ValFund Storage provided equity capital for the development of institutional-quality self-storage assets across major markets nationwide. The platform focused on high-barrier-to-entry submarkets with favorable supply and demand dynamics and partnered with experienced developers and primary capital providers, including Jernigan Capital (NYSE: JCAP).
Acquisition and development financing was provided for the redevelopment of the former Selva Marina Country Club in Atlantic Beach, Florida. The project transformed the property into a premier private club featuring a 16,000-square-foot clubhouse, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Erik Larsen, tennis courts, a junior Olympic-size pool, and 178 homesites. It was recognized as one of the nation's Best New Courses by Golf Digest.
365 Solutions is a Florida-based residential HVAC and plumbing provider, delivering installation, repair, and maintenance services. Valfund acquired the company to with the goal of building a true operating platform — investing in management, systems, and disciplined geographic expansion — in a market where rising home values, population growth, and aging infrastructure continue to drive long-term demand for essential home services.
RVC is a vertically integrated outdoor hospitality platform with nearly 20 years of experience investing in, developing, operating, and marketing destination RV resorts and glamping properties across the U.S. Known for its operational expertise and focus on experiential travel, RVC has played a significant role in shaping the modern outdoor hospitality industry through strategic development, branding, and asset management.
The property was acquired by a ValFund-affiliated entity following the owner's bankruptcy. After ownership by Norwest Bank and later Wells Fargo, ValFund re-acquired the vacant asset through a non-contingent all-cash transaction. Despite significant leasing and operational risk, the property was successfully repositioned through aggressive leasing and operational improvements, attracting tenants including Southwest Airlines, Xerox, Zayo, and Amegy Bank.
Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Turner Pest Control grew from a small local operator into one of the 40 largest pest control companies in the United States. Under our ownership, the business expanded into Orlando and Tampa and posted growth and profitability metrics that ranked among the best in the industry. Turner was ultimately acquired by Anticimex, one of the largest global pest control companies — a successful exit that validated both the operating thesis and the platform we built.
ValFund provided equity capital for the acquisition and development of 34 single-family residential lots in northern St. Johns County, Florida within the Jacksonville MSA. The project was completed in partnership with an experienced developer with whom ValFund has successfully executed multiple prior transactions.
Pioneer was a leading independent oil and gas exploration and production company focused primarily on the Permian Basin in West Texas. Known for its large-scale shale operations, operational efficiency, and disciplined capital allocation strategy, Pioneer became one of the most prominent players in U.S. energy production before being acquired by ExxonMobil in 2024.
Andy Cates served on Pioneer’s Board of Directors from 2009–2020, during a period in which the company became one of the top-performing energy stocks in the United States.
Tripadvisor is one of the world’s largest travel guidance platforms, helping consumers discover hotels, restaurants, attractions, and experiences through millions of user-generated reviews and ratings. Founded in 2000, the company generates revenue through advertising, booking referrals, and travel marketplace partnerships, leveraging its global brand recognition and extensive travel content ecosystem. Andy Cates currently serves on the Board of Directors.
Forestar Group Inc. is a residential lot development company that acquires and develops land for single-family homebuilders in high-growth U.S. markets. Backed by D.R. Horton, Inc., the company focuses on delivering finished lots through disciplined land acquisition and infrastructure development strategies.
Ashton Hudson previously served as a director where he sat on the Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committees.
PICO Holdings, Inc. was a publicly traded holding company focused on water resource development, utility operations, and real estate assets in the western United States. The company became known for its strategic ownership of water rights and infrastructure assets before being acquired by Smithfield Foods, Inc. affiliate Air Water Ventures in 2021 and taken private.
Andy Cates served on the Board of Directors from 2016 – 2017 where he helped lead a turnaround that resulted in a 55% increase in the stock price over his tenure.
Live Oak is a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) formed to identify and merge with a high-growth business, typically in sectors aligned with the leadership team’s investment and operating expertise. The company is backed by an experienced management group and focuses on creating long-term shareholder value through strategic acquisitions and operational growth initiatives.
Ashton Hudson currently serves on the Board of Directors.
