Ronald L. Callentine, the retired founding CEO of Columbus, Ohio-based investment company Rockbridge, died on Sept. 21 at age 75. He founded the firm in 1999 and retired in 2010.
For the seven years prior to Rockbridge’s formation, Callentine was the co-founder and managing director of Banc One Capital Markets Real Estate Investment Group. During that period, the group participated, as a principal, in capital transactions in excess of $2.5 billion.
Prior to joining Banc One, Callentine served for nearly four years as EVP and CFO for Guest Quarters Limited Partnership. Before that, Callentine served as President, COO and CFO for the various Pickett real estate companies, including hotel development and management.
Early in his career, Callentine served as assistant controller for America United Inns. He also served as Senior Accountant for Peat Marwick Mitchell & Company. Callentine graduated from Widener College with a BA in Business Administration.
Since the business launched in 1999, Rockbridge has reportedly made more than 275 real estate and hospitality investments in 38 states worth more than $9 billion in total capitalization and has more than $2.7 billion in assets under management.
“Words cannot express my love for Ron, and my deep gratitude for all he did for me and all of us at Rockbridge,” said Jim Merkel, co-founder and CEO, Rockbridge. “Rockbridge would not be what it is today without all four of the founders, but it would not exist without Ron.
“Ron quietly shaped the Hotel industry,” Merkel continued. “He taught me and so many people so much. Many of today’s hotel industry titans call Ron a mentor or were influenced by him along the way. He was sensitive and caring. Always reaching out to people in need. He did business with people not the opportunity. He always said good people make bad deals good and bad people make good deals bad.”
“Ron and I worked closely together for nearly 20 years and he taught me so much about the hospitality business and business in general,” said Rockbridge Co-Founder and Partner Ken Krebs. “I was very fortunate to learn from the best. Beneath a sometimes gruff exterior was a humble, kind, honorable and thoughtful soul who cared deeply about people. He was a great leader, a generous mentor, a faithful partner, and a trusted colleague and friend. There would be no Rockbridge without Ron Callentine. He was our patriarch and made a tremendous positive impact on so many people within our company and the broader industry.”