On August 7, Rockbridge, a private equity firm, hosted their fourth annual Rock the Road conference in Columbus, Ohio. The non-for-profit event brought together representatives of leading hotel brands such as Hilton, Hyatt, and Starwood, as well as financial giants Morris, Manning & Martin, all to support Pelotonia, the country’s largest cycling event benefiting cancer research.
Aiming to bring competing hospitality brands together in order to inspire creative thinking, Rock the Road features presentations that showcase leadership and innovation. This year, Dr. Michael Caligiuri, CEO of the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Robin Thurston, Chief Digital Officer for Under Armour, Blake Smith, Director of Entertainment for Virgin Hotels, and Tim Knight, Owner and Leadership Coach of Focus 3 Culture motivated attendees.
“We wanted to inspire the industry and bring people together to make a difference,” noted Rockbridge President & CEO, Jim Merkel. “Our guests responded overwhelmingly to Rock the Road’s uniqueness in content centered around innovation and leadership and the impact we are making in cancer research as a result is what this is all about.”
A combination of conference proceeds, sponsorships, and team fundraising allowed Rockbridge to donate $650,000 to Dr. Caligiuri’s ground-breaking cancer research. This compounds on the $1.3 million that Rockbridge has donated to Pelotonia and cancer research in the last 5 years.
Attendees of the Rock the Road conference were also encouraged to stay on for an additional day and ride in Pelotonia on Rockbridge’s team. Rockbridge provided a team jersey, high-end road bike, and helmet for those who take part in the cycling event.
Through Rock the Road, Rockbridge united leaders of the hospitality industry for a common cause, and Rockbridge execs continue to be dedicated to the fight to end cancer. “The growth and momentum this event has are amazing and I know that research breakthroughs will occur with the money we are raising,” said Joe Apgar, Team Rockbridge Captain and cancer survivor. “Working for a company with a vision toward one goal—ending cancer—is truly inspiring.”
