In this interview, we delve into the remarkable story of how Kent Rockwell, the CEO of Universal Registered Agents, Inc, embarked on his path to success in the corporate solutions industry. Join us as Kent shares his experiences, notable accomplishments, leadership style, and the values that have guided him along the way. Discover what sets Universal Registered Agents, Inc apart from other companies, how Kent navigated the challenges of building a nationwide business, and his aspirations for the future. Get ready to be inspired by Kent’s journey as a CEO and his relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of registered agent services.
Personal Journey and Motivation
Kent Rockwell’s journey as a CEO began in his teenage years in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he started his first business mowing lawns. This early venture instilled in him the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, as he managed finances and worked hands-on. Kent’s career path took a significant turn when he joined ARI and created an online UCC database for Illinois banks, providing him with the experience of building something from the ground up. This experience served as a springboard into the registered agent and corporate solutions industry, where he later joined National Registered Agents, Inc as the head of Sales & Marketing. Following NRAI’s sale in 2011 and the expiration of his two-year non-compete agreement, Kent founded Universal Registered Agents, Inc with two former colleagues. Today, URA has established itself in all 50 states as a premier provider of corporate and registered agent services.
Significant Accomplishments
One of Kent’s most significant accomplishments is the founding and growth of Universal Registered Agents, Inc. Despite the challenges faced during its initial stages, URA has evolved from a startup in 2013 to become a leading competitor in the industry. Kent takes pride in the company’s continuous innovation and improvement, as well as its ability to tackle future challenges head-on.
Leadership Style
Kent describes his leadership style as more than just task management; it’s about inspiring and empowering team members to reach their full potential. Having a clear vision for each team member and the company as a whole provides a sense of direction. Flexibility and adaptability are also critical aspects of Kent’s leadership, as they allow for the swift resolution of challenges that businesses inevitably encounter.
Unique Market Strategies
One key factor that sets Universal Registered Agents, Inc apart is its exceptional team. Kent emphasizes their commitment to excellence and customer service, backed by extensive training, well-developed procedures, best practices, and training manuals. Additionally, URA
differentiates itself by maintaining an industry-leading discontinuance rate, which is almost 10 percent lower than the industry average.
Navigating Challenges
Kent shares that transitioning URA from a non-compete period into a thriving business was one of his most challenging experiences. Building a network of trusted partners and employees was essential, and the relationships formed during that time have been instrumental in the company’s success.
Guiding Values and Principles
Kent Rockwell’s decision-making process as a CEO is guided by four key values and principles. He emphasizes the importance of always telling the truth to maintain trust with partners and employees. Kent also places a strong emphasis on hiring the right people for the right job, which contributes significantly to the company’s success. Additionally, he believes in quickly addressing any personnel mismatches to maintain 100% accuracy and success. Finally, Kent operates with the highest ethical and moral standards, recognizing that building strong relationships is essential for business success.
Staying Informed
To stay informed about industry trends and developments, Kent maintains consistent communication with industry peers and partners. He actively participates in industry associations such as NPRAA.org and regularly visits clients. Customer contact remains a top priority for Kent, ensuring that he remains connected to the pulse of the industry.
Key Success Factors
Kent attributes his success as a CEO to three main factors: integrity, honesty, and hiring great people. These principles guide his decision-making and have contributed to Universal Registered Agents, Inc’s low turnover rate and overall achievements. Maintaining trust and operating with the right team members have been essential to his success.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Kent envisions a promising future for URA. He aims to increase market share and expand URA’s coverage further across the world. Technological advancements are also a focus, with plans to enhance the company’s entity management system and form partnerships with technology companies in the industry. Kent is committed to ongoing employee development and growth within the organization, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
In conclusion, Kent Rockwell’s journey as a CEO is marked by determination, values, and a commitment to excellence. His experiences and insights serve as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders, showcasing the potential for success in the corporate solutions industry and beyond.
