Rodlyf grew up surrounded by violence and drug addiction and spent time in and out of shelters in Brooklyn. As a child he was able to find positive adult influences that instilled in him a strong work ethic. For the past 15 years, he has worked for the Department of Agriculture, focusing on an eradication program targeting the Asian long-horned beetle. He spends much of his time climbing trees in Central Park and Prospect Park, searching for signs of beetles. Rodlyf is now dedicated to passing on his knowledge to others.