Jeff Smart
Title: Partner at Shore Capital, 1 year on Advisory Board
Jeff Smart’s interest in Pilot Light stems from his work in the food & beverage industry as well as an interest in education and the approach the organization takes to supporting and investing in teachers. Jeff is currently a Partner at Shore Capital, a lower middle market private equity investment firm based in Chicago, IL with more than $12 billion in assets under management. He focuses on working with family and entrepreneur owned food & beverage companies to support growth, capital investment, and transition to the next stage of scaling and infrastructure development. Shore’s food & beverage group has made a total of 13 investments over the last 6 years across the supply chain and focuses on surrounding these companies with talented operating partners with deep experience and contacts in the industry.
Favorite Food Education Standard: FES #5 – Food impacts health.
This Standard is very important to my day to day and I am passionate about furthering that mission.
A favorite food memory:
I am constantly in awe of the universal connection of food as a common thread throughout different cultures, countries and personalities. Most distinct memory was during a college trip to provide economic education in Nicaragua and how a shared meal built trust for a productive few days.
Why I Support Pilot Light:
I believe in nutrition, education, and the importance of finding common ground when trying to accomplish something.
Reach me: Connect with me LinkedIn!