ROK Financial was founded in 2020 with the simple goal of helping small businesses generate opportunities through financing. In just a few years, it has done that and more. Since then, the Great River-based company, founded by James Webster, has helped thousands of business owners obtain millions of dollars in financing.
ROK Financial has made a big difference for small businesses, helping them obtain small business loans, equipment financing, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, accounts receivable financing, asset-based loans, franchise financing and other sources of funds.
The company provides advisors, helps review options, and completes applications in order to obtain funds that give companies the financial fuel they need to do business and grow.
In the process, they have also done something else by focusing not only on customers, but on the company’s employees themselves. They’ve created a workplace with many notable features, making the company the winner of the Top Workplaces 2023 best workplace for a small business.
“The biggest assets to our company are the employees and the wealth of knowledge each of them carries,” CEO Patrick Manning said. ROK has succeeded in growing its own business as well as helping so many other businesses grow, while also remaining attentive to employees.
The company, in its application for the best workplace awards, put its philosophy succinctly.
“At ROK, culture is the foundation of what we do at work every day. Our team is encouraged to share their ideas and suggestions, whether it be at our town halls or whenever the time arises,” according to the company. “We celebrate our personal and professional successes and learn from our mistakes, together…”
“Celebrating our team for all accomplishments, both big and small, has proven to be a wonderful way to enhance the employee experience and has shown many benefits,” according to the company. “Not only does it encourage our team members to be the best they can be every single day, but it also has brought out a very strong sense of pride among our entire staff.”
In addition to monthly award ceremonies highlighting the achievements of each department and team member, the company annually recognizes the employee of the year, rookie of the year, and others who have distinguished themselves.
The company also offers a robust benefit package as well as incentives including bonuses. In addition to financial perks, ROK Financial offers complimentary food and drinks in the form of a snack cabinet and refrigerator with drinks in the office as well as a coffee brew counter.
ROK Financial activities have included trips to wineries and to a pool and foosball table in the office. Throw in birthday celebrations, holiday parties, an annual family picnic, Spirit Week, (when workers dress as their favorite coworker), twin day, mix match day and Hawaiian theme day. In their version of happy hour, they get to spend the last two hours on Fridays hanging out and engaging with each other, playing games, or simply enjoying some downtime at the office.
Add Friday massages to help employees relax before the weekend arrives.
ROK Financial has grown to about 60 employees, serving as an economic engine for many companies.
“Our streamlined processes and strong relationships allow us to process hundreds of transactions a month, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars distributed to small businesses nationwide on a monthly basis,” the company said of its employees’ efforts.
In addition to taking care of customers and employees, ROK focuses on the community. The company has donated more than half a million meals to Feeding America and continues to donate 50 meals for each deal its team funds.
In addition to helping those in need, ROK Financial has begun new initiatives to highlight local businesses, including a web series, Owners & Operators, where Executive Chairman Webster highlights businesses in the local community and celebrates their achievements, diversity and struggles.
