building Industry Association. In 2001, Rod moved to Oregon and began working for Golden Rule Remodeling & Architecture, where he helped the company's gain several design awards and recognitions. Rod also worked with Suntel Design in Lake Oswego as the Project Manager, a position in which he gained substantial knowledge and experience in high-end residential design and construction before joining CBTWO in 2013.