About Roark

Roark is an Atlanta-based, growth-oriented private equity firm founded in 2001.

Roark manages $43 billion in equity capital, supported by an experienced team built around our focused investment strategy. We invest in brands you can feel and experience, and partner with outstanding executives to deliver services that people and businesses need and love.

When Roark started 25 years ago, we wanted to build a place focused on strong partnerships and doing what’s right. It started with a single investment, Carvel, and, when it went well, more followed. As the firm has grown and our capabilities have expanded, that founding vision has stayed the same.

We are driven by our mission to help people and companies realize their potential.

“Our goal is simple: create value that helps all stakeholders win ... customers, employees, franchisees, service providers, management teams, and shareholders. We seek to partner with people who share our drive to build lasting businesses.”

-Erik Morris, Chief Investment Officer

Who we support

We always remember who we work for. Our investors and their beneficiaries: patients, students, teachers, firefighters and policemen. And 30,000 entrepreneurs across our portfolio companies ... the franchise model helps people get into business for themselves but not by themselves.

About our name

Our firm was named after Howard Roark, a literary character who stayed true to himself.

Howard Roark, the main character of Ayn Rand’s 1943 novel The Fountainhead, consistently followed his own reasoning and purpose, despite what others and society wanted. He pursued his vision with discipline, passion, clarity, and focus and always did what he said he would do. We take inspiration from Howard Roark’s individuality, integrity, and commitment to his guiding principles. We also believe in doing what is right, regardless of conventional wisdom, even when it’s hard and no one is looking.