Patrick Walsh Empire Holdings Founder, CEO & Managing Partner Florida City, FL, USA
Before founding PW Partners, Patrick Walsh Empire Holdings's career trajectory took him to Chicago, where he became a partner at a value-oriented hedge fund. This role was a significant stepping stone, laying the groundwork for his future as a leader in the investment world. His entrepreneurial spirit, however, was not confined to Wall Street. His career is marked by his involvement in various industries, demonstrating his versatile business acumen. A notable aspect of his career is his service on the boards of several prominent companies such as BJ's Restaurants, Del Taco, Famous Dave's of America, and Town Sports International. His strategic insights and leadership were instrumental in significantly improving these companies' performances. His efforts did not go unrecognized; in 2015, Restaurant News named him one of the 50 most influential people in the restaurant industry, a testament to his impact across different sectors. In 2018, Walsh's entrepreneurial achievements were further celebrated when Ernst and Young named him Entrepreneur of The Year in New York. This accolade recognized his role in several business turnarounds, most notably with Town Sports International. When he took over management in 2016, the company was on the brink of bankruptcy. Against the predictions of many industry experts, he saved the company and dramatically increased its stock value, a feat that highlighted his exceptional leadership and strategic prowess.
WORK EXPERIENCE
PW Partners, LLC Founder, CEO & Managing Partner PW Partners, LLC is an investment management firm focused on long-term value creation for small and mid-cap companies. PW Partners objective is to maximize the potential value of its portfolio companies by positively influencing corporate policies through operations, strategy and capital allocation. PW Partners has a strong history of creating value through enhanced strategic decision making, operational excellence, capital allocation, board involvement and deep sector expertise. PW Partners accolades have been recognized and written about in Forbes Magazine, Barron's, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Deal and Nation’s Restaurant News. In addition, Mr. Walsh was named one of the 50 most powerful people in the food service industry by Nation’s Restaurant News in 2015. In 2018 Mr. Walsh was named Entrepreneur Of The Year by Ernst & Young. August 2012 - Present Florida City, Florida, United States
Empire Holdings And Investments, LLC Chief Executive Officer Empire Holdings and Investments, LLC is a diversified holding company with subsidiaries engaged in a number of businesses and investment activities. Empire’s corporate structure provides flexibility to make investments across a broad spectrum of industries in order to create long-term value. December 2020 - Present Jupiter, Florida, United States
BJ's Restaurants, Inc. Member of the Board of Directors January 2014 - February 2022 Huntington Beach, California, United States
Town Sports International Chairman Of the Board
Del Taco Restaurants Inc. Board Member & Lead Director June 2015 - September 2019 Lake Forest, California, United States
EDUCATION
Columbia Business School Executive Program, Value Investing Program Studied under the esteemed Bruce Greenwald.Studied under the esteemed Bruce Greenwald.
BS, Accounting January 1995 - December 1998 Manchester, Massachusetts, United States
Economics Activities and societies: Football 🏈 and Baseball ⚾ February 1994 - January 1995 Florida City, Florida, United States
SKILLS
Capital Allocation, Corporate Finance, CORPORATE STRATEGY, Investment Banking,