James Webster (ROK Financial)
Overview
James Webster is the Executive Chairman of ROK Financial, a company he founded in 2020. Based in Great River, New York, ROK Financial has rapidly established itself as a prominent player in the alternative and commercial lending space. Under Webster's leadership, the company provides various financial services, including small business loans, equipment financing, and SBA loans. Webster has a long-standing passion for helping small businesses grow, drawing from nearly two decades of experience in finance, particularly in business finance and payment processing. He is also known for his efforts in philanthropy and community engagement, particularly his initiatives to end hunger in America by partnering with Feeding America to donate meals for every deal funded by his company.
Recent Developments
- May 2025: Webster addressed emerging technology trends in an article for Forbes, emphasizing the importance of businesses adapting to technological changes to remain competitive.
- September 2024: ROK Financial was named a top workplace for small businesses, partly due to its emphasis on culture and employee well-being. The company attributes its success to its employee-centric policies, such as regular celebrations of achievements and town hall meetings.
- December 2022: James Webster transitioned from CEO to Executive Chairman, appointing Patrick Manning as the new CEO of ROK Financial. This strategic move was aimed at allowing Webster to focus on long-term strategic initiatives and partnerships.
- August 2022: James Webster delivered a speech at the B2B Finance Expo, emphasizing the need for lenders to collaborate with regulators to streamline processes and benefit the financial ecosystem.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Webster |
| Born | Not publicly available |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Executive Chairman of ROK Financial |
| Known For | Founder of ROK Financial, alternative lending innovations |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Business Management (Institution not specified) |
Early Life and Education
James Webster was born and raised on Long Island, where he currently resides with his family. He developed an early interest in business and finance, which led him to study Business Management. His entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, managing various sales floors, which helped him build a strong foundation in business operations and a passion for the small business sector. These experiences paved the way for his later success in the financial services industry.
Career and Notable Achievements
Webster's foray into the finance world began with the co-founding of National Business Capital, a financial institution providing business loans. He successfully navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, restructuring and co-founding ROK Financial in 2020. His leadership has been marked by impressive achievements, such as:
- Helping to secure over $1 billion in financing for small businesses nationwide.
- Creating the Remote Sales and Education Platform to expand commercial finance opportunities.
- Establishing strong partnerships with industry leaders, resulting in ROK Financial becoming a trusted lender.
Current Work and Impact
As the Executive Chairman of ROK Financial, James Webster focuses on strategic initiatives that enhance the company's growth and impact. He actively advocates for responsible lending practices and works closely with the Small Business Financing Association to educate policymakers about the alternative lending market. His work has had a significant impact on small businesses' ability to access capital and grow, contributing to the overall health of the economy.
Conclusion
James Webster's contributions to the financial services industry, particularly in alternative lending, have positioned ROK Financial as a leader in small business funding. His commitment to innovation and ethical business practices continues to shape the landscape of commercial lending. As ROK Financial expands, Webster's vision for empowering small businesses remains central to its mission, promising lasting impacts on the industry and the communities it serves.