ASTARA - Key Persons
Chad is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive who began his career in law enforcement as a Crime Scene Investigator in Miami. In this role he investigated major crimes such as Homicide, Sex Crimes and Crimes Against Children. He later transferred to Central Florida where he helped build a new crime lab as its number two in command. He was involved in countless complex forensic investigations and testified in state and federal courts throughout the southeastern United States before retiring as a Detective Sergeant with numerous commendations.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, he established Wackenhut Corporation's security operations in Russia and Ukraine when their military and police forces were downsized. Chad worked closely with American law enforcement and intelligence agencies, as well as the ex-Soviet police, military, and judicial systems to create the infrastructure and laws that allowed an American security firm to have a major presence in Russia. Chad held the title of Director, Russian Operations.
Following several successful entrepreneurial ventures, in 1995 Chad founded American Builders Supply, a building product manufacturing and distribution company with over 10 locations and $150 million in annual revenue. Chad worked closely with members of the Astara team to grow ABS into the largest independent distributor and manufacturer of doors, millwork, trusses, and lumber in Florida and the 54th largest in the nation.
In addition to his work with Astara, Chad is an owner in the White Horse Capital Group and serves as its Managing Partner. White Horse acts as a funding agent and managing partner to businesses across the southeast United States.
Chad holds a BA in History from the University of Arizona, where he graduated cum laude, and completed a Master's degree in WW II Studies at Arizona State University. He is a graduate of the Florida Police Academy and several specialized ATF and FBI schools. Chad is a member of the American Historical Association as well as the Fraternal Order of Police. Additionally, he is a Patriots Circle Member at the National WW II Museum.
Having survived the Cocaine Wars in Florida in the 1980s, worked with the remnants of the KGB and Soviet military in the 1990s, and then lived through the housing collapse during the 2000s, Chad can handle anything. In addition to his business career, Chad is an acclaimed novelist and a contender for The World's Most Interesting Man.
Chris has over 20 years of experience managing, restructuring and improving middle market companies. He is an experienced CFO focused on process improvement, business turnarounds, and strategic growth with excellent change-management skills and a track record of successfully executing team initiatives. He has a demonstrated ability to be an effective partner to C-Suite executives, internal stakeholders, boards of directors, lenders, and private equity owners.
Chris was an Operating Partner at Blue Wolf Capital Partners LLC for three years (2014-2017) where he served as CFO of five portfolio companies and worked closely with certain members of the Astara team, at companies such as Suwannee Lumber Company and Gloucester Engineering. Following Blue Wolf, Chris became the CFO of Quick International Courier, a global logistics company specializing in urgent "next flight out" services. Earlier in his career Chris was a Director at Loughlin Meghji & Co., which provides financial advisory and interim management services, where he developed and implemented solutions to complex challenges in order to maximize value for all stakeholders. In addition, Chris received Lean / Six Sigma training while at GE, where he helped manage a portfolio of distressed debt.
Chris earned a BS in Business Administration from Bucknell University and an MBA with a Concentration in Finance from the Yale School of Management.
Darren is an experienced investor with private equity and operating experience during which he has worked with companies across a range of industries.
Prior to Astara, Darren was an Associate with Cedarfield Group, an institutionally backed platform focused on investing and operating in the food & beverage industry. Darren began his career as an analyst with Ocean Avenue Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on direct investments alongside independent sponsors.
Darren earned a BA in Business Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles. Outside of work, Darren enjoys a game of texas hold ‘em, tennis and watching formula 1.
Michael is an experienced investor in middle market companies with a 20+ year track record of successfully investing junior capital in companies across a variety of industries. From 2008 to 2020 Michael was a Partner and member of the Investment Committee of Blue Wolf Capital Partners LLC. At Blue Wolf, Michael was involved in management of the firm and fundraising, and helped execute investments in building products, forest products, niche manufacturing, aerospace & defense, and energy services.
Michael began his career as a Financial Analyst at Chase Manhattan where he underwrote high yield bonds and leveraged loans to support leveraged buyouts. In 1999 he joined American Capital Strategies where he invested equity and junior debt and helped to form an internal workout group in the wake of the 2001 recession. Michael joined GoldenTree Asset Management in 2004 where he was a Portfolio Manager at managing a portfolio of illiquid credit and private equity investments.
Michael earned a BA in Art History from Duke University, which he attended on a full scholarship. Outside of work, Michael enjoys outdoor activities, corralling his two rambunctious sons, and struggling to play the guitar.
Rob is an experienced investor with over a decade of private equity experience during which he has worked with companies across a range of industries including packaging, building products, forest products, niche manufacturing, business & industrial services, home services, and telecom.
Prior to Astara, Rob was employed by Blue Wolf Capital Partners LLC where he worked closely with certain members of the Astara team. Rob previously worked for private equity firms Seaport Capital and GenNx360 Capital Partners and started his career as an investment banking analyst at Raymond James.
Rob earned a BSE in Mechanical Engineering and a Minor in Economics from Duke University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. Outside of work, Rob enjoys travel, skiing, golf, and spending time with his wife, son, and dog.