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Clearwell Group
Clearwell Group was established in 2009 by the Free family to manage affairs tied to investment management and financial services wealth. Douglas J.
Clearwell Group
Clearwell Group was established in 2009 by the Free family to manage affairs tied to investment management and financial services wealth. Douglas J. Free serves as managing partner and sits on boards including the University of Florida Investment Company and The Gathering. The firm runs a private equity program focused on control or meaningful minority stakes in lower-middle-market businesses in the southeastern United States. It also acquires commercial and residential real estate and has partnered with Centerfield Capital Partners on at least one LBO. Capital is deployed directly rather than through fund commitments, with an emphasis on evergreen structures that align with multi-generational family timelines. The team includes eight named professionals plus an advisory board drawn from Ballast Point Ventures and the National Christian Foundation. Clearwell maintains no disclosed additional offices beyond its Tampa headquarters at 610 W. De Leon St. Philanthropic vehicles include the Free Family Foundation and support for entities such as International Justice Mission and REBUILD.
General information
Firm type
Multi Family Office
Year founded
2009
AUM
351 (Altss estimate)
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Tampa
Corporate office
Tampa, FL, United States
Principals
Douglas J. Free
Managing Partner
Ryan D. Cortner
Partner
Tyler Franz
Team Member
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at Clearwell Group?
Douglas J. Free serves as managing partner and oversees investment activity. Additional partners including Ryan D. Cortner participate in deal execution and portfolio oversight.
Does Clearwell Group participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
The firm focuses on direct control or minority investments and has executed at least one LBO alongside Centerfield Capital Partners. No fund commitments are disclosed.
What geographic footprint does Clearwell Group target?
Primary activity centers on the southeastern United States for both private equity and real estate. The firm maintains its sole disclosed office in Tampa.
How is Clearwell Group related to the Free family?
The firm manages affairs for the Free family, evidenced by the Free Family Foundation and Douglas J. Free's leadership role.
What philanthropic structures does Clearwell Group maintain?
The firm supports multiple vehicles including the Free Family Foundation, International Justice Mission, REBUILD and Ebenezer Community Investment.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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