Early Life
Benjamin W. Navarro was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and is of Italian descent. He is one of eight children and his father, Frank Navarro, was a college football coach. Navarro graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1984 with a degree in finance.
Rise to Success
Navarro's career began at Chemical Bank before moving to Goldman Sachs and Citigroup. He founded Sherman Financial Group in 1998, which later became a significant player in the credit card and debt collection industry. Navarro's ventures, including Credit One Bank, have contributed significantly to his wealth, leading to a net worth of approximately $3.2 billion as of 2024.
Key Business Strategies
Navarro has focused on building businesses that cater to specific market needs, such as offering credit cards to those with low credit scores. His investment strategy includes real estate acquisitions and ventures in the hospitality and entertainment sectors. The founding of Beemok Capital in 2018 solidified his role as a diversified investor.
Philanthropy
Navarro is a dedicated philanthropist, primarily through the Meeting Street Schools, providing education to underprivileged children. He also founded the Meeting Street Scholarship Fund to assist students in pursuing higher education. He has also contributed to various charitable causes, including the International African American Museum.