MEET ROD VILHAUER
A 40-Year Frisco Resident. Businessman. Grandfather. Servant Leader.
Rod's Story
Rod Vilhauer has called Frisco home for more than 40 years. He and his wife Chani — who Rod calls “one of the greatest blessings in my life, a gift from the Lord” — raised their family here, built a life here, and invested deeply in the community they love.
A Dryland Farm in Oklahoma, a Family Since 1895
Rod grew up on a dryland farm in Oklahoma that his family had worked since 1895. Three boys on land that could barely support one family. His grandfather ran the farm with a simple philosophy: you work from “can till can't.” By age six, Rod was running equipment alongside the adults.
“I thought if all three of us stayed, we were gonna starve.”
So Rod went into the construction business. He started in the oil fields, worked his way through Oklahoma, and when opportunity pointed south to Texas, he followed it.
“This Is Far Enough”
Rod started in Sherman and worked his way down. When he reached Frisco in 1986, the population was 2,800. Preston Road was a two-lane blacktop. Highway 121 was a two-lane blacktop. At Preston and 121 there was a Ford dealer and a bank. That was it.
“I saw cattle and tractors and combines. I said, this is far enough. And that's where I stopped.”
Frisco has been home ever since. Rod didn't just move here — he put down roots, raised his family, and invested his entire career in this community. He's watched Frisco grow from a small town with blinking yellow lights to one of the fastest-growing cities in America. And he helped make it happen.
Starting with $40,000 and a Knowledge of Dirt
Rod and his business partner Barry started Rodman Excavation when Rod was 29 and Barry was 24. Total startup capital: $40,000. Their first check was $13,000 — for general liability insurance.
“All we knew was dirt. That's where we started.”
From excavation, they added utilities. Then paving. Retaining walls. Franchise utilities. Trucking and transportation. Over 19 years, Rod and Barry Rich grew The Rodman Companies into a $370 million operation with nearly 1,600 employees — Frisco's #1 employer and #1 taxpayer for multiple years.
The projects his company delivered are part of the Frisco landscape residents know today: the infrastructure and streets around The Star, Gaylord Parkway and Warren Parkway when the mall was built, the development north of Stonebriar, and Roughriders Stadium — one of Rod's favorite projects — along with hundreds of residential subdivisions across the city.
The Measure of a Man
In 2008, the financial crisis hit Rod's company with roughly $70 million in losses when receivables from private developers collapsed. Rod encouraged his partner and the leadership team to move on and build something new — while he stayed behind to close things down the right way.
The story that followed tells you everything you need to know about his character. Officers showed up at the Rodman office with AR-15s and shotguns — the county tax assessor had heard Rod was selling equipment and leaving town.
“I've known you forever. Never been late. Been the largest taxpayer. You're gonna get your taxes.”
Rod stayed. He used his own personal finances to pay every creditor, every subcontractor, and every employee in full. It took years. It cost him nearly everything he'd built.
“I've won some and I've lost some. But I've never walked away from the people who counted on me.”
Helping Plan the Roads You Drive On
Rod's service to Frisco extends beyond business. He served six years on the City of Frisco Planning and Zoning Commission, where he worked alongside City Manager George Purefoy — a man Rod credits with putting his thumbprint all over what Frisco became.
Together, with city council and the Planning and Zoning Commission, they redesigned the Master Thoroughfare Plan. When Purefoy came back and said the roads weren't large enough, Rod helped make them bigger. The result: Frisco's roads and thoroughfares are bigger and better.
Rod and his partner, Barry Rich, at the Rodman Companies, donated millions to the city of Frisco, including Frisco Fire Safety Town — where they're honored with their own street named “Rodman,” a lasting reminder of the deep ties between Rod's work and the Frisco community.
Chani, Dolly, and the Things That Matter Most
Rod and his wife Chani have built a life in Frisco centered on faith, family, and service. Rod calls Chani “one of the greatest blessings in my life — a gift from the Lord.” Together they bought their home in the Starwood community and raised their family in Frisco.
Rod is a founding Board of Directors member at Elevate Life Church, where he was one of just 14 people who launched the church from the very beginning.
Being a grandfather is one of Rod's greatest joys — and a constant reminder of why the decisions Frisco makes today matter so much. He sees the future of this city through his grandkids' eyes.
When he's not on the campaign trail, you may find Rod working on the family farm or ranch, in the woods hunting, or relaxing by the fireplace with his Great Pyrenees, Dolly — named after the one and only Dolly Parton.
“She's convinced she's a lapdog. Don't let her size fool you.”
How Rod Leads
Rod's leadership philosophy comes down to one idea: servant leadership.
“If you're too big to follow, you're too small to lead.”
That's not a campaign slogan — it's how Rod has run every company, managed every team, and approached every challenge for four decades. He believes the mayor's job isn't to accumulate power or build a political career. It's to serve the 250,000 people who live here.
Why Rod Is Running
Over the past year, hundreds of Frisco residents approached Rod with the same message: “We need your help.” Business owners, teachers, first responders, retirees, young families — people from every corner of the city.
“When this many people ask for your help, you don't say no. I'm not a politician. I'm a businessman who has called Frisco home for over 40 years. I've won some and I've lost some. But I've always led with integrity, and I've never walked away from a responsibility.”
Rod isn't doing this for power or a title. He's retired, with nothing to gain from this office except the opportunity to give back to the city that gave him everything.
“This is my home. I'm committed to keeping Frisco strong for generations to come, but I can't do it alone. I'm asking for the support of our community as we work together to strengthen the Frisco we love.”
ELECTION DAY: MAY 2, 2026 | EARLY VOTING: APRIL 20–28
Ready to Stand with Rod?
Want Rod at your next event? HOA meetings, neighborhood gatherings, business roundtables — he wants to hear from you.