JAKE LEVIN - FOUNDER
Background: With 25 years in finance with a primary focus on real estate transactions, Jake Levin founded Stackhouse Capital in 2012. A graduate of Phillips Academy, Princeton University, and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania (MBA), Jake has closed over $2.5 billion in real estate and $1.0 billion in private equity transactions.
Accomplishments: Jake has a wide-ranging and successful career. In addition to his many real estate closings, Jake closed one of the largest New Market Tax Credits deals in the country ($56 million), co-founded one of the first EB-5 Regional Centers (which subsequently raised $20 million in EB-5 investments), and has served on various Board of Directors. Jake was also the CFO of a family office backed limestone aggregate company, taking it from raw land to over 1 million tons a year in production annually, to support desperately needed local infrastructure projects. Early in his private equity career, he was the financial analyst for the PinnOak Resources (metallurgical coal mines) transaction, which was purchased from US Steel utilizing a complicated Royalty-Leaseback transaction, and subsequently sold to Cleveland-Cliffs for over $800 million, achieving an astronomical return. The deal won Buyouts Magazine Deal of the Year Award (2003). Later, as the Director of Underwriting for a mortgage REIT and BDC focused on Cannabis, Jake closed nearly $500 million in loans in under three years and helped the Company go public on the NASDAQ with a ~$300 million market cap.
He is also actively involved in the community, volunteering at The Chapman Partnership for homeless families, Greater Miami Jewish Federation, and serving on the Hollo Advisory and Bain Real Estate Council at FIU. Jake is a board member of the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) Video and Photography Council.
Mission: Jake's mission is to lead Stackhouse Capital in creating lasting impact and positive change through innovative investments and community-focused initiatives.
CHRIS MELLGREN - OPERATIONS Director
Background: Chris Mellgren boasts a wealth of experience in various leadership roles including management and development.
Accomplishments: Formerly the CEO of Surfside Coffee Holdings LLC, a PE-backed Dunkin' Brands franchisee with over 60 locations in South Florida, Chris ran and ultimately successfully sold the venture in 2021. Chris was responsible for site location, lease negotion, buildout, and operations. Prior to that, Chris was also the CEO of Morningside Venture Group, a partner in a 13-location Dunkin' franchisee in the Washington DC market. As co-founder and president of Iridium Construction Companies, Chris brings expertise in retail and restaurant construction. As a Board Chair for Feeding South Florida, he actively contributes to community welfare.
Mission: Chris Mellgren leads the conceptual design and ongoing operations at Stackhouse Capital, ensuring a seamless blend of innovation and practical execution.