2025 Men of the Year: Lonnie Funk

Keep an eye out if you work for Lonnie Funk. He’ll drop by at some point.

“I believe in leading by example, which is why I regularly visit our properties to engage with managers and employees directly,” says Funk, owner and president of Rogersville-based Rolling Oaks Group of Companies LLC, the umbrella under which two management companies operate. “These visits allow me to provide mentorship, address challenges firsthand and ensure our teams feel supported.”

Funk started out as a one-man operation. More than 20 years later, he employs 130 people in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas across Rolling Oaks Hospitality Inc., and Affinity Management Services Inc. The former specializes in hotel and self-storage operations, while the latter oversees conventional apartment properties and student housing. ROGC offers comprehensive services, including management, leasing, maintenance and human resources.

Funk began his career with John Q. Hammons Hotels Inc., starting as a general manager in Montana and rising to become executive vice president of operations. After 26 years with Hammons, Funk founded ROGC in 2002.

During his career, he has opened 23 hotels, five Class A multifamily communities and five self-storage projects.

“I believe leadership is measured not just in business success but in the loyalty, trust and respect earned along the way,” Funk says. I strive to create workplaces where employees feel valued and empowered.”

His focus on developing employees translates into a leadership team with an average tenure of 12 years.

“By prioritizing mentorship, collaboration and professional growth, I have cultivated a culture that encourages long-term commitment, allowing our company to thrive and maintain continuity in an ever-changing industry,” Funk says.

And when COVID-19 hit, he prioritized keeping everyone employed. “These efforts reinforced trust and loyalty within our organization, demonstrating my commitment to both our team and our long-term vision for success,” Funk says.

He has been involved with multiple property-affiliated organizations, from the Montana Innkeepers Association and Embassy Suites Owners Advisory Council to the Springfield Apartments & Housing Association as a board member. He is also a donor and volunteer for Convoy of Hope.

Funk is a leader who lives up to his reputation, says Jay Titus, Missouri division president at Cadence Bank.

“Lonnie excels as a leader, investing in his career by serving on boards related to his profession as well as putting his time and talents into areas that will grow and promote our community,” Titus says.

But Funk’s contributions go beyond business.

“Lonnie’s greatest assets are his incredible mind, humble heart and kind spirit,” Titus says. “Lonnie has never been known to say no when someone reaches out and is always ready to lend an ear or idea to a conversation that will help another.”

Family: I am supported by my wife, Leslie, of 50 years. My daughters, Amy and Lindsay, and their families live in the Dallas area. All five of my grandchildren are athletes.

Words to live by: Treat others how you want to be treated.