Title: investment manager for Drs. Kiran and Pallavi, Patel Family Office
Hometown: Mantua, New Jersey
Alma mater: University of Tampa
On the job: The Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel Family Office is a private entity created to invest the personal wealth of the Patel family and friends. As investment manager, I focus on sourcing, analyzing and managing new investments within the family and the family foundation portfolios. My focus is on direct investment into operating companies, both domestic and abroad.
Giving back: I was raised in a family that put heavy emphasis on the value of helping others. From an early age, I donated time with my family to charities throughout South Jersey, such as Robins Nest and the Camden South Kitchen. Today, I continue this tradition by volunteering time on holidays to local organizations, such as Metropolitan Ministries.
My greatest inspiration is the work of the Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel Family Foundation. The foundation is dedicated and devoted to improving education and healthcare both in the greater Tampa area and abroad. I hope to emulate the service of the Patel family by one day following their lead and contributing to the improvement of education.
When I’m not working, you can find me in Hyde House or around South Tampa catching up on personal projects. I like to research new ideas or build onto existing business strategies. I also love to stay active and might be seen running outside or on a local golf course.
When I was a child I wanted to be a cowboy. The old Westerns really hit me as a kid.
My secret talent or skill is People are surprised when they hear how passionate I am about surfing. It doesn’t happen as often as I’d like now, but I was always in the water growing up and my family had a tough time getting me out.
My dream vacation is a surf trip to Costa Rica.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is “Nothing is quite as it seems” This piece of advice came from Dr. Pappas, a sociology professor and senior lifeguard on the beach patrol I worked for. It is a reminder to seek to understand and ask questions before making assumptions.
My favorite thing about Tampa is the quality of life.
My hero or inspiration is I take great inspiration from Dr. Kiran Patel and his service to not only the greater Tampa area, but the lives he has touched through the many hospitals and schools he has contributed throughout India and Africa.
My hero growing up was my grandfather, Eugene J. McCaffrey Sr., who was many things during his lifetime – a mayor, a sheriff – but who preferred to be remembered as a statesman. His last official office was special envoy to Ireland. However, he prefers to be remembered for his legacy of service to the community. During his time in politics, “Gene” McCaffrey was known as a man you go to for help. He found jobs for many who were struggling, he helped found one of the first county colleges in New Jersey, was instrumental in forming the area’s first major bank and sat as chairman of the board of the area’s largest hospital.
Today, I credit my mother, Michele McCaffrey, for continuing to set the example her father instilled of community, giving back and hard work.
My most ambitious goal is doing well to create a platform for good.
