Rod started First Class in 1993 to offer an alternative to the myriad of highly commercial, product-oriented fundraisers such as candy, brochure and gift-wrap sales. It was Rod’s belief that a community-oriented approach to fundraising would not only offer bigger financial returns to schools and charities, but would also offer an infinitely more positive experience for all concerned.

	Since its inception First Class has specialized in large, interactive events and assemblies that unify and empower children to step up and make a difference. Each year has seen an exponential increase in community interconnection and financial success.

Additionally, First Class has been on the cutting edge of the recent emergence of the grand auction fundraiser that has become such a huge community builder and moneymaker for schools and charities. Rod is a graduate of the Missouri School of Auctioneering, which is described in Newsweek as “The Harvard of auctioneering.”