ROBERT
D. CASS

His mission

“My WHY is to do hard things, with world-class people, to help those in need — so that they have an advocate who’s in the race with them.”

Book Rob to speak

Rob speaks, joins podcasts, and takes media appearances on cycling, endurance, and mental health advocacy — sharing what completing every triathlon distance, up to and including a full Ironman, two books, and years of non-profit work have taught him about moving through hard things and helping others do the same.

• Cycling, endurance & mental health advocacy (Wabi Sabi Bikes)
• Building the Highs & Lows Tour — and the book it inspired
• Getting kids & adaptive athletes moving (Ainsley’s Angels)
• From personal accountability to public advocacy
• Completing every triathlon distance, up to Ironman — plus a Chesapeake Bay swim

What he’s built

Two threads run through Rob’s work: the books he’s written, and the causes he’s built alongside them — each one pushing further from personal grit toward public advocacy.

As an author

Suck It Up, Buttercup!

Author · Morgan James Publishing · 2005–Present

Rob’s first book — a mantra-mindset guide built around personal accountability. In his own words: “This is not a touchy, feely book. This is a ‘how to’ book for the ages.”

Highs and Lows

Author · Morgan James Publishing · forthcoming

Two decades later, a different kind of book: a collection of essays written by cyclists from around the country and across the pond, each connecting cycling to mental health through their own story. The introduction is by Tom Dearborn, co-founder of the Highs & Lows Tour, with 16+ contributors from the cycling community. Proceeds benefit NAMI through the Tour. No firm publishing date yet — but it’s getting close.

Causes he champions

Highs & Lows Tour

Co-Founder & Vice Chairman · Feb 2021–Present · 5+ yrs

Co-founded and helps organize the Tour’s signature event: a one-day, 100-mile ride across the mountains and valleys of New Hampshire, raising funds and awareness to remove the stigma around mental illness — with proceeds benefiting the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Highs and Lows the book grew directly out of this work.

Wabi Sabi Bikes

Founder

Founded by Rob, Wabi Sabi Bikes collects and distributes bicycles to under-served kids.

Bikes wrapped and ready for their new owners.

Ainsley’s Angels of America

Triathlon and Cycling Inclusion Program Manager/Coordinator and Athlete · Apr 2016–Jun 2024 · 8 yrs

Served the triathlon and cycling team as Inclusion Program Manager/Coordinator and athlete, organizing fundraising and practice rides so athletes with disabilities could race alongside able-bodied partners — for eight years.

Crossing the finish line together, Coast Guard Marathon.

Chesapeake Bay Swim

Solo Swimmer · One-time event · 14-month training block

Trained for fourteen months to swim across the Chesapeake Bay, raising funds to provide wheelchairs for people who need them.

Mid-crossing, Chesapeake Bay.

His race record

Completed every triathlon distance, up to and including a full-distance Ironman (140.6 miles) in Louisville — swim, bike, run, no shortcuts. It’s the same instinct to keep moving that shows up in everything else Rob does.

Why book Rob

Over the years, Rob has fought hardships by doing hard things — an Ironman, two books, two non-profits built from scratch — and found ways to turn each one into help for people who need it. That’s what he brings to a conversation, whether it’s a stage, a podcast mic, or a media interview.

If you’re looking for a keynote speaker, podcast guest, or media contributor who’s actually lived what he talks about, Rob would love to be part of your next event, episode, or feature.

Connect with him on LinkedIn to start the conversation.