The Rock Bridge Group Research
Advisory Approach
The Rock Bridge Group (formerly The FBB Group) is a Colorado-based M&A advisory firm that has been exclusively serving business owners since 1982. With over 40 years of experience and 1,000+ closed transactions, the firm operates with a clear thesis: successful business exits require more than transactional expertise—they demand trusted partnership, deep local market knowledge, and a process-centric approach that balances confidentiality with broad market exposure.
The firm's positioning is distinctive in the Colorado market: they are not registered broker-dealers but rather business intermediaries focused on privately-held businesses in the lower middle market (typically businesses valued under $10 million). Their sweet spot is founder-owned businesses in Colorado and the Front Range region where operational complexity creates valuation challenges that their hands-on experience is uniquely positioned to address.
Sector Focus
The Rock Bridge Group has completed transactions across a remarkably diverse range of industries. Their representative transactions span manufacturing, distribution, retail, food & beverage, and business services. Within manufacturing, they have particular depth in metal fabrication, precast concrete, metal stamping, and specialty manufacturing. Their distribution experience covers food distribution, medical supplies, promotional products, and building materials. In retail, they have sold pharmacies, hardware stores, specialty retailers, and restaurant groups.
Their business services transactions demonstrate expertise in HVAC, construction, printing, professional services, and various trade services. This breadth is not accidental—it reflects the Colorado economy's composition and the firm's four decades of serving the state's business communities.
Deal Track Record
The Rock Bridge Group has completed 1,000+ transactions since 1982, making them one of Colorado's most prolific business intermediaries. Their representative transactions include:
Manufacturing: Alpine Steel Fabricators (steel fabrication), Denver Architectural Precast (precast concrete), Qualtek Manufacturing (metal stamping), Macurco (gas detectors), JLM Products & Design (container manufacturing), Sigma Metals (structural steel fabrication), Easy Buff (floor care products), Firebaugh Precast (precast concrete), Children's Play Structures (playground structures), Pueblo Tent and Awning Company.
Distribution: High Summit Distribution (food distribution), Medical Supply Solutions (medical distribution), PSA Worldwide (promotional products), Furniture Distributors (office furniture), C & C Sand and Stone Company (landscaping materials), Walter Drake & Sons (mail order), Radiographic Equipment Group (medical equipment), Stone Image (stone distribution).
Retail: LA-Z Boy Furniture Galleries, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (four locations), Breckenridge Drug Store, Dollar World of Canon City, Johnson Pipe & Supply, Leisure Time Hot Tubs, Home Lighting Company, Miracle-Ear.
Food & Beverage: Antonio's (fine Italian dining), Samurai Sam's (fast food franchise), Steaksmith (fine dining), Boulder Street Coffee Roasters, The Donut Mill, multiple restaurant and pub locations.
Business Services: Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems (master franchise), Learning RX (learning centers), Peak Broadband (internet service provider), multiple HVAC, engineering, printing, and professional services firms.
Process & Fee Structure
The Rock Bridge Group runs a structured sell-side process designed specifically for lower middle market businesses. Key elements include:
- Valuation: Comprehensive business valuation using multiple methodologies
- Preparation: Assistance with preparing offering memoranda and financial documentation
- Marketing: Broad exposure through their proprietary database of thousands of buyers, plus national affiliations
- Confidentiality: Proven processes to maintain confidentiality while achieving market exposure
- Negotiation: Hands-on negotiation support from start to finish
- Closing: Full transaction management through closing
Their affiliations include Nation-List International, International Business Brokers Association (IBBA), Colorado Association of Business Intermediaries (CABI), and M&A Source—giving them access to national and international buyer networks.
Fee structure information is not publicly disclosed, which is typical for business brokers in this market segment. Their model likely includes a retainer fee and success fee contingent on closing.
Buyer Network
The Rock Bridge Group maintains an internal database of thousands of active buyers across local, national, and international markets. Through their affiliations with Nation-List International, IBBA, and M&A Source, they have access to extensive buyer networks. Their 40+ year history in Colorado means they have deep relationships with local buyers, private equity firms with regional focus, and strategic acquirers looking to expand into the Colorado market.
Competitive Positioning
The Rock Bridge Group differentiates through:
- Longevity and Track Record: 40+ years and 1,000+ transactions in Colorado
- Local Expertise: Deep roots in Colorado Springs, Denver, and the Front Range with understanding of local market dynamics
- Process Excellence: 90% success rate on engagements they undertake
- Team Experience: Principals with hands-on operating experience, not just transactional backgrounds
- Breadth of Experience: Transactions across virtually every industry sector
- Confidentiality Focus: Proven processes for maintaining seller confidentiality
Not a Fit If
The Rock Bridge Group is not ideal for:
- Businesses seeking national institutional coverage (they are Colorado-focused)
- Companies requiring public company M&A expertise (they focus on privately-held businesses)
- Transactions requiring securities registration (they are business intermediaries, not registered broker-dealers)
- Businesses outside their Colorado/Front Range focus area
Team
Rob Amerine, President – CBI, M&AMI, Colorado Real Estate Employing Broker. Acquired The FBB Group from founder Ron Chernak in 2021. Background includes ownership of a business that grew to 25 employees, early career at Lockheed Martin, and executive roles at Fortune 500 companies. BS in Engineering Science from Colorado State University, MS in IT Management from University of Colorado at Boulder.
Ronald V. Chernak, Director – CBI, M&AMI, Fellow of the IBBA, IBBA Hall of Fame (inaugural class, 2024). Founder of The FBB Group in 1982. Former practicing attorney with a 175-member Chicago law firm. Holds CPA Certificate (Illinois), licensed Colorado Real Estate Broker, formerly licensed to practice law in Illinois and Colorado. Former Chairman of IBBA and M&A Source. Active in Colorado Springs community organizations.
Christopher A. Fagnant, M&A Associate – Lifetime of experience in family-owned businesses. Previously President of Qualtek Manufacturing (2010-2021), leading advanced manufacturing resurgence. Background includes restaurant industry experience (sous chef at J. Alexanders, general manager for Chipotle) and commercial real estate investment.
Additional Team Members: Anthony (entrepreneur with six companies and exits to two public companies), Travis (former Dutch Bros Coffee franchisee who opened first Colorado locations), Memory Garrison (operations support), Amanda (marketing and administration).
Geographic Coverage
Primary focus: Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, and the Front Range region of Colorado. Secondary markets: 15+ states nationwide through their national affiliations. The firm has completed transactions in over 15 different states but maintains its core presence in Colorado.
Key Statistics
- Founded: 1982
- Closed Transactions: 1,000+
- Years of Experience: 40+ years
- Success Rate: 90%
- Primary Market: Colorado and Front Range
- Secondary Markets: 15+ states through affiliations