Photo-Rodger[1]

Rodger Ford

Managing Partner

Rodger G. Ford is the co-founder of Anthem Equity Group, Inc., a Tucson real estate and business development company. Anthem was heavily invested in Tucson Real Estate through 2003. The portfolio was sold during the surge in value of 2003 to 2006. Anthem is retooled and reloading for the Recovery of Tucson real estate expected to take place from 2012 through 2016.

Mr. Ford founded AlphaGraphics Printshops Of The Future in 1970 and grew AlphaGraphics to 400 locations in 20 countries by 1998. AlphaGraphics was the first franchisor in the world to open locations in the Soviet Union (Moscow) and China (Beijing).

Mr. Ford was Quick Printing Man of the Year in 1985, Arizona SBA Entrepreneur of the Year in 1986 (AlphaGraphics) and Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, together with his partner David Mackstaller, in 2000 (PETsHOTEL). Mr. Ford holds a B.S. degree in Accounting from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the University of Arizona.

Ford served as CEO of SynCardia from May 2005 through May 2011. During his six-year tenure, Mr. Ford and his long-time business partner David Mackstaller, raised the capital which funded SynCardia during its development and launch of the Freedom portable driver, the world’s first wearable power supply for the Total Artificial Heart.

Under Mr. Ford’s leadership, SynCardia installed modern and effective business systems, including MasterControl, quality management system software which was also later selected by the FDA. In addition, he recruited an experienced management team with a proven track record of success. Michael Garippa, SynCardia’s current CEO/President was recruited by Mr. Ford and embraced by the company’s Board of Directors.

Mr. Ford guided and directed the development of two new driver systems for powering the Total Artificial Heart: the family of Companion Drivers for in-hospital use from implant through patient stabilization and the family of Freedom portable drivers for in-hospital ambulation and patient discharge.

Mr. Ford has served as a director of Great Western Bank (Arizona) and CitiBank of Arizona.