Career
In 1984, Rodan and Kathy A. Fields met during their dermatology residency at Stanford University School of Medicine. In 1995, they developed Proactiv Solution as a skincare treatment for acne. After initially receiving 15% royalties, each was bought out for $50million dollars.
Rodan is an adjunct clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Stanford University[10] and has a private practice in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.[11]
In 2008, she was named a top doctor in the East Bay by Oakland Magazine.[12][13] Rodan has been featured in print and broadcast media as an expert in dermatology, particularly cosmetic dermatology. She has been interviewed and quoted in media, including Fox Business News,[2] Shape Magazine[14][15] O Magazine,[16][17] Women's Health [18] Redbook,[19][20] Allure,[21] and Cosmopolitan.[22]
In 2002, they launched Rodan + Fields. In 2003, Rodan + Fields was purchased by Estée Lauder.[23] In 2007, Rodan and Fields bought back the brand from Estée Lauder[24] because they felt "over time it became clear to the doctors that Estee Lauder's priority was its larger legacy brands" and not Rodan+Fields.[25]
In 2006, the company moved to direct sales and multi-level marketing. Rodan + Fields uses independent consultants, mostly women, to sell its products. Only two percent of these consultants make more than minimum wage.[26] Its business model has been criticized by consumer advocates as being close to a pyramid scheme[26] According to data from its 2015 income disclosure, 42% didn't get a single paycheck last year.[25]
