Creating opportunity and leveraging it to build better futures
Our Mission
To identify, acquire, and operate profitable small businesses in West Central Florida. We work closely with business owners to preserve their legacy while driving growth and unlocking untapped potential.
Who We Are
Thrive Ascent stands out as a dedicated local buyer and operator committed to maintaining and growing businesses—and the legacies of their owners—for the long term. Unlike private equity firms or strategic buyers, we bring a hands-on, day-to-day operational approach combined with deep expertise in leveraging innovation for sustained growth in today’s technology-driven world.
We focus on building brighter futures not only for our family but also for the employees, customers, and advisors who contribute to a business’s success.
Our Founder
Rob Brooks, is a Marine Corps combat veteran who embodies the principle of extreme ownership in overcoming challenges and creating opportunities—because success is never handed to you. Growing up in a hardworking blue-collar family in the suburbs of Detroit, Rob developed a strong work ethic early in life. At 18, he joined the Marine Corps, serving from 2001 to 2005, where he quickly honed adaptability and resilience. Leading Marines across four different units in just three years during an intense operational tempo laid the foundation for his leadership philosophy and ability to thrive under pressure.
These invaluable attributes became the bedrock of his 15-year corporate career in the HR services and tech industry. Starting in 2009, he built and led high-performing teams in recruiting and sales, including small government contracting teams of 10 and national teams of nearly 100 employees serving Fortune 50 clients. He successfully managed P&L responsibilities exceeding $75 million.
In 2018, Rob transitioned into the cutting edge of technology—Data and AI digital product development—in partnership with a FAANG company. His work culminated in his role as the Global Head of Data Products and Services for a $26 billion enterprise, where he drove innovation and delivered results at a global scale.
Throughout his career, Rob has remained steadfast in his focus: building and leading strong teams that adapt and succeed in ever-changing environments. This dedication to teamwork and adaptability has been central to his professional success.
Now, Rob is entering the next phase of his journey. With a proven track record of building value and driving results, he’s focused on leveraging his skills and experience to forge his own path, with the freedom to shape the future on his terms.