“Strong results start with strong teams – people with integrity who do right by customers, respect each other and stay engaged. That’s why I believe in the “no-jerk rule.” One bad apple can destroy an entire team’s culture.”

– Mike Rooney

Mike Rooney has never believed business should be complicated. Hire good people, treat customers right and don’t work with jerks. The philosophy has shaped a career spent building teams, building companies and watching people rise.

While he holds a rare achievement in equipment finance — he helped create two equipment finance businesses from scratch, both later purchased by public banks — he has found great pride in seeing his colleagues succeed.

“Knowing I helped create cultures and environments where people could grow into their potential is the most rewarding accomplishment of my career,” Rooney says.

Rooney co-founded Verdant Commercial Capital with John Merritt and Chris Kelley, helping grow the company to nearly $2 billion before its successful exit to Axos Bank.

Before that, he co-founded Information Leasing Corp. (ILC) with Vince Rinaldi, Bob Rinaldi and Denny Hirt. After it was purchased by Provident Bank, they continued in leadership roles through the mergers with National City Commercial Capital and PNC Equipment Finance. The start-up grew into a $10 billion business.

Those experiences shaped Rooney’s approach to building organizations, where he believes strong teams thrive on healthy tension. He compared decision-making to sharpening a blade: “You need friction on both sides to get a sharper edge. Equal force sharpens the right answer.”

Rooney’s advice to future leaders is to stay curious and be patient. “Pigs get fed and hogs get slaughtered,” he often says, a reminder not to chase glory or take advantage of customers. Build relationships. Learn from mistakes. Have fun. Enjoy the journey.