About

About Ryan Edward Rock

Ryan Edward Rock is an agriculture industrial general contractor based in Ankeny, Iowa, serving as the president of Empire Ag. His transition into business ownership was a natural progression for someone who has consistently demonstrated hard work and dedication in serving both his country and various employers. Being a true son of the Midwest, he settled near his childhood home, where he successfully built a thriving business, a close-knit family, and a fulfilling life.

Current Role and Duties

Having accumulated years of experience in the agricultural industrial sector, Rock decided to branch out independently, leading to the creation of Empire Ag. This company specializes in designing and constructing agricultural and industrial facilities. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, working alongside exceptional business partners and a skilled field crew. Together, they build top-tier facilities across the United States for processing and storing grain, feed, and flour. By minimizing overhead and staying attuned to consumer needs, he ensures Empire Ag delivers an unparalleled construction experience, enhancing client satisfaction.

Career History

Ryan Rock has maintained a strong and steady work ethic throughout his life. Growing up, his family rented a 160-acre farm from his grandmother, instilling in him an early understanding of farm management and the agricultural community’s needs. His involvement in the local 4-H club, Boy Scouts, competitive sports, and church activities further solidified his dedication. At 17, he joined the Army National Guard and planned to attend Iowa State University (ISU) in Ames. The Army National Guard allowed him to serve his country while funding his college education without the burden of student loans.

During his college years, Ryan Edward Rock remained committed to his responsibilities. He worked as a resident assistant in his junior year at ISU before being called to active duty for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Deployed in February 2003, he served in Iraq for 15 months. After his deployment, he completed his senior year at ISU while pursuing his interest in construction by taking on handyman jobs in Ames. One such job connected him with Todd & Sargent, a local firm in the agricultural and industrial construction business.

Starting as an assistant superintendent at an ethanol plant construction project in Nevada, Iowa, Rock transitioned to a project estimator role after the project’s completion. His two-year tenure as a project estimator allowed him to explore his true passion for operations and project management. As a project manager, he oversaw projects from start to finish, applying skills honed through his military and career experiences. His performance led to a promotion to Senior Project Manager, where he gained shares in the company, further overseeing project managers and engineers.

Ryan Rock’s career advanced as he led the Purchasing and Safety Departments, eventually earning a vice-president role. These experiences culminated in his decision to start his enterprise, Empire Ag, allowing him to focus on client satisfaction and his family, enhancing his home parcel in Ankeny, Iowa.

Academic History

During high school, Rock strategically took courses that provided college credit, enabling him to complete basic training for the Army in the fall semester of 2000 and begin his studies at ISU in the spring. After his deployment to Iraq, Rock returned in time to witness his younger sister’s graduation from ISU. He quickly resumed his studies, completing two semesters with heavy course loads of 18 credits each to earn a Bachelor of Science in Finance from ISU in the spring of 2005.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Ryan Edward Rock is devoted to his wife of over ten years and their three daughters. The family resides on a four-acre parcel in Ankeny, Iowa, where they are building a new home to meet their needs better. He is an avid tinkerer, spending his free time helping friends with construction projects, working around his home, or working on hobby cars. His dedication to his family and his passion for hands-on projects reflect his commitment to improving both his personal and professional life.