Ricky Crandell: A Decade of Impact with the Family of Companies

Ricky Crandell has been with Amrock, part of the Rock Family of Companies, since 2013. In the last 11 years, he has made a lasting impact on the people around him both in the workplace and the community. His story is one of dedication, compassion and a deep commitment to being ‘For More Than Profit.’ Ricky’s journey is a shining example of what it means to put people first and remember that numbers and money follow; they do not lead.

Ricky’s connection to his work and the people he helps is deeply personal. Growing up, he saw firsthand how difficult life could be when money was tight. He remembers the impact of receiving food boxes from pantries during tough times, which now fuels his desire to help others through volunteer work. Whether it’s helping with packaging food for Forgotten Harvest or distributing meals with Gleaners, Ricky is ready to lend a hand. “There’s more to life than money,” he says. “When you can make a difference in somebody’s life, that’s more important than anything.”

Whether it is helping a client navigate a difficult loan process, volunteering his time or simply offering a kind word to someone in need, Ricky is always looking for ways to make a positive impact.

“I’m here to help people… That’s what it’s all about.”

This mission extends to Ricky’s belief in the power of community. He’s seen firsthand how the Family of Companies’ investment in Detroit has transformed the city.

“When I started working downtown in 2012 at a local hotel, it was so different,” Ricky recalls. “Now, the streets are full of hustle and bustle. People on their way to and from work, out walking their dogs, pushing strollers, tourists from all over the world enjoying this wonderful city. It is incredible to see the transformation.”

He stated one of his favorite things to do is to share interesting facts and bits of history about the magnificent buildings Bedrock has invested in, saved and erected. Ricky’s pride in being part of that change is palpable. “I never expected to be here 11 years. The longest I had worked anywhere before starting my career with Amrock was 11 months,” he adds. “But once I settled in, I knew I was home. I could not imagine being anywhere else. What the Gilberts have done for Detroit, for the community and for me, is incredible. I plan to retire from here.”

Ricky has the same approach in his daily life—he is here to make an impact.

He tells the story of a homeless man he met while working downtown prior to beginning his career at the Rock Family of Companies. What started as a simple act of kindness—offering the man a few dollars for a cup of coffee on a frigid Michigan winter night, then a warm jacket that next day—grew into a friendship. Ricky will still regularly check in on him when they cross paths and he continues to help his old friend whenever he can. Ever focused on what more he can do; Ricky is already planning his next move. “I’m going to help him off the street one day,” Ricky says. “Whether it’s me directly or through something with the Family of Companies, that’s my mission. Help him find a home of his own.”

One of Ricky’s cherished experiences is Operation Good Cheer, an annual event where team members from across the Family of Companies bring joy to foster children during the holidays. They purchase, wrap and deliver gifts to ensure that these kids have something to open during the holidays. The presents are flown across Michigan to foster homes on private jets by pilots who donate their time, not to mention wear and tear on their planes, a process Ricky finds deeply rewarding.

“It’s so cool to be part of something bigger than yourself.”

“Anyone can give money, but when you give your time, you see the impact directly.” For Ricky, this isn’t just a seasonal activity—it’s a personal mission rooted in his own experiences growing up in a single-income household, where holidays sometimes came without presents. He knows firsthand the impact that a simple act of kindness can make in somebody’s life.

But Ricky’s commitment to helping others goes far beyond holiday volunteering. In his day-to-day work at Amrock, Ricky has countless stories of going the extra mile for his clients, often under challenging circumstances. One memorable story involves a client who was trying to secure his family’s co-op apartment in Manhattan after his parents passed away. The process was complex, involving legal hurdles and multiple delays, but Ricky never gave up.

Over three years, he worked with the client through myriad obstacles, including navigating probate issues for both of his parents and a late sibling, and coordinating with multiple attorneys. Ricky recalls, “I knew if we helped him, it would make a difference in his life.” By focusing on doing the right thing, Ricky not only helped the client secure the family home but also built a life-long relationship. More than seven years after the death of the client’s parents, and three years of working with Ricky, all the forms were filed, and he finally had ownership of his family home.

He also tells a touching story about a client who was battling terminal cancer while trying to secure her mother’s future. The client needed to adjust the title on her property to qualify her mother for assisted living. The situation was complicated, and errors in the documents added to the stress. But Ricky stayed on the phone with her late into the night, working through every detail. “She was crying, I was crying,” Ricky remembers. “She just wanted to make sure her mom would be okay after she was gone.” Thanks to Ricky’s persistence and compassion, they did it. This is a shining example of what it means to work For More Than Profit.

Ricky Crandell’s journey at Amrock is a powerful reminder that when we are For More Than Profit, the rewards are far greater than financial gain—they’re personal, meaningful, and lasting. Ricky embodies the spirit of the Rock Family of Companies, showing that true success comes from making a difference in the lives of others.