About

Our Story

Rodifer Education Company was founded in November 2016, originally under the name Chester Leo the Puppy Dog, LLC. What began as a small passion project envisioned by founder Chad Valiant centered on a collection of original characters—including Billy Hampton, the Rodifer Brothers, and, of course, Chester Leo the Puppy Dog. The company's initial focus was creating souvenirs and merchandise inspired by these stories and characters.

In 2019, the company's momentum took an exciting step forward when a curated selection of its merchandise was featured at a Macy's department store in San Mateo, California. Encouraged by this milestone, Chad began envisioning a much larger mission—one that would combine engaging storytelling with meaningful educational outcomes. Rather than simply entertaining children, he set out to inspire them to become stronger readers, sharper thinkers, and more confident learners. This vision became the foundation for Rodifer's innovative reading comprehension platform.

Like many small businesses, the company faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of abandoning his vision, Chad used this time to research, write, and develop the world of Chester Leo & The Redwood Forest, creating the immersive storyline and educational framework that would eventually become Rodifer's flagship reading comprehension program.

In 2026, reflecting its expanded educational mission, the company officially became Rodifer Education Company. What began as a modest creative endeavor had grown into an innovative education company dedicated to helping middle school students and young adults strengthen critical reading comprehension skills through engaging stories, memorable characters, and purposeful learning experiences. Today, Rodifer Education Company continues to pursue its mission of making reading meaningful, engaging, and transformative for the next generation of learners.