His success has been described as "uniquely American," a man whose professional accomplishments are anchored in integrity.
In fact, Rodney H. Brady's friends will tell you he is the most honest person they know.
On Friday, Brady, president and chief executive officer of Deseret Management Corp., the for-profit business holding company for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was inducted into the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business Hall of Fame.
Brady joined 16 past recipients, including Spencer F. Eccles, J. Willard Marriott Jr. and Jon M. Huntsman.
The award recognizes people who have distinguished themselves in their careers.
"It's not just accomplishments; it's people who have really given broadly back to education and to making the world a better place," said Jack Brittain, dean of the business school. "Rod is definitely a model person in that regard."
Brady's achievements read like a short story, having served on dozens of corporate, educational and civic boards as well as in government posts and in executive positions at several companies.
"I very seriously doubt that there is anyone else in this city or state who has served on so many boards, committees and councils all designed to serve the public good," said LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley.
Dick Pratt, who worked with Brady in the Reagan administration, called Brady's career "remarkable," saying he was a person with absolute integrity.
Brady earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees with high honors from the U. and went on to Harvard University, where he earned a doctorate in business administration, also with high honors. He served for seven years as president of Weber State University.
But aside from all his professional experience and accolades, it is Brady's success as a human being that stands out most, according to friend Don Gale, president of Words, Words, Words Inc.
"None of us will ever know, probably including Mitzi (Brady's wife), how many times Rod has made contributions to someone in need —
often anonymously," Gale said.
On Sept. 11, Brady was scheduled to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. Instead, Brady and his colleagues found themselves enveloped in the destruction of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Brady shared towels and water with others while returning to his hotel amid a glass-covered Wall Street.
K. Madsen Brady, an older brother, recalls earlier times with him taking care of the family's 20-acre farm.
"We had a lot of fun together. Our father paid us 35 cents a day," K. Madsen Brady said. "I have known him all my life and I don't know a flaw in his character. . . . We did OK, but he was outstanding. His capabilities were almost limitless."
It was Brady's high school teacher, Phil F. Goldbranson, who told Brady he could accomplish anything he wished if he set goals and worked toward them.
Brady took the counsel seriously, writing a list of major objectives for his life.
On Friday, Brady shared some of the lessons he learned from four decades of leadership in business, government, education and community service.
"Every day, in at least some way, we must get a little better," Brady said. "If today, you're not better in some respect than you were yesterday, the only thing that has happened is time has passed and no progress has been made."
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