Brooks is the Founding Partner of Cardiff Capital Collab, a consulting firm specializing in large-scale hospitality developments with aquatic and recreational amenities, including wave parks. With over three decades of experience as an economist and licensed securities and real estate professional, he established the Collab to unite the right expertise and resources to streamline development and enhance project outcomes.
Drawing on his Southern California roots and lifelong connection to surf and action sports culture, Brooks brings both strategic and practical insight to the creation of innovative hospitality destinations.
A team of seasoned professionals whose knowledge, vision, and experience help drive your success and shape your future.
Managing Partner at Cardiff Capital Collab
Jay’s 35 years in the geothermal industry have brought him the labels of Visionary and Game-changer in the adoption and deployment of thermal energy exchange. As a global geothermal expert, Jay focuses on feasibility and design for thermal energy networks and supporting activities involving geothermal exchange implementation, aquifer related feasibility and special permitting such as utility‐scale.
Managing Partner at Cardiff Capital Collab
Steve Baron and his team have spent over 35 years in various aspects of real estate development and construction management. In 1984, Steve started Baron Construction and Development, a full-service general contracting firm in Marin County, California.
Managing Partner at Cardiff Capital Collab
Rodney Smith is Managing Member of Cardiff Capital Collab LLC, President of Stratecon Inc (www.stratwater.com), an economics and strategic planning consulting firm specializing in the economics, finance, and policy of water resources and President of Baja Norte Water Resources, LLC, developer of bi-national water projects.
President at Dakota Development
Joe brings over 30 years of experience in hospitality, restaurant, and nightlife development. As President of Dakota Development, he has led the delivery of landmark projects such as SLS Hotels, Redbury Hotels, and several renowned restaurant concepts. He also serves as the Americas representative for Ennismore Accor, the world’s second largest hotel operator.
Joe has over 30 years of experience in hospitality, restaurant, and nightlife development. As President of Dakota Development, he has delivered landmark projects including SLS Hotels, Redbury Hotels, and leading restaurants and venues such as Katsuya, Bazaar by José Andrés, The Sayers Club, and Hyde Lounge.
Lobbyist at Taylor + Company
Jessie Taylor operates at the intersection of politics, business, and public life, the space where perception shapes reality and lasting influence is built. For more than twenty years, Jessie has advised elected leaders, Fortune 500 executives, founders, and mission-driven organizations on how to shift narratives, forge alliances, and unlock opportunities that others overlook.
Founder of Sportainment Consulting
With an engineering and consulting background, Burak advises on sports business, technologies, and investment strategies. He focuses on feasibility analysis and market entry for innovative sports and entertainment ventures.
Managing Partner at Law Capital Partners
Seth is an expert in real estate law, investment strategies, and sustainable development partnerships. As Managing Partner at Law Capital Partners, he brings extensive legal and financial expertise to complex projects.
Founder of Creative Industrial Group
Bennett Goldberg brings over 25 years of experience in real estate acquisitions, planning, development, and investment, with a proven track record of driving successful projects and delivering long-term value.
Founder & CEO of Apex Risk & Insurance Services
Peter leads Apex Risk with a focus on making insurance clear and practical for businesses. He specializes in commercial, auto, and small business insurance, helping entrepreneurs understand and manage risks with tailored solutions.
Principal at Delta Emerald Ventures
Michael is driven by working with passionate founders, helping them build stronger businesses through data and analytics. With a background in venture investing and hands-on experience as both a founder and operator in early-stage consumer companies, he brings a practical perspective to growth. He holds a B.A. in International Relations and Global Business from the University of Southern California.
US Capital Global
With over 30 years of financial expertise, Erick serves as Vice President at US Capital Global,
specializing in tailored debt and equity financing for middle-market companies and bespoke
wealth management for high-net-worth clients and families.
JMBM Global Hospitality
David Sudeck is a senior member of JMBM’s Global Hospitality Group® and Real Estate Department, specializing in complex hotel, resort, and mixed-use projects. A seasoned real estate attorney and dealmaker, he is internationally recognized for his expertise in management and branding agreements, as well as structuring acquisitions, developments, financings, and joint ventures. As head of JMBM’s C-PACE and EB-5 Finance groups, David has led over $400 million in C-PACE transactions and contributed to more than $1.5 billion in EB-5 financings.
Icon Leisure
Brian, a Certified Venue Executive (CVE), has over 30 years of leadership experience across
hospitality, entertainment, and venue management. As Managing Partner at ICON Leisure
Services, he has overseen development and operations for waterparks, arenas, and resorts
nationwide, with previous roles at Schlitterbahn, Live Nation, and Marriott.
Thinking Adrenaline
Damon brings 25 years of global executive experience across multiple industries, driving growth and transformation through strategic planning, operational excellence, and innovative marketing. A business and marketing graduate with advanced management qualifications, he has led organizations in retail, development, leisure, and entertainment.
Thinking Adrenaline
Craig is an entrepreneurial advisor with deep expertise in finance, strategy, and business growth. A qualified accountant, he has founded and led several successful ventures, including The Wave, the UK’s first inland surf destination. His background spans manufacturing, retail, software, and leisure, with extensive experience in private equity and business transformation.
Impact Activities
A former top-400 ATP player and practice partner to Serena and Venus Williams, Matt is a recognized leader in tennis management. As founder of Impact Activities, he has guided awardwinning facilities and earned multiple national honors from the USTA and USPTA for excellence in community service and facility operations.
Senior Vice President at Capitol Core Group & Founder of The Aqua Exchange
Jeff advises on educational development, focusing on accessible and engaging learning solutions. He combines leadership in public affairs with a passion for creating impactful educational opportunities.
Founder & Owner, Sea Purity Investments
Founder of Sea Purity Investments, Matt is an experienced investor and former founder of Hayden Communications and MZ Group North America. With over 20 years in capital markets, he has advised 200+ companies and helped raise more than $10 billion in equity and debt financing.
