BASALT CAPITAL
Fred Fellows is the founder and managing principal of Basalt Capital LLC, a private investment firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. With over 35 years of experience in commercial real estate and structured finance, Mr. Fellows has established a reputation for his expertise in complex transactions and capital markets. Throughout his career, Mr. Fellows has held executive positions at prominent firms including CB Richard Ellis, Nomura Securities, Cargan Capital, and Southwest Securities. At Nomura Securities International in New York City, he was instrumental in managing $20 billion of new issue commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) and trading $10 billion in CMBS. In 1999, he founded Cargan Capital, securing $250 million in sponsorship for a fund targeting high-yield CMBS investments. His strategic approach led to returns exceeding 21% for investors, surpassing the initial target of 18%. At Basalt Capital, Mr. Fellows continues to focus on commercial real estate equity portfolio, leveraging proprietary underwriting models and a vast network of industry relationships. His investment portfolio spans various sectors, including private equity, healthcare, and commercial real estate. Notable investments include Recovery Ways, Grace Management, Thrive Pet Healthcare, and PetCure Oncology.
BLUEWATER
Joseph Polise serves as the Managing Member of Bluewater, overseeing all company operations with a focus on delivering high-quality results. With 23 years of experience in the industry, Joseph’s career has spanned roles as an architect, contractor, and owner’s representative, working with some of the largest companies in the field. His background in architecture has given him a unique perspective on both the design and production sides of construction, helping him excel in industry means and methods, financials, contracts, and operations. Joseph’s passion for construction began in childhood, inspired by the dream of building skyscrapers and creating impactful structures. His education in Architecture and Urban Planning laid a strong foundation for his career, and his hands-on experience continues to shape his approach. To date, he has been involved in over $3 billion worth of project development. Taking the leap from being an employee to launching his own business marks a significant milestone in Joseph’s career. His leadership style emphasizes teamwork, fostering collaboration and mutual success. He tackles challenges with an open mind, always looking for solutions that are fair and work well for everyone. While he admits to being a workaholic, Joseph prioritizes staying organized to ensure he can be present for his family. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, golfing, and spending quality time with loved ones. He values the dynamic nature of the construction industry, finding growth in every challenge and a sense of accomplishment with each project completed.