Rizzieri Rodeghiero, born on December 5, 1919, displayed an innate fascination with alchemy from a tender age. Growing up in a farming family, and unable to afford formal education, he borrowed chemistry books from a local country pharmacist to craft the essential ski wax for winter adventures. Fond memories linger of young Rizzieri meticulously mixing his early waxes, concocted from resins and natural ingredients, and personally testing them during races.

With his innovative products, he achieved remarkable success, securing seven Italian titles across cross-country and Nordic combined skiing disciplines. His journey led him to represent Italy in the 1948 St. Moritz Olympics. In 1953, he laid the foundation for Rode Skiwax, a company that would go on to become one of the most prosperous in its field. To this day, the company is family owned and operated out of a brand-new factory in Asiago, Italy.