Early Life and Education
Benjamin W. Navarro was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, in either 1962 or 1963. He grew up in Rhode Island and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Rhode Island in 1984. During his college years, he demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit by creating and selling a student discount card to local businesses.
Career and Rise to Success
Navarro began his career in finance at Chemical Bank, and later worked at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup. In 1998, he founded Sherman Financial Group, a diversified financial services and investment company. Sherman Financial Group acquired First National Bank of Marin in 2005 and renamed it Credit One Bank, which became a major credit card issuer.
Navarro's business acumen helped transform the debt collection industry into a multi-billion dollar industry. He also expanded his portfolio to hospitality, real estate, and sports, owning major professional tennis tournaments.
Key Business Strategies
Navarro's success is built on strategic investments and operational depth. His focus on underserved markets, such as subprime borrowers, has allowed him to create significant value. He demonstrates an ability to recognize opportunities and navigate challenges creatively. His ventures include Sherman Financial Group and his ownership of Credit One Bank.
Philanthropy
Navarro is actively involved in philanthropy, especially in education. He founded Meeting Street Schools and the Meeting Street Scholarship Fund. He also launched the Excellence in Teaching Awards program. The scholarship has expanded to 14 counties and has awarded over $20 million in scholarship dollars to about 1500 students. In 2021, he contributed $1.25 million to College of Charleston's teacher education programs.
