Investing in the next generation of Global Business
Building the next generation of business based in Miami, Florida
A Miami-based private equity firm founded by Joseph DaGrosa Jr. focused on making control and influential minority investments in exceptional companies located throughout the United States, Western Europe and Latin America. Past investments include Burger King, Girondins de Bordeaux Football Club, Brazil Tower Company, Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), and Multi-Race.
Our Miami Based Team:
Joseph DaGrosa Jr. is the Founder and Chairman of DaGrosa Capital Partners LLC (“DCP”). Mr. DaGrosa has over 30 years of experience in successfully investing across a wide range of industries including sports & entertainment, retail, food & beverage, insurance, real estate, hospitality, healthcare, and aviation. To date, Mr. DaGrosa has led investments of approximately $2 billion in capitalized transactions.
Mr. DaGrosa also serves as Chairman of a number of DCP’s portfolio companies including: Axxes Capital, an asset management platform focused on providing investment solutions to the underserved accredited investor marketplace worldwide; Kapital Football Group LLC, a soccer platform holding company that invests in controlling and influential minority stakes in leading soccer clubs and academies globally; and Soccerex Ltd., the world’s largest organizer of soccer business conferences. Mr. DaGrosa also served as Chairman of GACP Sports LLC, which acquired F.C. Girondins de Bordeaux, a first division French soccer team.
In 2019, Mr. DaGrosa co-founded and served as Co-Chairman of Quinn Residences, a $900 million real estate investment trust focused on the acquisition and development of single-family home rentals in prime rental-growth markets throughout the United States. Quinn Residences is now one of the fastest growing companies in the single-family home rental market.
Previously, Mr. DaGrosa was Co-Founder and Senior Partner at 1848 Capital Partners LLC (“1848”), where he was responsible for all aspects of the firm’s private equity investments. In 2003, Mr. DaGrosa and his partners formed Heartland Food Corp. (“Heartland”), an acquisition vehicle that acquired 248 Burger King franchises out of bankruptcy, and successfully co-led the turnaround and sale of Heartland to GSO Capital (now part of Blackstone). In 2008, Mr. DaGrosa co-led the acquisition of Jet Support Services Inc. (“JSSI”), the world’s largest independent provider of warranty and insurance programs for the maintenance of private jets. Mr. DaGrosa served as Vice-Chairman and Co-Chief Investment Officer of JSSI until the sale of the company in 2020 to GTCR.
Prior to 1848, Mr. DaGrosa was a Partner at Maplewood Partners LP, a Miami-based private equity firm, where he served as Chief Administrative Partner and Co-Head of Transactions. Mr. DaGrosa began his career in 1986 at Paine Webber, Inc. in the firm’s Capital Markets Division.
Mr. DaGrosa serves on the board of directors for Hoy Health LLC, Soccerex Ltd, and Brazil Tower Company LP, and previously served on the board of Global Crossing Airlines Group Inc., Eastern Airlines Group Inc., and SMobile Systems, Inc. He also serves on the board of Camillus House, a non-profit organization focused on meeting the needs of Miami’s homeless citizens.
Mr. DaGrosa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, Accounting and Statistics from Syracuse University.
Martha Bejar is a Senior Operating Partner at DaGrosa Capital Partners LLC where she co-leads the firm’s acquisition and post-acquisition growth and operational strategies. Ms. Bejar brings more than 35 years of experience in acquiring and building rapid growth businesses as a successful corporate executive.
Prior to joining DCP, Ms. Bejar co-founded Red Bison Advisory Group, an investment bank providing high-level capital markets solutions in the areas of natural resources, information, communications and technology with a particular focus on assisting Chinese multinationals and sovereign wealth funds with their U.S. investments. Ms. Bejar has also held leadership roles at Unium Inc., Flow Mobile, Wipro Infocrossing, Microsoft Corp., Nortel Networks, Bell Communications Research and AT&T/BellSouth.
Ms. Bejar is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the recipient of numerous industry awards including the 2018 and 2020 Top Corporate Director by Latino Leader Magazine, 2019 NACD Directorship 100, and 2017 Top Fifty Hispanic Women in the U.S. by Hispanic Inc. Business Magazine. Ms. Bejar also serves on the boards of directors of Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN), Commvault Systems, Inc (NASDQ: CVLT), Quadient SA (OTC: NPACF) and Sportsman’s Warehouse (NASDAQ: SPWH). Previously, Ms. Bejar served on the boards of Mitel Corporation (NASDAQ: MITL), Polycom Inc. (NASDAQ: PLCM) and Humm Kombucha.
Ms. Bejar holds an Advanced Management degree from Harvard University Business School, a Master of Business Administration degree, cum laude, from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering, cum laude, from the University of Miami.
Peter Patraka is an Executive Vice President at DaGrosa Capital Partners LLC. Mr. Patraka is responsible for supporting the administration of DCP’s operations including fund administration, accounting, finance, human resources, legal, compliance and insurance. He brings over 40 years of business experience across a wide spectrum of industries and sectors. Previously, Mr. Patraka served as the Vice Chairman of MultiRace LLC, the largest multi-sport event management company in the State of Florida.
In 2007, Mr. Patraka co-founded Sunbelt Diversified Enterprises LLC, a middle-market private equity group, where he served as Executive Vice President for six years. During that time, Mr. Patraka helped lead the acquisitions of five portfolio companies and several add-on acquisitions. Prior to joining Sunbelt, Mr. Patraka held various senior executive roles at Classic International, Founder, Fleer Collectibles, Acquisition Search, VSI International, Inc., and Rex Corporation.
Mr. Patraka holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Long Island University.
Ben DaGrosa is a Director at DaGrosa Capital Partners LLC. Mr. DaGrosa is responsible for deal screening, transaction structuring and execution, and the implementation of post-acquisition growth and operational strategies.
Previously, Mr. DaGrosa was an analyst at General American Capital Partners LLC. Prior to joining GACP, Mr. DaGrosa spent two years as a commercial banking analyst focusing on healthcare and food & agriculture middle market lending at Fifth Third Bank.
Mr. DaGrosa holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from Texas Christian University and is currently a Level III CFA candidate. Mr. DaGrosa also holds a Masters in Football Business from the Johan Cruyff Institute in Barcelona, Spain.
Torrey Sleight is the Chief of Staff at DaGrosa Capital Partners LLC. Ms. Sleight is responsible for firm administration and directly supports the Chairman of DCP, in addition to other firm Partners, to ensure the successful execution of office operations. Prior to joining DCP, Ms. Sleight was the Director of People and Culture at a digital marketing agency, 97th Floor, and held positions in Customer Development at hospitality companies Hakkasan Group and N9NE Group.
Francis X. Suarez is a Senior Operating Partner at DaGrosa Capital Partners LLC where he co-leads the firm’s acquisition initiatives and domestic and international investment platform. In addition, Mr. Suarez serves as the 43rd Mayor of Miami. In his role as Mayor, Mr. Suarez has been at the forefront of Miami’s growth in technology and innovation. Mr. Suarez also serves as Vice-Chair of the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) where he championed the Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Plan. Prior to being elected Mayor, Mr. Suarez served as Miami Commissioner for District 4 for eight years.
Mr. Suarez was recently selected to serve as an Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow, was named as one of Fortune 2021 World’s 50 Greatest Leaders and was named as a TIME Future 100 Leader. In July 2020, Mr. Suarez was nominated and elected by American mayors to serve as the next President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors beginning in the 2022-2023 term. Additionally, Mr. Suarez is Of Counsel at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP.
Mr. Suarez holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from Florida International University and received his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Florida Levin College of Law.
Antonio Primo is a Senior Operating Partner at DaGrosa Capital Partners LLC where he co-leads the firm’s acquisition initiatives including deal sourcing, due diligence and portfolio company management. Mr. Primo has over 20 years of executive & business management experience with particular expertise in the healthcare sector.
Previously, Mr. Primo founded and served as Chief Executive Officer of Ande Healthcare Solutions LLC (“AHS”) a diversified healthcare holding company with ownership interests in pharmacies, diagnostic and genetic laboratories, and clinical research companies. Mr. Primo rapidly grew the business resulting in its successful sale in 2016.
From 2006 to 2014, Mr. Primo served as Chief Executive Officer of CompEquip Solutions, LLC, a full-service, AHCA-licensed medical equipment company focused on the workers’ compensation and self-insured employer market. Mr. Primo expanded the business throughout the state and CompEquip Solutions, LLC continues to successfully operate as an industry leader in Florida.
Mr. Primo began his career in 2000 with National Testing Centers of America Corp., a diversified healthcare company with offices throughout the United States. Mr. Primo advanced rapidly to the position of Senior Vice President ultimately managing the company’s sales, marketing and operations departments.
Mr. Primo currently serves on the Board of Directors of the GNPW Group, one of the largest energy companies in Brazil. In addition, Mr. Primo regularly speaks at business forums and is a recognized expert in U.S. – Brazil cross-border investments.
On the personal front, Mr. Primo regularly volunteers his time to charitable causes including ITS4THEKIDS Foundation and Brazil Foundation. He also has a passion for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and is the father of three beautiful children.
Mr. Primo is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Previously, Mr. Primo founded and served as Chief Executive Officer of Ande Healthcare Solutions LLC (“AHS”) a diversified healthcare holding company with ownership interests in pharmacies, diagnostic and genetic laboratories, and clinical research companies. Mr. Primo rapidly grew the business resulting in its successful sale in 2016.
From 2006 to 2014, Mr. Primo served as Chief Executive Officer of CompEquip Solutions, LLC, a full-service, AHCA-licensed medical equipment company focused on the workers’ compensation and self-insured employer market. Mr. Primo expanded the business throughout the state and CompEquip Solutions, LLC continues to successfully operate as an industry leader in Florida.
Mr. Primo began his career in 2000 with National Testing Centers of America Corp., a diversified healthcare company with offices throughout the United States. Mr. Primo advanced rapidly to the position of Senior Vice President ultimately managing the company’s sales, marketing and operations departments.
Mr. Primo currently serves on the Board of Directors of the GNPW Group, one of the largest energy companies in Brazil. In addition, Mr. Primo regularly speaks at business forums and is a recognized expert in U.S. – Brazil cross-border investments.
On the personal front, Mr. Primo regularly volunteers his time to charitable causes including ITS4THEKIDS Foundation and Brazil Foundation. He also has a passion for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and is the father of three beautiful children.
Mr. Primo is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Garrett Navia is a Managing Director at DaGrosa Capital Partners LLC. Mr. Navia leads the firm’s marketing and investor relations efforts and also assists in deal sourcing, transaction structuring and execution, financing and implementing post-acquisition growth and operational strategies. Mr. Navia also serves as a Director of Kapital Football Group.
Mr. Navia has over 16 years of private equity and operational experience and has been involved in multiple middle-market transactions across various sectors, including sports & entertainment, real estate & hospitality and financial services.
Mr. Navia is currently a board member of the Posse Foundation which serves as a catalyst for individual and community development, helping to train the leaders of tomorrow. He holds a dual Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Psychology from Elon University as well as an Executive Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from the University of Miami’s Herbert Business School.
Jake Saifman is a Director at DaGrosa Capital Partners LLC. Mr. Saifman is responsible for the evaluation of investment opportunities, transaction structuring and execution, and the implementation of post-acquisition growth and operational strategies.
Mr. Saifman brings extensive knowledge and experience from different deal-making perspectives, having worked previously both as an attorney and as an investment banker. Prior to joining DCP, Mr. Saifman was an Investment Banking Associate at Citigroup, where he advised on mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt capital markets financings, and leveraged finance transactions within the Global Healthcare Group. Mr. Saifman began his career as an Associate in the Mergers and Acquisitions and Private Equity Practice of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, where he counseled financial sponsors and public and private companies on mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, minority investments, divestitures, securities law matters and other corporate governance issues across a variety of industries.
Mr. Saifman holds an LL.M. degree in Banking and Financial Law, as well as a Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Boston University School of Law, where he was a Paul J. Liacos Distinguished Scholar. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Finance, magna cum laude, from the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business.
David McNichols is a Senior Partner at DaGrosa Capital Partners LLC. Mr. McNichols leads DCP’s growing healthcare vertical and is responsible for identifying and evaluating investment opportunities, transaction structuring and execution, and the implementation of post-acquisition growth and operational strategies. He brings more than 30 years of executive-level healthcare experience to the firm.
Prior to joining DCP, Mr. McNichols served as Senior Vice President of Aetna/CVS and President & CEO of its Medicaid division, Aetna Better Healthcare. During this time, Mr. McNichols led the successful turnaround of Aetna’s troubled Medicaid business, increasing Aetna’s Medicaid revenues by 35% to over $13 billion in less than a year. Previously, he served as President for Anthem, where he re-engineered Anthem’s largest Medicare region within five years, taking annual profits from $50 million to over $300 million. Earlier in his career, Mr. McNichols held leadership roles at WellCare of Florida, WellCare of Georgia, Principal Financial Group, CIGNA Healthcare, Peach State Health Plan, and United Healthcare Group/AmeriChoice Health Plan.
Mr. McNichols holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology and a Secondary Teaching Credential from Simpson University as well as a Master of Business Administration, with honors, from the University of Colorado.
Adam Kaplan is the Chief Operating Officer of DaGrosa Capital Partners LLC. Mr. Kaplan is responsible for identifying and evaluating investment opportunities, transaction structuring and execution, portfolio company management, and implementation of DCP’s investment thesis. He also assists in the firm’s capital raise efforts and is responsible for the administration of DCP’s operations including fund administration, accounting, finance, human resources, legal, compliance and insurance.
Mr. Kaplan brings over 30 years of corporate finance experience covering public accounting, investment banking, commercial banking and private equity. Prior to joining DCP, Mr. Kaplan served as Chief Financial Officer for Ship Supply, a private equity-owned maritime services company. Previously, Mr. Kaplan spent nearly 10 years as the Chief Portfolio Officer of Banyan Investments, a middle market private equity and mezzanine fund, where he was actively involved in the origination, negotiation, analysis, and closing of approximately 30 transactions across multiple industries.
Prior to his role at Banyan, Mr. Kaplan served as Senior Vice President at Bank of America and Vice President at Applica Consumer Products, a publicly traded company that designs, markets, and distributes kitchen appliances under the brand names Black and Decker, George Foreman and others. He joined Applica from NationsBank where he spent eight years as a Vice President in the Investment Banking division.
Mr. Kaplan began his career in 1989 as an auditor with Deloitte & Touche and earned his Certified Public Accounting license in 1991.
Mr. Kaplan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from University of Florida as well as a Master of Science degree in Accounting from University of North Florida.
Aleck DaGrosa is a Director at DaGrosa Capital Partners LLC. Mr. DaGrosa is responsible for the implementation of post-acquisition initiatives and operational support to DCP’s investment portfolio. Throughout his 10-year career, Mr. DaGrosa has focused on operations (primarily within the sports & entertainment industry). Prior to joining DCP, Mr. DaGrosa was Chief Executive Officer of MultiRace LLC, the largest multi-sport event management company in the State of Florida, where Mr. DaGrosa and his team created innovative and challenging triathlon, duathlon and running events.
Mr. DaGrosa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Entrepreneurial Management from Texas Christian University’s Neeley School of Business. Mr. DaGrosa began his studies at the College of the Holy Cross, where he was a member of the 2009 Patriot League Championship Football Team and subsequently transferred to Texas Christian University to join the school’s Division I Lacrosse Team.
Jed DaGrosa is a Senior Associate at DaGrosa Capital Partners LLC. Mr. DaGrosa is responsible for the evaluation of investment opportunities and transaction structuring and execution. Previously, he was an analyst at General American Capital Partners LLC, focusing primarily on transaction analysis and execution. Prior to joining GACP, Mr. DaGrosa interned at Banyan Investment Partners where he was responsible for preparing valuation analyses on portfolio companies.
Mr. DaGrosa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in in Finance from Babson College. He also holds a Masters in Football Business from the Johan Cruyff Institute in Barcelona, Spain.