Profile: Ron Rock

Meet Ron Rock,
Managing Director, Financial
Services Sector at JobsOhio

Name: Ron Rock

Job: Managing Director, Financial Services Sector, JobsOhio

City: Columbus, Ohio

Hometown: Ashville

Q: Tell us about your work.

I’m in charge of building and executing the Financial Services sector strategy.  The strategy is essentially two-pronged – grow the existing financial and insurance institutions in Ohio while also attracting new businesses to the state.  

Q: You like to talk about embracing change. Why is that? 

It’s rather inevitable.  I’ve been around business for a long time.  I’ve seen a shift from the customers having to adapt to a business’s operations to the business having to meet the customer when, where, and how they want to be met.  That takes a significant change in the way a business operates.  

Q: Why do you think Ohio is primed to thrive in fintech and insurtech? 

Ohio has the 4th largest financial services economy in the United States.  Our organizations are innovative and want to build financial technology solutions.  At the same time, there are companies out there looking for partners.  What better place to look for partnerships than Ohio?  Not only can fintech and insurtech companies find a robust market, they can also operate in a lower cost environment than in the coasts.

Q: What’s one moonshot idea that could help make Ohio a world leader in technology and innovation?  

That’s a great question.  In my opinion, Ohio is already a top leader in technology and innovation and continues to climb even higher in the rankings.  Much of my job is to make connections and bring more attention to Ohio so my moonshot idea would be to have a huge event here.  I go to events in NYC, Vegas, California, and even London.  What I would love to do is host thousands of industry leaders here and show them firsthand what Ohio is all about.

Q: What’s a recent book, podcast or news story that you found interesting? 

My attention span is terrible, so I don’t read a lot.  A book I read that really sat me down was The Last Best League by Jim Collins.  It’s about baseball and the depth of the league.  There is so much talent in the game and it’s amazing to read about the struggles to even get noticed.  As a baseball fan I watch MLB and even our hometown heroes, the Clippers.  But the many layers below that with the same level of talent is insane…and the players never make it.  It’s very similar to my industry where so many bright ideas never make it to the surface.

Q: What's your favorite place in Ohio? 

I don’t really have a favorite place but I do like going to our many national parks.  We have one that’s 5 minutes from my house and there are trails, fishing spots, lots of wildlife, and even a frisbee golf area.  My family and I also take trips to Cedar Point each year because we’re all thrill seekers.

Q: What makes Ohio special to you? 

I visit many places and when I’m there I have flashes of wanting to move there for one reason or another.  Then a few days pass and I’m ready to be home.  Ohio is that home.  It’s always been super comfortable and the people are outstanding – polite, smart, and easygoing.  I never can’t find something to do.  From outdoor activities to even seeing shows or museums, there are tons of options.  There’s really no place I’d rather live.

Q: What do you do for fun when you’re not working? 

I’ve played golf for years.  It’s maddening but also addicting.  What’s even better is my son has taken up the game and is really good so it’s something we play together very competitively.

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Learn more about Ron’s work by connecting with him on LinkedIn.