Building
What Matters.
Transforming industries through strategic capital and hands-on partnership. From mortgage banking to leading a NYSE-listed company, creating exceptional consumer experiences.
Ronin Capital Partners My JourneyBuilding What Matters
LEADERSHIP & VISION
Jay Farner is the founder and CEO of Ronin Capital Partners, an investment and management firm transforming industries through strategic capital and hands-on partnership. With 27 years of leadership experience; from mortgage banker to CEO of a NYSE-listed company, Jay brings a proven track record of building category-defining businesses and creating exceptional consumer experiences.
A Career Built on Innovation
Jay’s journey began in 1996 at Rock Financial, where he quickly became one of the company’s top mortgage professionals. By early 1997, he was Director of Mortgage Banking, playing a pivotal role in training and development.
Promoted to Vice President of Web Mortgage Banking in May 1998, he helped establish Quicken Loans as the largest online lender in the country. As President and Chief Marketing Officer, Jay leveraged the synergies between marketing, business development, and operations to launch Rocket Mortgage, the first fully online, on-demand mortgage experience that fundamentally changed how Americans finance their homes.
2017 – 2023
CEO & Vice Chairman, Rocket Companies
Leading Rocket Companies
From February 2017 to August 2023, Jay served as CEO and Vice Chairman of Rocket Companies, taking the company public on the New York Stock Exchange on August 6, 2020.
Under his leadership, Rocket Companies; which includes Rocket Mortgage, the nation’s largest retail mortgage lender, achieved multiple record-setting years of revenue and profitability.
J.D. Power
Ranked ‘Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Primary Mortgage Origination’ for nine consecutive years (2010-2018)
Computerworld
Named one of ‘100 Best Places to Work in IT’ for 14 years; ranked #1 for six straight years (2013-2018)
FORTUNE
Top-15 on ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ (2018), and top-30 for 15 consecutive years
CURRENT VENTURE
Ronin Capital Partners
Founded in June 2023, Ronin Capital Partners reflects Jay’s investment philosophy: provide capital and strategic support to businesses across diverse sectors while cultivating meaningful partnerships that drive sustainable growth.
Strategic Investment with Purpose
Based in Birmingham, Michigan, Ronin focuses on real estate, finance, sports, hospitality, technology, and startups with a customized approach to each investment.
- Real Estate
- Finance
- Sports
- Hospitality
- Technology
Portfolio Investments
Sports
Motor City Golf Club
TGL team ownership in Detroit (Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s tech-infused golf league)
Rajasthan Royals
Ownership partner in the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise alongside David Blitzer and a global investment consortium.
Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR)
Strategic investment and board-level involvement in the global rating standard for the world’s fastest-growing sport.
Hospitality
BESA
Award-winning restaurant in downtown Detroit
Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery
Highly anticipated coastal dining experience in historic Franklin Village
Otis Harbor Springs
Boutique hotel in Northern Michigan
Technology & Startups
Emerging Tech
Multiple investments across emerging technology and direct-to-consumer businesses
PASSIONATE SPEAKER
“Creating exceptional client experiences extends beyond business metrics.”
Creating Unforgettable Experiences
Jay’s passion for exceptional client experiences extends beyond business metrics. During his tenure at Quicken Loans and Rocket Companies, he spearheaded innovative marketing initiatives that became cultural moments.
QL Billion Dollar Bracket Challenge
With Warren Buffett
Carrier Classic
NCAA basketball game on the USS Carl Vinson, attended by President Barack Obama
Super Bowl Advertisements
Multiple award-winning NFL Super Bowl campaigns
These experiences didn’t just engage clients and team members; they helped transform Rocket into the multibillion-dollar brand it is today.
Board Positions
Director, Jay Farner Family Foundation
Board Member, Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR)
Executive Board Member, Metropolitan Detroit YMCA
Advisory Board Member, MSU Broad College of Business
Board Member, Bedrock Manufacturing
Board Member, Filson
Recognition
Crain’s Detroit Business “40 Under 40”
2011
Detroit Roots, Proven Results
A Michigan State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in finance, Jay resides in Metro Detroit with his three children. His unique understanding of tech-driven, direct-to-consumer businesses; combined with deep expertise in housing, finance, and commercial real estate, positions him to identify transformative opportunities others miss.
“Create value through forward-thinking strategies, exceptional execution, and an unwavering commitment to the client experience.”