Front Office
- Ownership: Dan Gilbert | Jeff Cohen | Nate Forbes
- Business Staff: Len Komoroski
- Basketball Staff: Chris Grant | David Griffin
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Chairman, Rock Ventures LLC
Founder and Chairman, Quicken Loans Inc.
Majority Owner, Cleveland Cavaliers
Dan Gilbert is the Chairman of Rock Ventures LLC, the umbrella entity for his investments and real estate, and Founder and Chairman of Quicken Loans Inc., the nation’s largest online home lender and third largest retail lender in the United States. In 2012, Quicken Loans closed more than $70 billion in home loan volume, a 133 percent increase over the $30 billion previous record set in 2011.
Dan is also majority owner of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, the NBA Development League’s Canton (Ohio) Charge, the Arena Football League’s (AFL) Cleveland Gladiators, and the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Lake Erie Monsters, as well as the operator of the Quicken Loans Arena (“The Q”) in Cleveland, Ohio.
Detroit-based Quicken Loans employs nearly 10,000 people nationally and earned the highest ratings for customer satisfaction among all U.S. home loan lenders in a study by J.D. Power and Associates in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Quicken Loans ranked in the Top-10 of FORTUNE magazine’s ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ in 2012, and has placed among the Top-30 companies on FORTUNE’s list for the past 10 years. The company has been recognized as one of Computerworld magazine’s ’100 Best Places to Work in IT’ the past nine years, ranking No. 1 in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2013. Quicken Loans was awarded the nation’s best employer in Workplace Dynamics’ 2013 National Top Workplace list. The benchmark study of more than 870 companies based its rankings solely on feedback gathered through an employee survey.
In less than three years, Quicken Loans moved its headquarters and more than 8,000 of its team members to downtown Detroit, where Dan and the company are helping lead a revitalization of the city’s urban core.
Dan founded Rock Financial in 1985. The company grew into one of the largest independent mortgage lenders in the country and, in the late 1990s, launched its Internet strategy and quickly positioned itself as the fastest growing direct mortgage lender on the Internet. In 2000, software maker Intuit purchased Rock Financial and the company was renamed “Quicken Loans.” Dan stayed on as CEO, leading the company as it became the nation’s largest online home lender. QuickenLoans.com has gone on to earn “Best of the Web” accolades from Forbes, Money and PC Magazine.
In 2002, Dan led a group and purchased Quicken Loans and its affiliated national title company, Title Source, Inc., back from Intuit.
Dan became majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005 and undertook a complete overhaul of the entire organization. Shortly after, the Cavaliers won the 2007 Eastern Conference Championship, advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time in the team’s 37-year history. The team finished the 2008-2009 regular season with a franchise record and NBA-best 66 wins, and followed that in 2009-2010 with another NBA-best 61-win regular season.
Dan is a founding partner of Detroit-based private equity group Rockbridge Growth Equity LLC. The partnership invests in growing businesses in the financial services, Internet technology, consumer-direct marketing, and the sports and entertainment industries. Some of Rockbridge’s investments include:
- Northcentral University, a premier online educational institution;
- Protect America, a leading home security company;
- One on One Marketing, a premier educational institution sales lead provider;
- Connect America, a direct-to-consumer provider of personal emergency response systems;
- Purchasing Power, a niche e-commerce business that allows clients’ employees a way to purchase products through payroll deduction;
- Triad Retail Media, an online retail advertising company.
In addition, Dan is a Principal of Detroit Venture Partners (DVP), a venture capital firm that funds start-up and early-stage technology companies in Detroit.
Dan is also a significant shareholder and is involved in the operation of several consumer-based, technology-centered businesses, including:
- Fathead, the leader in sports and entertainment graphics;
- Veritix, a provider of paperless ticketing;
- Xenith, a developer of helmet technology that reduces brain injuries;
- StyleCaster, a community for all things fashion, beauty and music.
Dan and a group of partners successfully backed a state-wide referendum to bring casino gaming to Ohio’s four largest cities in November 2009. Rock Gaming LLC, with joint venture partner Caesars Entertainment, has developed unique urban casinos under the Horseshoe brand in Cleveland, which opened in May 2012, and Cincinnati, which opened in March 2013. The companies are also developing an urban casino in downtown Baltimore, expected to open in 2014. The developments have been designed to engage, promote and encourage gaming patrons to visit and support existing cultural, nightlife and sports attractions in the downtown areas where they are located.
Dan is also the Director of Rock Gaming’s affiliate, Athens Acquisition LLC, which acquired a majority interest in Detroit’s Greektown Casino-Hotel in April 2013.
Dan launched Bizdom in 2007. The non-profit entrepreneurial academy trains, mentors and finances business builders in their start-up enterprises in the city of Detroit. Bizdom’s mission is to create successful businesses, jobs, growth and wealth in large urban centers. Bizdom launched a second location, in downtown Cleveland, in 2011.
Dan serves on the boards of the Cleveland Clinic, the Washington D.C.-based Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC), and the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF). Dan also serves as Vice Chairman of the non-profit M-1 RAIL initiative, improving downtown and midtown Detroit’s transportation infrastructure with a 6.6 mile light rail system designed to help spur economic development.Dan earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and his law degree from Wayne State University.
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CEO Rock Companies
Vice Chairman Cleveland Cavaliers
Principal Rock Gaming LLC
Jeff is CEO and Founder of the Rock Companies, which includes the following family of companies: Rock Construction Company, Inc., Rock Equities LLC and Rock Management LLC. Rock Construction is a builder and developer that was founded in 1991 and has principal offices in Detroit, Michigan. With its affiliates, the company has developed, built and managed numerous commercial and residential projects including offices, custom homes, condominiums, apartment communities and arenas. Rock Construction is a licensed Michigan residential builder, a member of the Michigan Association of Home Builders, and licensed Michigan real estate broker.
Rock Equities was formed in 2001 as a vehicle for pursuing real estate investment opportunities. Its holdings have included properties in Florida, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio. Rock Equities has over $1 billion in transactions since its inception.
Rock Management is a property management company that manages many of the Rock Companies’ holdings, particularly its properties in Southeastern Michigan, Metropolitan Orlando, North Carolina, and Southeast Ohio. Rock Management currently manages over 2,000 residential units, Quicken Loans Arena (The “Q”), the Cleveland Clinic Courts, and serves as owner’s representative for Horseshoe Cleveland and Horseshoe Cincinnati.
In June 2002, Cohen was part of a small group of investors that purchased Quicken Loans (which today consists of Quicken Loans, Rock Financial and Title Source) from Intuit Inc. Quicken Loans closed a record $29 billion in 2011. Detroit based Quicken Loans employs more than 8,000 people nationally and earned the highest ratings for customer satisfaction among all U.S. home loan lenders in a study by J.D. Power and Associates in 2010 and 2011.
In 2005, Cohen was part of an investor group that acquired the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball club of the National Basketball Association, becoming its Vice Chairman in 2009. Jeff is a Minority Owner of the NBA Development League’s Canton (Ohio) Charge, and the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Lake Erie Monsters, as well as the operator of the Quicken Loans Arena (“The Q”) in Cleveland, Ohio.The ownership group is responsible for a complete overhaul of the franchise, including the front office executive team, coaching staff, player personnel and game presentation.The group also renovated the newly named “Quicken Loans Arena,” (known as “The Q”) including new seats, state-of-the-art scoreboards, video systems, sound systems, arena graphics, signage, security, locker rooms, and suite upgrades. Rock Companies was responsible for overseeing the above construction activity,and acted as the Construction Manager/Owners Representative for the new state of-the-art 55,000 square foot Cavalier Practice Facility named Cleveland Clinic Courts
Cohen is a principal of Rock Gaming LLC, a Midwest-based gaming partnership formed to develop and operate unique, urban-based casinos that engage, promote and encourage tourism while supporting existing cultural, nightlife and sports attractions in the downtown areas where they are located. Rock Gaming led the successful passage of a 2009 state constitutional referendum which brought first-class casino gaming to Ohio’s four largest cities. Through a partnership with Caesars Entertainment, the group is developing and operating full-scale casinos in Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as Baltimore, Md., which are designed to create thousands of jobs while sparking additional urban investment.
Horseshoe Casino Cleveland successfully opened in May 2012. Horseshoe Cincinnati, which is currently under construction, will open in spring 2013, and Harrah’s Baltimore is slated to open in mid-2014. Rock Gaming and Caesars Entertainment are also equity partners in Cleveland-area thoroughbred racetrack Thistledown, which will open as a racino in spring 2013, as well as Turfway Park, a premier thoroughbred horseracing track located in northern Kentucky.
Cohen is a Director of the National Association of Home Builders, the Michigan Association of Homebuilders, and serves on the Legislative Affairs Committee of the Michigan Association of Homebuilders. He is currently President of JARC Properties—a non-profit organization providing housing and services to the developmentally disabled—and also serves on the Board of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. He is active in the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation as well as various other charitable organizations
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The Forbes Company, Southfield, Michigan
Cleveland Cavaliers, Vice Chairman
Nathan Forbes is the managing partner of The Forbes Company, a nationally recognized developer, owner and manager of luxury shopping destinations throughout Michigan and Florida. These landmark retail properties include the highly acclaimed Somerset Collection in Troy, Michigan, The Mall at Millenia in Orlando, The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens, and Waterside Shops in Naples.
Regarded throughout the retail industry as the benchmark for luxury retail development, Women’s Wear Daily featured Nathan Forbes and The Forbes Company’s formula for branding luxury retail properties in its October 16th, 2006 issue.
In June 2002, Forbes was part of a small group of investors that purchased Quicken Loans (which today consists of Quicken Loans, Rock Financial and Title Source) from Intuit Inc. Quicken Loans closed more than $25 billion in home loans in 2009.
In 2005, Forbes was part of an investor group that acquired the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball club of the National Basketball Association. The group has renovated the newly named “Quicken Loans Arena”, (known as “The Q”) including new seats, state-of-the-art scoreboards, video systems, sound systems, arena graphics, signage, security, locker room, suite upgrades, as well as the new state-of-the-art 55,000 square foot Cavalier Practice Facility named Cleveland Clinic Courts.
In 2006, Forbes was part of an investor group that acquired and currently operates Fathead LLC, which licenses and sells a new category of product for the true sports enthusiast. A “Fathead” is a life-size, colorful, vinyl wall graphic of popular sports stars from the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB in an action pose, or fans favorite team helmets, in addition to NASCAR racecars and Hollywood entertainment characters.
In November 2009, Forbes was part of a group that successfully backed a state constitutional amendment bringing casino gaming to Ohio. Rock Gaming will own and operate casinos in downtown Cleveland and downtown Cincinnati. The casinos are expected to open in 2013. It is estimated that this initiative will create 34,000 jobs and roughly $650 million dollars in tax revenue annually.
Forbes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan, and serves on its capital Campaign Committee. Forbes and the company’s respective properties are actively involved in numerous charitable endeavors and organizations. He serves on the Board of Directors of the acclaimed Karmanos Cancer Institute, a world-renowned cancer center that is committed to the highest standard of research, patient care, and education. Forbes also serves on the College for Creative Studies Board of Trustees.
Forbes is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and the Young Presidents’ Organization. He has also been recognized for his leadership in the Detroit area by receiving an honor of recognition as Detroit Newsmaker of The Year finalist.
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CEO, Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena
Governor, Lake Erie Monsters
Len Komoroski was named president of the Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena organization in April 2003. With more than 30 years of experience in pro sports and entertainment, Komoroski’s leadership has helped set a solid business foundation from which the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers, AHL Lake Erie Monsters, AFL Cleveland Gladiators, NBADL Canton Charge and Quicken Loans Arena have flourished into one of the most successfully operated sports and entertainment organizations in the country.
In his first year, Komoroski restructured and transformed how the Cavaliers approached the business community; assembled a team of top sports marketing pros; transformed the organization’s communications efforts; and oversaw the development of one of the most dynamic game experiences in the NBA. Other accomplishments at the helm of the Cavaliers business operations include playing pivotal roles in developing one of the top cable television relationships in the NBA with Fox Sports Ohio, as well as securing the entitlement of the Cavaliers new state-of-the-art player development center - Cleveland Clinic Courts
The Cavaliers franchise has been repeatedly recognized within the pro sports team industry (NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB and MLS) as one of five Finalist for Sports Business Journal’s prestigious “Sports Team of the Year” award in recent years. The award recognizes excellence, creativity and innovation in franchise business operations.
Very active as a community and civic leader, he is also one of the seven Principles of Rock Gaming, which is bringing first-class, full-service casino gaming to downtown Cleveland and Cincinnati along with thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of positive economic impact for local and statewide communities. He serves on the board of directors of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the Downtown Cleveland Alliance, and the Cleveland chapters of City Year, American Red Cross, and United Way. He is also Chairman of the Board for Positively Cleveland, Cleveland’s convention and visitors bureau.
Prior to joining the Cavaliers organization, Komoroski was the Senior Vice President and Chief of Business Operations with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles (1996-2003). There, he played a pivotal role in the Eagles’ growth and business success, which included bringing the Eagles Television Network in-house and helping to broker the record-setting, multi-million dollar naming rights deal for the Eagles training facility, the NovaCare Complex; development of Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles state-of-the-art stadium and secured a 20-year, $140 million naming rights agreement with Lincoln Financial Group which, at the time, was one of the largest such agreements in pro sports history.
Prior to the Eagles, Komoroski was the Senior Vice President and COO of the International Hockey League’s (IHL) Cleveland Lumberjacks (1994-96). The team was one of three profitable IHL teams in 1996. His first stint in the NBA was with Minnesota Timberwolves as Vice President of Sales (1988-1994), there he played a major role in the start-up of the team and its arena, the Target Center.
Komoroski is a 1982 cum laude graduate of Duquesne University. He and his wife Denise have three daughters– Kristin, Kelly, Jamie and one son, Zachary
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General Manager
Chris Grant was named the ninth general manager in Cleveland Cavaliers history on June 4, 2010. He originally joined the franchise as the club’s vice president of basketball operations/assistant general manager in July 2005.
As general manager, Grant leads the basketball operations department in all day-to-day activities of the team, including overseeing all aspects of scouting, basketball personnel, player acquisitions and the operations of the Cavaliers exclusive NBA Development League affiliate, the Canton Charge. In addition to those responsibilities, he also supervises the athletic performance training team that cares for the medical needs and physical development of each player. Community involvement is also integral to Grant’s focus with the team and he guides the player appearance committee (PAC) for the business side of the Cavs organization.
Since being named general manager, Grant has reorganized the team’s front office and committed to building a roster toward creating long-term success. Grant began acquiring numerous draft picks, including the Los Angeles Clippers’ 2011 first round pick, which secured the No.1 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft Lottery for Cleveland. Grant selected Kyrie Irving, who went on to win the 2011-12 NBA Rookie of the Year award. In the same draft, he selected Tristan Thompson, who earned all-rookie second team honors.
In his previous role as vice president of basketball operations/assistant general manager, Grant led the process of organizing and preparing for the NBA Draft and maintaining the basketball operations budget. In addition, he worked closely with the team’s general manager in player contract negotiations, trade discussions and procurement of players and the overall day-to-day operations of the team. Grant spearheaded the design and construction of the Cavaliers’ state-of-the-art player development center, Cleveland Clinic Courts, which opened at the start of the 2007 season. The 55,000 square foot facility is one of the most technologically advanced team development centers in pro sports.
Prior to joining the Cavaliers, he spent the previous nine seasons with the Atlanta Hawks where he was promoted in 2004 to the position of vice president of basketball operations and assistant general manager. In his nine years with the Hawks, Grant held six different positions including video intern, video coordinator, advance scout, assistant director of scouting, director of scouting and vice president/assistant general manager.
Grant, a graduate of the University of San Diego, earned a degree in psychology. He also received a master’s degree in educational leadership from USD. Grant spent three seasons on the school’s basketball team after transferring from Canada Junior College. During the summer of 2011, he joined the national advisory board of the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), a nonprofit organization that aims to transform the culture of youth sports to give all young athletes the opportunity for a positive, character-building experience. He also joined the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital Leadership Council in the fall of 2011. The nationally recognized Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital features world-class pediatric facilities and the country’s top physicians and specialists.
He and his wife, Kelly, have three sons, Cameron, Boden and Hudson.
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Vice President of Basketball Operations
David Griffin joined the Cavaliers as vice president of basketball operations in September 2010. In his role as VP of Basketball Operations, Griffin works closely with Cavaliers General Manager Chris Grant on all basketball and front office matters and oversees the team’s scouting and player personnel areas as well as the team’s draft process. Prior to joining the Cavaliers, Griffin spent 17 seasons with the Suns, the last three as the club’s senior vice president of basketball operations after being named to the position in June 2007
After originally joining the Suns basketball communications department in 1993 as an intern, Griffin has seen his responsibilities steadily grow due to his passion, work ethic and analytical expertise.
After aiding the club’s media relations efforts for four seasons, Griffin moved to the basketball operations side in 1997, where he began with draft and free agency information, video preparation, scouting reports and statistical analysis. Prior to his current assignment, Griffin held the titles of assistant general manager of player personnel, director of player personnel, assistant director of player personnel and basketball operations assistant with the Suns.
Additionally, he has served as tournament director for the NIKE Desert Classic pre-draft camp and was an assistant coach at Scottsdale Community College where he led the recruiting of five players that played Division I. He was also part of the basketball press information team at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
The Phoenix native graduated from Arizona State in 1995 with a degree in political science. He and his wife, Meredith, reside on the east side of Cleveland.
