Robert Center, Senior Relationship Manager at Quasar Capital Partners Inc., has been named an ABF Journal NextGen Award winner for his leadership, innovative mindset and contributions to the specialty finance industry.
Center joined Quasar Capital in 2021, becoming the fourth member of a growing firm led by his father, brother and longtime family partner Sam Tork. While the business was familiar, the industry was new. “My entry into specialty finance wasn’t all that flashy — Quasar Capital is a family business,” he says. “I had the privilege of learning the ropes from my father and brother.”
Before joining Quasar, Center spent nearly a decade in corporate relocation, working with clients around the world. That experience shaped his people-first philosophy. “What truly delivers exceptional client experiences is building meaningful relationships,” he says. “It’s how well you connect with the heart-beating people you’re trying to help.”
As he adapted to the complex world of specialty finance, Center leaned into mentorship and continuous learning. “The biggest challenge I faced was the firehose of information I had to absorb,” he says. “Rather than being intimidated by what I didn’t know, I embraced the learning process.”
At Quasar, Center has helped streamline operations and integrate modern tools while respecting time-tested methods. He’s also extended his impact beyond the firm through his role as co-host of Fund Forward, the podcast of the International Factoring Association’s NEXGEN committee. “It’s rewarding to create content that bridges generations and shares insights with emerging professionals,” he says.
Center sees big opportunities ahead, particularly in modernizing how finance serves underserved businesses. In the next decade, he hopes to grow into a leadership role that lets him mentor others and expand Quasar’s reach. “Success means building something sustainable that creates value for all stakeholders,” he says.
