Another favorite place for Hot Rod to hang out was
the Boys and Girls Club. It was these experiences in
his formative years that are evident in the time and
energy he gives back to nonprofit organizations such
as the YMCA.
The first opportunity I had to see Hot Rod “in
action” was at The YMCA's Sports Night to benefit
kids. As one of the YMCA’s primary fundraisers each
year, with Hot Rod in the driver’s seat being
roasted, the organization was able to raise $95,000
for YMCA Camp Roger.
“What I experienced as a kid I now give back to.
It’s just something I do. I know what it feels like
to need the safety of a place like the Y or the Boys
and Girls Club,” Rod says matter-of-factly.
At an early age, Rod was known for his great smile.
He had one teacher, Mrs. Anderson, who said to keep
smiling. But he didn’t always have something to
smile about. Due to his rough upbringing, his dental
health deteriorated to the point that he had to have
major work done in the early 1970’s. At that time,
cosmetic dentistry was not very popular. Qualified
cosmetic dentists were few and far between.
Hot Rod was fortunate enough to find a cosmetic
dentist that was relatively good at what he did. But
the dental products made then were no match for the
high quality products found today.
When Rod moved to Salt Lake in the 1980’s he needed
to find another dentist. He was introduced to Dr.
Scott Kiser of Smiles Dentistry through his
insurance agent. At that point in his life, he had
become very comfortable financially. He was no
longer limited as to who could see for his dental
care.
“I liked Dr. Kiser from the first time I met him. He
is very personable and really knows what he is
doing. A great dentist. “
“Funny how you can know someone for so long and yet
there are things about them you don’t know. When we
were working on the big benefit for the YMCA, I was
asked to attend a Board of Directors meeting. Little
did I realize that Dr. Kiser sits on the board of
the YMCA. Have to say, that only served to make me
respect him that much more. It was a great
surprise.”
One trait Rod readily admits to is his propensity to
impulse buying. And yet, when it comes to his dental
health, impulse is not a part of the equation. What
really matters to him is excellence and experience.
That is why he continues to see Dr. Kiser.
“I actually had a lot of my original smile work
redone by Dr. Kiser. He is incredible with his
ability to know what a patient wants and needs. As
long as he is in practice, I will continue to see
him. Why would I change? No reason to when you’ve
got the very best. I would highly recommend him.”
Something Rod and Dr. Kiser have in common is their
concern for the well being of children. Although Rod
readily admits he wasn’t the greatest father, he
just as readily admits he makes a really good
grandfather. As the proud grandfather of two
grandsons, ages one and a four, Rod is quick to
offer advice on the importance of giving love and
guidance to children.
Rod has a great desire to keep his grandsons out of
trouble. His concern is fueled by the fact that many
cities no longer have clubs for
young boys to go in
order to have a safe haven. He is a strong believer
that kids need to meet other kids and together learn
how to deal with life. Sports provide a great way to
help kids learn how to do this.
When asked if you can tell if a kid is destined to
be a pro, Rod is convinced that you intuitively
know. It’s all in the way they respond to a sport.
Do they take to it or do they have to be forced?
Although he believes parents should encourage their
kids to get involved in sports, he also believes it
is unhealthy to force them to do something that is
completely out of context of who the child is. He
advises parents to take the time to explore the many
sports available to them.
He is quick to point out that having a child sit in
front of the television or computer all day and
night is as unhealthy as you can get. He strongly
believes children need to be physically active. By
the same token, he also believes kids should be
taught the gift of reading. “There’s a whole world
waiting to be discovered through reading. Get them
to read the newspaper everyday. Imagine what they
can do with so much knowledge.”
Realizing how hard he had to work for his success,
he wants others to know that no matter what they
want in life they need to work at it. “Nothing was
handed to me. How much time are people willing to
put into their success? Problem with lots of people
is they don’t want to work for something. And that’s
not how life is. You have to put the time in to
become the best. That’s just the way it is. You can
be born and blessed with ability but if you don’t
take advantage of it, it’s a waste.”
When asked what he is most proud of, surprisingly it
isn’t all the awards and Hall of Fame recognition he
has received. It is his three daughters and whom he
feels have all turned out to be stellar women. And
of course his grandsons.
With a mischievous smile he does admit his two most
recent recognitions are something he is very proud
of. As the recipient of the 2004 Utah Broadcasters
Hall of Fame and the 2003 Springfield Massachusetts
Basketball Hall of Fame, Hot Rod has a lot to be
proud of. A career that is the envy and awe of so
many, more awards than can be counted, fame and
fortune, people the world round that love and adore
him, three great daughters, and two fabulous
grandsons. Now that’s definitely something to smile
about.
About Dr. Scott Kiser
Dr. Scott Kiser has been practicing general
dentistry in Salt Lake City, Utah for over 20 years.
Consumer Research Council of America selected him as
Utah’s Top Cosmetic Dentist of 2003 - 04. He also
serves on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of
Utah Visit
www.greatsmilesutah.com for more information on
Dr. Kiser and all of his services.
About the author:
Kathleen Gage is a business business advisor who
helps her clients gain massive visibility within
their market.
www.kathleengage.com
The Man With a Lot to Smile