Robert Rodale

Robert David Rodale (Cohen) (March 27, 1930 – September 20, 1990) was an American publisher who was president and chief executive officer of Rodale, Inc., a company founded in 1930 by his father J. I. Rodale in Emmaus, Pennsylvania.

Rodale was an adherent of organic farming, regenerative agriculture, and gardening and a publisher focused on health and wellness lifestyle magazines and books.

Robert learned the basics of farming and gardening while growing up on the family farm in Emmaus. He attended Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania from 1947 to 1951, studying English and journalism.

Career Robert joined his father at Rodale Press in 1951 as an editor. His first assignment was to read galley proofs for The Organic Farmer, a precursor to Organic Gardening and New Farm magazines. He worked alongside his father as president of Rodale Press until his father's death in 1971 during a television interview with Dick Cavett.

Rodale was named chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Rodale Press, which grew to exceed $200 million in revenue under his management.

Sports Rodale competed in the 1968 Olympics in skeet shooting

Personal life Rodale met his wife, Ardath Harter, at a square dance party held at her family home. His father "suggested" her as a wife for Robert after dancing with her himself. Robert and Ardath married in June 1951 after a short courtship. The couple had five children, several of whom became involved in the family-run Rodale Press and Rodale Institute. Rodale's wife Ardath died in 2009 at 81.

Publications