1990‘s
1990
John Brooks retires, leaving the company, and all it's debt (11.25 million) to his five children, Barbara, Patricia, Mike, Jay and Stuart.
1991
Annual sales reach $32 million, boosted by military sales for The Gulf War. Mike Brooks named Ohio's Entrepreneur of The Year.
1993
As the apparent only solution to cover the debt owed, suggested by Mike, the company went public on February 3 with a stock price of $10, netting $16.5 million in profits. The name of the company was officially changed to Rocky Shoes and Boots.
1994
Constructed a new retail store and offices across the street from the factory building. $50 million in sales, 1,000 employees. Ram sculpture by Maine artist Forest Hart placed standing 9' tall, weighing 1,000 pounds.
1996
John Brooks passed away on February 19th at the age of 74. John loved this community and the hard working people of Nelsonville. He worked up until the week he passed away guiding the direction of his beloved family business.
Shortly after his passing the company began giving out The John Brooks Award annually at their Christmas Party to the employee who exemplifies community spirit and dedication.
1999
The new 200,000 sq ft, $6,000,000 state of the art Distribution Center opens just up the road in Logan, bringing hundreds of new jobs in the area.
