Ben Navarro: A Philanthropist and Developer in Charleston

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Main courtyard of ancient Ben Youssef Madrasa with arched passage and walls decorated with arabesque ornaments on sunny day in Marrakesh
Credit: pexels.com, Main courtyard of ancient Ben Youssef Madrasa with arched passage and walls decorated with arabesque ornaments on sunny day in Marrakesh

Ben Navarro is a well-known philanthropist and developer in Charleston, South Carolina. He's made a significant impact on the city's real estate landscape through his company, The Beach Company.

Ben Navarro's company has developed several high-end residential properties in Charleston. These projects have contributed to the city's growing luxury market.

As a philanthropist, Ben Navarro has supported various charitable causes in Charleston. One notable example is the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, which he helped fund.

Ben Navarro's Business

Ben Navarro is a billionaire businessman and philanthropist with a net worth of $1.5 billion as of July 2024, according to Forbes.

He's the founder and CEO of Sherman Financial Group, a company he's built from the ground up. Ben's business ventures have taken him far, with a notable stint as a vice president at Citigroup.

Ben has made some savvy investments in the world of tennis, buying the Charleston Tennis LLC in 2019 through his company Beemok Sports LLC. He's also spent upwards of $300 million to purchase the Western & Southern Open in 2022.

Credit: youtube.com, Schoolhouse rock -- changing status quo: Ben Navarro at TEDxCharleston

In addition to his tennis investments, Ben has been on the hunt for other business opportunities, including a failed attempt to buy the Carolina Panthers in 2018. He lost out to hedge fund mogul David Tepper in that deal.

Ben's business endeavors aside, he's also made a name for himself as a philanthropist. He founded the non-profit Meeting Street Schools, which aims to make a positive impact in the community.

Community Impact

Ben Navarro is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. He has donated millions of dollars to local charities and organizations.

Ben Navarro's commitment to education is evident in his support for the College of Charleston's School of Business. He has also donated to the University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business.

Ben Navarro's contributions to the local community have made a significant impact on the lives of many people.

Union Pier Development

Credit: youtube.com, Businessman Ben Navarro to purchase Union Pier

Ben Navarro's vision for Union Pier is a resident-focused one, with a focus on public access to the waterfront, more green space, and a more historic district-friendly design.

He plans to eliminate the cruise terminal and include a meaningful affordable housing component.

Navarro's company, Beemok Hospitality Collection, owns Credit One Stadium and the Charleston Place Hotel.

The purchase of Union Pier is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Charleston, with the city controlling much of the process going forward.

Ben Navarro has been a long-time resident of Charleston, moving his family and business from New York in 2004.

He has a history of investing in the community, including founding Meeting Street Schools, a nonprofit school partnership program.

Navarro's company, Sherman Financial Group, owns and operates Credit One Financial, a bank that specializes in offering credit cards to people with low credit scores.

The area was one of Charleston's last pieces of land primed for development, sitting near the Historic District adjacent to Concord Street and Laurens Street.

Preservation and Tourism

Black and White Portrait of Basketball Player Outdoors
Credit: pexels.com, Black and White Portrait of Basketball Player Outdoors

Ben Navarro's efforts in preservation and tourism have been instrumental in revitalizing the local economy. He has invested heavily in restoring historic buildings and landmarks, such as the iconic town hall.

This attention to preservation has attracted a new wave of tourists to the area, who come to experience the rich history and culture of the region. The influx of visitors has created jobs and stimulated local businesses.

Ben Navarro's tourism initiatives have also focused on promoting sustainable practices, such as eco-friendly accommodations and locally sourced food options. This approach has helped to minimize the environmental impact of tourism while supporting the local community.

The result is a thriving tourism industry that benefits both the local economy and the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Ben Navarro make his money?

Ben Navarro made his money by founding Sherman Financial Group in 1998, a company that specializes in managing and acquiring distressed consumer debt. This venture marked a significant turning point in his career, allowing him to build a lucrative business.

What hotel does Ben Navarro own?

Ben Navarro owns the Charleston Place Hotel, a luxury hotel in Charleston, South Carolina.

What does Ben Navarro do?

Ben Navarro is a successful entrepreneur and businessman with interests in real estate and sports. He is the founder and CEO of Sherman Financial Group, LLC, and also owns the Live To Play Tennis Club in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Tasha Kautzer

Senior Writer

Tasha Kautzer is a versatile and accomplished writer with a diverse portfolio of articles. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she has successfully covered a wide range of topics, from the lives of notable individuals to the achievements of esteemed institutions. Her work spans the globe, delving into the realms of Norwegian billionaires, the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy, and the experiences of Norwegian emigrants to the United States.

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