Rod PictureRod began his career as an entrepreneur in electronic specialty stores as owner/manager for four stores located in Morris, Willmar, Winona and Fergus Falls, Minnesota. During this time, he orchestrated and supervised major entertainer's concerts including Melissa Manchester, Donny and Marie Osmond, Ronnie Milsap, TG Shepperd and the Statler Brothers.

He then moved on to KIS-USA in Schaumburg, Illinois, as District Manager for Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Rod maintained top producing standards and was acknowledged as the #1 producing district in the Midwest.

Rod's marketing background led him to a position as Marketing Director with AmericInn International, a division of Intra Financial Corporation of St. Cloud, MN. As Marketing Director, he developed and implemented marketing strategies for AmericInn International. He was named President of AmericInn International, and was instrumental in the growth of this national motel franchise.

Some of Rod's achievements with AmericInn International include: conceiving and developing the "INN-PRESSIVE CLUB", a program focused on providing privileges to AmericInn guests; establishing and cultivating an extremely comprehensive and positive incentive awards program with Sears for AmericInn guests; designing, coordinating and implementing a reservation system within six months of hire with AmericInn; writing, orchestrating and publishing AmericInn's first directory and other promotional pieces; and originating AmericInn's first supply division, which distributed supplies to motel clientele.

In the area of development, he acquired extensive experience in negotiating and processing Small Business Administration loan applications, and also represented business interests at Planning Commission and City Council meetings where tax increment financing was to be utilized. Rod analyzed markets for the hotel business and economic arena and accurately and effectively scrutinized community industry, services and needs to determine market strategies.

Rod joined Central Group Companies in 1991 as Vice President of Development. At Central Group Development Company, Rod continued his work in development and was a key player in the company's growth. He originated Central Group's own supply division - Hospitality Contract Purchasing (HCP). Additionally, he established an ongoing relationship with Country Inn & Suites by Carlson.

In 1994, Rod and his wife, Sandy, created ETC Enterprises, Inc., and he is currently CEO/CFO. He is involved in development, management and supply to the hospitality industry through ETC's three divisions - Link Development Company, ETC Management and Vision Purchasing Group.

Rod and his wife, Sandy, have been married for 29 years and have three daughters.