Chad Rudolph attended the University of Washington, helping them win the IRA title in 1970 just before his graduation. That year he also won the title in coxed fours at the National Association of Amateur Oarsmen (NAAO) meet. Rudolph returned to school to earn an MBA at Washington in 1972. He then starting working with IBM, spending 25 years with the company in sales and marketing. Rudolph then left IBM to work in various start-ups including Ask Jeeves. After demonstrating his expertise in management, sales and marketing operations, Rudolph started his own company, ChadRudolph Coaching, where he serves as a business coach.