San Rafael native Rob Chase founded his company, NewGen Surgical, after finding inspiration from his university studies in sustainability. “I became acutely aware of the challenges we face as a society with climate change and plastic pollution, and that healthcare was on an unsustainable path,” says Chase, 58. With previous career experience in the medical-device field under his belt, Chase renewed his studies of sustainability in 2010 and two years later founded NewGen Surgical, now a leading supplier for sustainably designed, plant-based, single-use medical products for the operating room. He lives in Greenbrae with his wife Kimberlee, and the two have three children: Jonathan, 24, James, 20, and Oliver, 16.
Did you have a big family growing up?
I am the youngest of five. Three brothers, Greg, Brian and Chris Chase, and a sister–the oldest, and queen bee—Julie Baldocchi. All still live in the Bay Area with the exception of Greg who lives in Colorado.
What do you love to do outside of work?
I like to get outdoors and bike, hike, snow ski, waterski and exercise. A great day would include a run around Phoenix Lake.
Favorite place to ski?
Alpine Meadows—now Palisades.
Favorite place you have ever hiked?
Mill Valley, to Muir Beach.
What do you consider your most personable quality?
Probably my sense of humor. I am not a comedian, but I like having fun and making people laugh–even if it’s at my own expense.
What is your favorite thing about San Rafael?
Growing up in the ‘60s, ‘70s in San Rafael was great fun, and I still have many family friends from those days. I really like how San Rafael has improved Fourth Street, particularly the West End and that on Friday and Saturday nights the street is closed to vehicle traffic. This is one of the changes implemented during COVID that I think we should keep.
Do you have any pets?
One pet, a miniature beagle named Penny. She’s very cute but has been getting mischievous in her old age, getting into the garbage and being a bit of a nuisance.
What is your pet peeve?
I don’t like when people honk their car horn for no reason other than they are in a hurry.
What is one thing you wish the world knew about climate change?
It’s not a far-off distant event, but is happening right now and affecting all of us, particularly our health. Enjoying a healthy, high quality of life depends on having clean air to breath. The increasing number and severity of wildfires we experience in California is a real-world example of how a changing climate is already impacting daily life.
What’s an easy way people can be more sustainable in their daily lives?
Look for alternatives to single-use plastic products. More and more we are seeing companies innovate and create more sustainable options for everyday consumer items. Making smarter, more sustainable purchasing decisions can make a huge difference.
