How Family Offices and Private Equity Are Winning Big in Pro Soccer and Health Tech with Brett Johnson

Capitalist Culture

How Family Offices and Private Equity Are Winning Big in Pro Soccer and Health Tech
I’m thrilled to share the latest episode of our podcast, featuring an inspiring conversation with Brett Johnson, the CEO of Benevolent Capital. Brett’s journey from running a computer accessory company to co-founding a diverse family office is nothing short of remarkable. Here are some key takeaways and intriguing insights from our discussion that you won’t want to miss:
Key Lessons and Insights:
Strategic Focus**: Brett emphasizes the importance of concentrating on high-value activities that drive growth. He shares how delegating tasks like email management and calendar organization to an assistant has allowed him to focus on strategic initiatives and investor relations.
Incremental Growth**: For aspiring entrepreneurs, Brett advises starting small and gradually building a foundation before making the leap into full-time entrepreneurship. He shares his own experience of raising capital for various projects, starting with modest investments and scaling up over time.
Turning Setbacks into Opportunities**: Brett recounts the challenges he faced with Phoenix Rising, including losing a stadium lease and relocating the team. His decision to rebrand and form a new ownership group turned a potential disaster into a major success, leading to further opportunities in private equity and venture capital.
The Power of Relationships**: Brett highlights the importance of relationships in identifying opportunities. He shares anecdotes about discovering Athletic Brewing and Aura through personal experiences with their products.
Vision for Soccer in the U.S.**: Brett’s passion for professional soccer is evident as he discusses his ownership stakes in three soccer teams and the development of a new stadium in Rhode Island. He believes the strong soccer culture in Rhode Island makes it an ideal location for professional soccer.
Balancing Work and Family**: Despite his busy schedule, Brett emphasizes the importance of family. He sees himself primarily as a husband and father, motivated to provide for his family while making a positive impact through his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Exciting Projects and Investments:
Athletic Brewing**: A leader in the non-alcoholic beer market.
Aura**: Wearable technology that tracks sleep and recovery.
Fly House**: A company disrupting the private aviation market.
Phoenix Rising**: A soccer team in Arizona.
Ipswich Town**: Recently promoted to the Premier League.
Rhode Island FC**: A new team with a stadium set to open in spring 2025.
Leadership and Culture:
"Who Not How"**: Brett shares valuable leadership lessons from Dan Sullivan’s Strategic Coach program, emphasizing the importance of finding the right people to help achieve your vision.
Building a Positive Culture**: Brett discusses the significance of culture in his projects, particularly in Rhode Island, where he’s involved in hiring key executives and establishing organizational integrity.
Final Thoughts:
Brett’s journey is a testament to the power of relationships and the balance between professional success and personal fulfillment. His insights provide valuable lessons for growth-stage business owners and investment groups looking to make a meaningful impact.
I encourage you to listen to the full episode to gain deeper insights into Brett’s entrepreneurial journey and his vision for the future.
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