Brett M. Johnson: A Visionary Leader in Sports Franchises
When it comes to the world of sports franchises, one name that stands out is Brett M. Johnson. With a diverse background and a deep understanding of the industry, Johnson has made a significant impact as a visionary leader. As the CEO of Benevolent Capital Group and a Co-chairman of Phoenix Rising Football Club, he has demonstrated his ability to drive success and create opportunities. In this article, we will explore Johnson’s journey, and his contributions to the sports industry.
Early Years and Education
Brett M. Johnson’s journey began with his early years and education. He attended Choate Rosemary Hall, where he developed a passion for history. Continuing his academic pursuits, Johnson pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in History at Brown University. His thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there, as he later completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) through the Presidential/Key Executive program at Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business. Johnson’s commitment to continuous learning and personal growth has been a driving force throughout his career.
The Formation of Benevolent Capital Group
One of Johnson’s remarkable achievements is the establishment of Benevolent Capital Group, a private equity fund specializing in real estate, manufacturing, and consumer brands. Founded in 2005, Benevolent Capital has made strategic investments in various sectors, including sports franchises. Johnson’s ability to identify promising investment opportunities and drive growth has positioned Benevolent Capital as a leader in the industry.
Ventures in Sports Franchises
Johnson’s passion for sports led him to play a pivotal role in the transformation of Phoenix Rising Football Club. Originally known as Arizona United, the club underwent a remarkable revitalization under Johnson’s leadership. As a Co-chairman and shareholder, he played a key part in establishing Phoenix Rising as a respected and successful team in the United Soccer League (USL). With a record-breaking streak of 20 consecutive wins and a Western Conference Championship, Phoenix Rising has become a force to be reckoned with in the soccer world.
Fortuitous Partners: Investing in Sports Anchored Real Estate
Building on his success with Benevolent Capital and Phoenix Rising, Johnson co-founded Fortuitous Partners, a prominent investment firm focusing on sports anchored real estate projects. With a team of experienced professionals, Fortuitous Partners invests in and develops mixed-use real estate projects centered around sports franchises. Johnson’s expertise in real estate and his passion for sports create a winning combination that drives the success of Fortuitous Partners.
Expansion into Rhode Island: Rhode Island FC
As part of Fortuitous Partners’ expansion, Johnson and his team secured the exclusive rights to bring a USL Championship League team to Rhode Island. This exciting venture, known as Rhode Island FC, aims to replicate the success and community engagement achieved by Phoenix Rising.
Commitment to Community Engagement
Throughout his career, Johnson has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement. This can be seen in his efforts to revitalize Phoenix Rising and bring professional soccer to Rhode Island. By investing in sports franchises and real estate projects, Johnson not only creates economic opportunities but also fosters a sense of community pride and unity. His dedication to making a positive impact extends beyond the business world.
Conclusion
Brett M. Johnson’s journey from his early education to his current roles as CEO of Benevolent Capital Group and Co-chairman of Phoenix Rising Football Club showcases his ability to combine his passion for sports and real estate investment. Through his visionary leadership and strategic investments, Johnson has made a significant impact in both industries. Whether it’s revitalizing soccer clubs or investing in sports anchored real estate, his contributions have reshaped communities and created economic opportunities.
Benevolent Capital
At Benevolent Capital we have carved a niche for our investors by seamlessly blending traditional family values with cutting-edge investment strategies. Our approach is characterized by a thoughtful fusion of innovation and prudence, ensuring that every investment aligns with the long-term vision and legacy goals of our clients.
As principals we co-invest our own money in every deal we participate in, we do not charge our investors management fees, investors receive a 100% preferred gross return on their investment. After the 100% return (a 2X) the investor will receive a 70% net return with a 30% promote to the GP. This arrangement makes Benevolent Capital a trusted partner in safeguarding and growing wealth for our investors.
Benevolent Capital includes a world-class group of partners, associates and investors, and our portfolio now spans catalytic investments in venture capital, private equity, real estate development and a diverse collection of global professional soccer franchises. Our wide range of experience from managing successful companies, to completing management buyouts, acquisitions, and a wide variety of debt and equity investments totaling over $4 billion enables us to truly partner with the entrepreneurs and management teams of our portfolio companies and provide hands-on support and guidance towards realizing their full potential. Benevolent Capital has a proven track record of successful investments. Notably, our $200k investment in seed capital for Enzymatics, a biotech firm later ultimately acquired by Invitae (NASDAQ: NVTA), has yielded over $30MM in total returns for Benevolent Capital’s investors.
What sets us apart is not just our financial acumen but also our dedication to fostering meaningful relationships. Going beyond conventional investment practices, we prioritize open communication and transparency that allows us to build trust with our stakeholders, as principals we co-invest our own money in every deal we participate in making Benevolent Capital a trusted partner in safeguarding and growing wealth for our investors.
In an ever-evolving financial landscape, our expertise, coupled with Benevolent Capital’s commitment to hybrid family office investments, paints a picture of success, where financial prosperity meets enduring values.
About the Author
Brett M. Johnson, founder and CEO of Benevolent Capital, founder and partner of Fortuitous Partners, and co-founder and chairman of Rhode Island FC. He has a bachelor’s degree from Brown University and a Masters of Business Administration from the Presidential/Key Executive program at Pepperdine University. Brett is also a graduate from the Harvard Business School’s President’s Leadership Program in 2014. An active member of the Young Presidents Organization.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or wealth manager before making any investment decisions.