Patrick Walsh Empire Holdings

Patrick Walsh stands out as an influential entrepreneur, company founder, investment specialist, and CEO hailing from Palm Beach County, Florida. In 2012, he established PW Partners, a value-oriented investment firm dedicated to elevating the potential of small and mid-cap companies.

The founder and CEO of PW Partners, he is renowned for his significant achievements in investment management, particularly within the restaurant industry. His insights and strategies have been extensively featured in top-tier publications, including Barron's, Forbes, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

His professional connections span impressive entities like the luxury gym brands TMPL and Palm Beach Sports Club, Town Sports International, and the Midwestern barbecue restaurant chain Famous Dave's of America. Beyond his professional endeavors, he harbors a deep passion for cooking, fitness, literature, and travel.

Current Roles & Duties

PW Partners

As CEO, he directs operations at PW Partners in Jupiter, Florida. This firm, which he founded, aims to forge long-term value for small and mid-cap entities through strategic, operational implementations and astute capital allocations.

Known for its strategic acumen and deep industry insight, PW Partners benefits from its oversight of capital allocation, enterprise finance, and corporate strategy. His expertise encompasses mergers and acquisitions, hedge funds, investment banking, and equities. In recognition of his leadership, Ernst & Young awarded him the Entrepreneur Of The Year in 2018.

Empire Holdings and Investments

He also plays a pivotal role at Empire Holdings and Investments, a diverse holding company based in Palm Beach County, Florida. Since joining in 2020, he has steered the company's investment strategies, focusing on long-term value across various sectors.

His leadership spans multiple firms, including past and ongoing engagements with entities like TMPL, Palm Beach Sports Club, and LIV.

Career History

His professional journey began in 1998 as an investment analyst at Prudential Capital Group and Prudential Securities, where he specialized in commercial property and publicly traded real estate investment trusts. By 2004, he had transitioned to a role as vice president of investment banking at Deutsche Bank.

He later joined a prominent hedge fund in Illinois, focusing on long-short equity strategies before becoming a managing partner at PWK Partners in Chicago. In 2012, he moved to Florida to establish the headquarters for PW Partners in Jupiter.

Academic Background

Wesleyan University

His academic journey commenced at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, where he studied economics and excelled as a dual-sport athlete in baseball and football.

Boston College

Following an injury, he transferred to Boston College, where he graduated with honors in accountancy.

Columbia University

Furthering his education, he achieved a Chartered Financial Analyst designation and completed an Executive Value Investing Program at Columbia University under Bruce Greenwald.

Associations & Memberships

Throughout his career, he has held multiple board positions, including with BJ's Restaurants, Inc. and as chairman for Town Sports International. He has also been involved with Del Taco Restaurants, Inc. and Famous Dave's of America.

In 2015, Nation's Restaurant News included him in its annual Power List, citing him as one of the 50 most influential figures in the restaurant industry that year.

Personal Life & Interests

Born in San Diego, California, and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, he now resides in Jupiter, Florida, known for its pristine beaches and Old Florida allure. He indulges in hobbies such as fitness, cooking, and travel and maintains a lifelong passion for reading and literature.

Patrick Walsh's career trajectory and personal life exemplify his dedication to excellence, leadership, and community involvement, underscoring his stature as a pivotal figure both professionally and personally.