# Clearwell Group

Clearwell Group is a Multi Family Office based in Tampa, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Multi Family Office
- **Headquarters:** Tampa, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** Tampa, FL, United States
- **Founded:** 2009
- **Assets under management:** 351 (Altss estimate)
- **Website:** clearwellgroup.com
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/clearwell-group

## Regulatory record

- **CRD number:** 306186
- **SEC file number:** 801-130085
- **Registration status:** APPROVED
- **Latest Form ADV filing:** 2026-04-01T05:00:00.000Z
- **Reports private funds:** Yes
- **Private funds reported:** 0
- **IAPD record:** https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/306186

## About

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.

## Sectors

- Private Equity
- Real Estate

## People

- Douglas J. Free — Managing Partner
- Ryan D. Cortner — Partner
- Tyler Franz — Team Member

## 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.

## Related profiles

- [Sterling Partners](https://altss.com/profile/sterling-partners)
- [Haven Private](https://altss.com/profile/haven-private)

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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

Canonical page: https://altss.com/profile/clearwell-group

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