Team
The Rockmont team has a strong and diverse background in owning, operating, acquiring and financing companies in a wide range of industries. Since our founding more than 20 years ago, we have made over 35 investments in partnership with experienced management teams.
JOHN PFANNENSTEIN, Managing Partner and Co-Founder
John was formerly a partner in the Corporate Finance Department of Boettcher & Company, Inc., a regional investment banking firm, prior to its sale to the Kemper Corporation. He previously served as Vice President of Finance of Copper Mountain, Inc., a real estate and resort development company which also purchased two publicly traded real estate investment trusts. A graduate of St. John’s University (Minnesota), he began his career as a Certified Public Accountant with Arthur Andersen & Company in Denver.
ROBERT VACEK, Operating Partner
Rob is a Principal at Rockmont and has over 20 years of results oriented experience in the growth, operations, and turnaround of numerous businesses. He currently serves as President and CEO of Western Industrial Contractors, Inc., a Rockmont portfolio company. Prior to joining Rockmont, he was President of Starsys, Inc., and has also held executive leadership positions at Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp and the USAF Space Division. He has led programs and companies ranging from $1,000,000 to over $200,000,000 in revenue. He has also led difficult financial and operating turnarounds of companies that had numerous challenges. Rob is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in Electrical Engineering, and has an MBA from the University of New Mexico.
STEPHEN DEITCHMAN, Partner
Steve joined the Rockmont Capital team in 2013. He is actively involved in all of Rockmont’s investment initiatives. Previously with J.P. Morgan in New York, Steve has a broad range of experience from his time with this leading investment bank. He is a graduate of Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia and holds a degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Accounting.
IN MEMORIAM
THOMAS GAMEL, Former Chairman and Founder, 1992 to 2015
Tom co-founded Rockmont in partnership with John in 1992; during those 25 years the two enjoyed a wonderful relationship both professionally and personally. He was a leader and mentor to the Rockmont team, and his values continue to guide the firm today. Prior to his passing, Tom was an owner and director of Timpte Industries, Inc., as well as of several other private and public companies. He had a successful track record in the acquisition, turnaround, operation and divestiture of operating companies in various industries. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, he began his career as a Certified Public Accountant with Arthur Young & Co. in Denver.
