Geraldine (Geri) Whitesel Rodin was a Renaissance woman.

From skilled sculptor and seamstress to entrepreneurial business owner and computer programmer, the talented Idaho native wore many hats, always eager for what was next.

That nimble mind and sense of excitement at life’s interesting challenges is what helped Geri and her equally gifted late husband, Sydney, have such success as pioneers in the promotional products industry with the supplier firm they founded, Rodin Industries.

Geraldine Whitesel Rodin, Rodin Industries

“The Rodins set great standards for our industry over many, many years,” reflects Norman Cohn, chairman of ASI, a trade organization and solutions provider to the promo products industry.

Family, friends and colleagues from promo’s earlier days will remember Geri in the same positive light following her passing at age 84 on Oct. 20. Her three adult children, including Michael Rodin, owner of Iowa-based promo distributorship IMPACT Promotional Marketing (asi/230181), were with her at the time.

“My mother was an exceptional woman,” says Michael Rodin. “She really was the driving force behind Rodin Industries.” 

Geri and Syd, as they were known, founded Rodin Industries in the 1960s in Pennsylvania. They began with just two and a half employees, including themselves, but eventually grew their enterprise to 150 people.

The company specialized in creating party favors and holiday decorations for the promo space. With a reputation for service and quality, Rodin Industries earned many awards over the years. Geri was essential to the success.

“Geri was a real pioneer in the programming of mainframe computer systems for the business,” an obituary noted. “She was also a skilled sculptor and seamstress with a wonderful talent for entertaining. Her dinner parties were legendary.”

Born in Moscow, ID, to Raymond and Elsie Whitesel, Geri moved to Prosser, WA, when she was in junior high school. She would earn the distinction of being voted the first “Ms. Prosser” during her senior year of high school, according to an obituary.

Upon graduating, she moved to Chicago to pursue a career in modeling and fashion. While there, she met Syd at a business party, sparks flew and the two eventually began a happy life together.

After retiring, the Rodins moved to Scottsdale, AZ, where they maintained a small portion of their business working from home. “They loved to travel and they hiked many miles together,” an obituary states. “Geri had a great sense of humor and always had a quick wit and incredible smile.”

Predeceased by her husband, Geri was the mother of Michael, Nannette DiMascio and David Rodin II. She was also the grandmother of Keyhaan Rodin, Aimee Rodin, David Rodin III, and sister of Steve, Lynn, Judi and Jan.