Early Life and Education
Benjamin W. Navarro, born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, in 1962 or 1963, is of Italian descent. He grew up in Rhode Island and attended Princeton High School. Navarro earned a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Rhode Island in 1984.
Career and Business Ventures
Navarro began his career at Chemical Bank, later working at Goldman Sachs and Citigroup. In 1997, he left Citigroup and founded Sherman Financial Group in 1998. Sherman Financial Group, based in Charleston, South Carolina, became a significant player in the credit card and debt collection industry, with Credit One Bank as a key asset. Navarro is also the founder and CEO of Beemok Capital, a private investment firm.
Sports and Real Estate Investments
Navarro has made significant investments in sports and real estate. He has purchased and operates professional tennis tournaments, including the Charleston Open and the Cincinnati Open. Additionally, he has invested in hospitality, including the Charleston Place hotel, and has acquired properties for development in Charleston. He also expressed interest in purchasing the Carolina Panthers in 2018 but was unsuccessful.
Philanthropy
Navarro and his wife, Kelly, are involved in various philanthropic endeavors, particularly in education. They founded Meeting Street Schools, a network of schools providing education to under-resourced students in South Carolina. In 2020, they launched the Meeting Street Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to Charleston County students for higher education. Navarro has also contributed to the International African American Museum (IAAM).
