Reinventing Retirement: Rod Brooks on Purpose, Service & Community

Today on Small Towns Unscripted, we’re honored to sit down with someone who embodies exactly what this show is about—people who show up, lean in, and make a lasting impact on the Lake Chelan Valley.Rod Brooks was born and raised in Lake Stevens, Washington, back when it was still a one-stoplight small town—long before the growth that reshaped it into what it is today. His family's story is rooted in grit, migration, and the pursuit of something better.Rod’s mom grew up in Fargo, North Dakota, in a farm family hit hard by the Dust Bowl. They left everything behind, moved west to Washington, and—like so many families searching for a new start—set up an Army Surplus tent in a relative’s backyard until they could build a life here.His dad was born in Saskatchewan, Canada and eventually relocated to WA. He spent his youth supporting his family with seasonal work—farming part of the year, and picking apples in Chelan, Cashmere, and Wenatchee in the off-season. The Brooks family work ethic runs deep.Rod carried that forward into a long and successful career as a marketing executive, including many years as Chief Marketing Officer at PEMCO Insurance, before retiring and shifting his time toward purpose-driven community work.He and his wife, Cindy, first found Lake Chelan in 2003, when they bought a small cabin on the south shore shortly after —never imagining how deeply this valley would become home. Three years before retiring, they bought what would become their full-time residence, and after stepping away from the corporate world, they moved here full-time and dove headfirst into community life.Rod didn’t just move to Chelan—he invested in Chelan. He jumped right in, serving on community boards, showing up for local causes, and becoming a familiar face at countless valley events. He helped support the launch of the Lake Chelan Community Center, and his leadership continues to add tremendous value to the people who call this valley home.One of Rod’s most meaningful contributions is something he created himself:The Grandpa Project—a volunteer program that pairs older men with school children to provide guidance, connection, and positive male role models. This work has inspired local families, teachers, and retirees alike, and has become a standout example of how one idea can build community across generations.Rod shares much of this journey on his personal platforms—his writing, photos, and reflections about life in Chelan, service, and the power of showing up.Today, we get to hear the story behind the work, the family history behind the man, and the heart behind the project.