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A Whisky Lover’s Journey

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Originally published in Scotland’s Enchanting Kingdom

For some people, whisky is only a drink, a way to form a quick connection during a business meeting, enhance conversation in a tricky social situation or bond with close friends at a dinner party.

For Elliott Broidy, a Florida-based serial entrepreneur, businessman and philanthropist, whisky is a passion, a purpose pursuit, a means of adventure and a lens through which he explores the world.

In other words, Broidy is a true whiskey connoisseur. He’s particularly fond of the brand, the Macallan, a single-malt Scotch distilled in Scotland and one of the highest-selling of its kind.

“It’s such a consistently fantastic product,” Broidy said in a recent interview. “It’s a brand of whisky that I’ve been enamored with for many years.”

At one point in his life, Broidy was one of the largest buyers of Macallan in the United States outside of hotels, restaurants, and retailers. This was because of the many charitable and political events he was involved with hosting at that time, and it was important to him that his guests be treated to the best.

And it’s his peerless loyalty to Macallan that took him on a once-in-a-lifetime trip this past May to Spain and Scotland, where he observed up-close how the signature magic behind the Macallan comes to life. His trip occurred from May 27-30.

Beginning In Spain

Broidy, joined by three close acquaintances, traveled to Jerez, Spain, where they dropped by the Valdespino sherry-producing bodega, before visiting Inverness, Scotland, a city in the Scottish Highlands that’s home to the Easter Elchies House, the spiritual home of Macallan.

At Valdespino, Broidy learned firsthand about how sherry is a fortified wine produced in the Andalusia region of southern Spain. Valdespino is one of Spain’s most historic sherry producers, and it provides Macallan with a means for cask aging. Whisky, as Broidy and the group soon discovered, is often aged in barrels that previously hold sherry. This allows the aromas and flavors of the sherry to be imparted to the whisky.

Macallan’s beloved sherry-seasoned oak collection consists of four single malts; meaning it’s made exclusively from malted barley, each boasting robust notes of succulent dried fruits and natural spices, according to Macallan master whisky maker Kirsteen Campbell, who joined Broidy’s group.

Additionally, at Valdespino, they were given a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Macallan’s recent foray into “vertical integration”; that is, the company’s purchase in 2023 of a 50-percent controlling stake in the historic maker of Valdespino sherry. The recent purchase ensures Macallan continues having an exclusive supply of the bodega’s sherry casks, according to the company’s Scotland-based managing director.

Broidy, the whiskey lover

The visit to Valdespino wasn’t all industry insight, though. While there, they had the chance to taste some of the Spanish bodega’s sherry, including a 100-year-old vintage; one Broidy admitted he didn’t exactly have high hopes for.

“I would call it sludge; but it was actually pretty good,” Broidy laughed.

Off To Scotland

Their next stop was Scotland. Overlooking the River Spey, Scotland’s Easter Elchies House is a traditional Highland manor, built in 1700. In the early-1800s, the first licensed whisky distillery was established on the historic site.

According to the Macallan website, legend has it that the name “Macallan” derives from the Gaelic word, “Magh,” meaning fertile piece of land, and “Ellan,” from the eighth-century Irish Monk St. Fillan of the former parish from an ancient church ruin that’s found nearby.

Easter Elchies House, the Scotland-based spiritual home of The Macallan

Their time in Scotland was jam-packed with high-end activities, from a six-course gastronomic dining experience at the Macallan Estate prepared by esteemed chef Mark Murphy, with each course paired with a dram (small drink) of a rare Macallan; to a lively round of 18 holes on the Spey Valley Golf Course.

A highlight was dinner at the iconic whiskey bar Mash Tun, a boutique hotel and restaurant centrally located in whisky country. Capping things off was casual chatter over cigars at Rothes Glen, a luxury, exclusive-use castle sleeping up to 28 guests that the group called home during their brief time in the Scottish Highlands.

Joining the group in Scotland was Macallan’s North American brand ambassador, Matt Wong, who gave Broidy and his friends a more personalized experience than they would’ve gotten if just visiting the site on their own.

For Broidy, the experience marked a culmination of a years-long fascination with whisky, one that began when his father gave him his first taste of the fermented spirit when he was just a teenager.

“It was a very small shot when I was 16,” Broidy said. “My father was a Macallan drinker, and he liked Scotch.”

As Broidy made his ascent in the business world, C-suites and all, he found that whisky always played a part in him forming good connections and closing deals.

He’s been a longtime collector of Macallan products, and he expressed excitement about Macallan’s forthcoming Tree of Life, a 46-year-old single malt that’s seasoned in a sherry oak cask from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, and boasts notes of tropical fruits, complex wood spice and antique oak. He also looks forward to sampling Macallan’s limited edition Genesis, which marks a unique collaboration with acclaimed architects Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners.

Brief But Impactful

By the end of their time in Spain and Scotland, Broidy walked away with a deeper understanding of the process, production and passion that has elevated Macallan whisky to the globally renowned brand that it is today. And he can’t wait, he said, to go back.

“We had such a wonderful time,” he said. “I didn’t expect I’d ever get to take a trip like this, and to be there, with close friends, was something I won’t soon forget. If nothing else, the trip was a reminder of the distinct pleasures of being a whisky lover, an identity I embrace proudly.”

Elliott-Broidy

Examining Trends in National Security and Defense Tech with Elliott Broidy

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As the need for innovative technology in the national security space grows, the relevant federal agencies are increasingly relying on innovations created by commercial private sector.

Few understand this intersection better than Elliott Broidy, Chairman and CEO of Broidy Capital Holdings, LLC, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with extensive experience in national security technology and defense tech. Founded in 2022 in Boca Raton, FL, Broidy Capital Holdings builds on the legacy of its predecessor, Broidy Capital Management, which was headquartered in Los Angeles from 1991 to 2022. The firm invests in technology businesses — including those using Artificial Intelligence — that focus on defense intelligence, homeland security, public safety technology, and law enforcement sectors. Broidy is also the founder and Managing Partner of Threat Deterrence Capital Holdings, LLC and LEO Technologies Holdings, LLC.

In Broidy’s view, commercial advancements are now indispensable to national security, enhancing capabilities and fostering collaboration between sectors that historically operated in separate spheres.

“In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the line between commercial innovation and national security technology is unmistakably blurred,” Broidy explains. This blurring is driven by a need for new capabilities to face emerging threats. National security agencies are increasingly looking to the commercial sector for solutions which, according to Brody, “enhances national security and drives significant advancements in both sectors.”

One of the clearest examples of this synergy lies in cloud technology. Over the past decade, cloud infrastructure has revolutionized the commercial sector, offering scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions to companies worldwide. Recognizing these advantages, national security agencies have started integrating cloud technologies to modernize their own operations.

“Cloud computing enables real-time data sharing across different national security agencies,” Broidy notes. This allows teams to access and analyze vast amounts of data from diverse sources at unprecedented speeds, ultimately enabling faster and more informed decision-making. Cloud platforms also allow for the development of sophisticated training simulations that utilize real-world data.

For example, partnerships with tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon have helped bring secure, tailored cloud solutions to the military.

Another area where commercial tech is making its mark on national security is in artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML). In the commercial sphere, AI has proven its value across industries. The national security sector has harnessed its power to revolutionize intelligence analysis and threat detection.

“Machine learning algorithms can analyze data at speeds and accuracies far beyond human capabilities. It’s a gamechanger for efficiency when we know how to harness it,” Broidy explains. ML systems can scan hours of video surveillance or sift through millions of data points to identify potential threats — a task that would otherwise demand tremendous resources and time from human analysts.

The importance of AI for national security is urgent and strategic. As a recent op-ed in Fox News emphasizes, AI is one of the our most potent tools in safeguarding our borders and national infrastructure. It is a vital force multiplier in national defense. Commercial sector innovation — like AI-powered voice analytics, behavior detection algorithms, and predictive modeling — is now actively deployed in high-stakes environments.

“This is precisely the kind of public-private convergence that will define the future of national defense,” Broidy says.

National security agencies, constantly seeking an edge over our adversaries and threats to the homeland, are adapting proven commercial technologies for mission-critical applications.

“Historically, security tech has been hindered by long procurement processes and strict regulations,” Broidy says. “But the huge need for and the success of commercial innovations in the national security sector is prodding solutions to be deployed at a faster clip.” This fosters collaboration between the national security and civilian tech sectors and a concomitant cross-pollination of ideas, which further fuels advancements in a virtuous feedback loop.

This convergence opens doors to smaller tech companies. “We are living through a time of remarkable innovation and technological breakthrough, and federal national defense agencies are increasingly receptive to new ideas. Nimbleness is key,” says Broidy.

Looking ahead, Broidy sees the blending of national security and commercial tech as a crucial driver of change in national security. “The intersection of national defense tech and commercial innovation is a win-win-win for tech companies, national security, and American society at large,” he says.

Elliott Broidy Aston Martin

Elliott Broidy: Newport Pagnell to Goodwood: Restoring My Aston Martin V600

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I guess we can blame Bond for this. James Bond. Like so many kids of his generation, Elliott Broidy grew up in the 1960s fantasizing about being the man in the immaculate tux with the Silver Birch Aston Martin DB5. That car, for him, was a symbol of elegance, power and possibility – and a dream that planted itself early.

He remains hooked to this day. And who can blame him? There is something about an Aston Martin that you don’t find in any other car. They’re not always the fastest, nor the most agile – but they have soul. The interiors feel crafted by hand, not machine. You’re not just buying a car; you’re buying into a story, a legacy. Aston Martin is older than Bentley, while Ferrari and Lamborghini are young upstarts by comparison. Even Rolls-Royce, which predates Aston Martin, never raced, while Aston Martin has been on the track since before it sold road cars to customers.

Racing runs deep in the company’s DNA. Its early entries into motorsport were often underfunded but fiercely determined, with victories snatched from more dominant teams. Today, with a new state-of-the-art factory, wind tunnel and the legendary Adrian Newey at the design helm, Aston Martin looks poised to write another racing chapter – but it’s the past Broidy has always been drawn to.

Of all the Astons, the ones that resonate most with him are those built at Newport Pagnell. This year marks 70 years of production at that iconic factory in Buckinghamshire. It was here that David Brown introduced a new era of Aston Martins, starting with the DB4 in the late 1950s, which evolved into the DB5. These weren’t just new models – they represented a new philosophy: combining speed, elegance and craftsmanship in a uniquely British way.

In 2023, Broidy bought his own DB5, which is currently undergoing a full nut-and-bolt restoration. But that story – as steeped in heritage as it is – will be told another time. Because there was another Aston Martin that haunted him, quietly but insistently, ever since he first saw it over two decades ago: the V8 Vantage Le Mans V600.

In 2000, Broidy found himself standing in a London dealership, staring in awe at a V600. He recalls realizing immediately it was unlike anything else he had ever seen. It was shown in 1999 and just 40 were made – one for each year since Aston Martin’s historic win at the 1959 Le Mans 24 Hours. To put that in perspective, that’s just four more cars than the total number of Ferrari 250 GTOs, the most valuable of all Ferraris. The V600 was the company’s first road car to claim a top speed of 200 mph, boasting 600bhp output from a 5.3-litre supercharged V8 engine. At the time, it was the most powerful car offered for sale by a mainstream manufacturer, dwarfing the 479bhp of the 550 Maranello, Ferrari’s most powerful car of the era.

But numbers alone never define an Aston Martin. This car was the final, most potent expression of Tadek Marek‘s legendary V8 engine, which first ran in 1965, was installed in the DBS V8 in 1969 and went on to become Aston’s staple motor for the next 25 years. It was also the last engine to be entirely designed in-house by Aston Martin. The V600’s chassis was a direct descendant of the DBS platform, even retaining its wheelbase. The Superleggera construction techniques, first used in the DB4, still lingered beneath the surface. Every piece of it was built by hand at Newport Pagnell, making it not just a swan song but a summation of everything that had come before. In this one car lay the history of Aston Martin production at Newport Pagnell in the 20th century, as well as a glimpse at the future direction of the company.

So, it became his goal: One day, Broidy would own a V600. But with only 40 in existence, it would need to be the right one. No compromises.

That car didn’t emerge until 2024. On the 25th anniversary of the V600’s creation – after over two decades of waiting – he finally found it. Chassis #09 of 40, just 8,000 miles on the odometer since it was released from the Aston Martin works on December 15, 1999. Named after its original owner, Eric Wright, the car is painted in a deep, dark green hue (often confused with what some call “British racing green” though no such color exists), unique to this car, with piped green trim, green Wilton carpets edged in Onslow Forest Green with a green Alcantara headliner. Factory-fit optional extras included Burr Elm facias, a fuel filler key and personalized sill plaques naming the original owner and confirming it to be car #09 of 40.

Even among this already rare breed, it stood apart. But for Broidy, it wasn’t enough for it to be great. It had to be flawless. The restoration wasn’t about modification – it was about precision, about bringing it back to exactly how it left Newport Pagnell, only better. And because he planned to drive it regularly in the U.S. – since a car like this, he says, is only at its most beautiful when it’s doing what it was designed to do – a left-hand drive conversion was essential.

Broidy turned to trusted hands in England. His friend Gil Holt introduced him to Matthew Hill Coach Trimming, who undertook the meticulous conversion process. Beyond the LHD change, they were tasked with redoing the electrics, decoking the engine and replacing its valve seals. Every detail mattered.

Cosmetically, the car was in very good condition, but not perfect. Minor corrosion on the doors and wheel arches, a few stone chips – all typical, but unacceptable in a car of this pedigree. Shaun Hayward at Hayward Classics took over. He executed a complete respray, re-applied the protective underbody coating and restored the Dymag magnesium alloy wheels. He also refurbished the clutch, fine-tuned the suspension and rebuilt the massive AP Racing brakes.

Then there was the under-bonnet cover needed for the left-hand drive conversion. None could be sourced – not from Aston Martin, not from original suppliers. So, Jon Davy of CD Equipment created one from scratch, reverse-engineering a mirror image of the original and even making the tooling required to fabricate it. It took an enormous amount of time and work, but perfection has no shortcuts. It had to be done to get it right.

With everything complete, there was only one thing left to do: Drive it. And there was only one place worthy of that first outing – Goodwood.

The Goodwood Motor Circuit is hallowed ground. It’s where Aston Martin’s racing team achieved true greatness in the most implausible circumstances. In 1959, having skipped the World Sports Car Championship to focus on Le Mans, the company unexpectedly found itself in contention for the title. Stirling Moss offered to pay personally for a car to be sent to the Nürburgring round – and won. Then, as if by serendipity, Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori delivered victory at Le Mans. The World Champion title suddenly hinged entirely on the final round, and that would take place at Goodwood.

During the race, after taking an early lead and poised to win, Moss’ car suddenly caught fire during a pit stop, sending the Aston Martin garage up in flames with it. In a stunning display of determination, the team persuaded a private Aston Martin customer to withdraw from the race so his pit could be taken over. Then, another Aston further back was called in, and its driver was replaced by Moss with instructions to drive flat out. He did, securing both the race and the World Sportscar Championship for Aston Martin, beating Ferrari, Porsche, Maserati and Alfa Romeo.

Driving his V600 on that same track was surreal, a bucket-list moment Broidy will never forget. The thunder of the V8, amplified by the whine of the twin superchargers, filled the air. Despite its sheer power, the car was predictable, planted and communicative. It didn’t intimidate – it inspired. In those moments, pushing it through Goodwood’s fast, flowing corners, he felt entirely connected to the machine and the legacy it carried.

To be certain everything was as it should be, Broidy invited a journalist who had tested the V600 back when it first launched 25 years ago to drive it. After his drive, he turned to him and said it felt exactly the same. That was all the confirmation he needed. A bucket-list moment, indeed.

Others may be faster, lighter, more advanced. But he doesn’t care. What Broidy wants is a car where the passion of its creators can be heard in the exhaust note, seen in the craftsmanship and felt in the steering wheel. He wants a car with a story that stretches back generations. On that day at Goodwood, behind the wheel of his V600, he knew he didn’t just drive a car – he fulfilled a dream a quarter century in the making.

And, for a brief moment, he felt like he had stepped into the frame of a Bond film, only this time, it was real.

Elliott Broidy ABC Money

Inside the Mind of an Investor: Elliott Broidy on Spotting the Next Big Opportunity

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This interview was originally published in ABC Money on July 19, 2025:

Inside the Mind of an Investor: Elliott Broidy on Spotting the Next Big Opportunity

Elliott Broidy is an entrepreneur who has used his extensive experience and talent to found, invest in, and in some cases, manage as CEO, more than 160 companies over his four-decade career. Since 2014, he has focused on technology businesses (including, more recently, AI) in the defense intelligence, homeland security, public safety, and law enforcement sectors. He is the Chairman and CEO of Broidy Capital Holdings, LLC, founded in 2022 in Boca Raton, FL, and its predecessor, Broidy Capital Management, headquartered in Los Angeles from 1991 to 2022.

Q: Your investment career spans more than four decades. How has your approach to evaluating opportunities evolved over time?

Elliott Broidy: My evaluation process has evolved significantly over the years. When I first started, I was primarily focused on traditional metrics like market size and growth potential. Those elements still matter, of course, but experience has taught me to look more deeply at three critical factors.

First, I examine whether the technology meaningfully enhances human capabilities rather than trying to replace them entirely. Second, I assess how flexible the solution is—can it adapt to emerging threats and changing operational needs? And third, perhaps most importantly, I analyze whether the team understands both the technical and operational aspects of their solution.

I’ve found that the most successful investments come from teams that deeply understand the day-to-day realities of their end users, not just the technology they’re developing.

Q: Since 2014, you’ve focused primarily on technology businesses in defense, intelligence, and public safety. What drew you to these sectors specifically?

Elliott Broidy: The catalyst was 9/11. That event fundamentally changed my priorities, my interests, and where I felt I had to direct my businesses and attention. I felt a calling to dedicate all of my skills, resources, and energy toward the public safety, defense, and security industries.

I found myself profoundly motivated in those dark days to protect not only the United States but our allies. Since that time, that has been my professional focus. I believe these sectors represent not just business opportunities but areas where investment can make a meaningful difference in protecting lives and strengthening our communities.

Q: How do you balance innovation with practical implementation when evaluating security solutions?

Elliott Broidy: The truth is, the most innovative solution isn’t always the most effective one. I’ve learned that successful implementation often comes down to understanding the operational environment where the technology will be used.

I always tell my teams that a slightly less sophisticated solution that works seamlessly within existing systems is far more valuable than a cutting-edge technology that creates operational friction. It’s about finding the sweet spot between pushing technological boundaries and ensuring practical, day-to-day usability.

Q: What role do you see AI playing in investment opportunities, particularly in defense and public safety?

Elliott Broidy: AI’s potential in defense and public safety goes far beyond what most people imagine. The real power lies not in replacing human judgment, but in enhancing our ability to process and understand vast amounts of information in real time.

For instance, when analyzing large datasets, AI can quickly identify patterns and anomalies that would take human analysts weeks or months to discover. But the key is maintaining the right balance—AI should augment human expertise, not attempt to replace it. This means developing systems that provide actionable insights while leaving critical decision-making in human hands.

Q: How do you determine if a founding team has what it takes to succeed?

Elliott Broidy: I look for teams that combine technical innovators with people who have deep operational experience in the field. The most successful ventures I’ve seen have founders who understand both the technology and the real-world environment in which it will be deployed.

I also assess their resilience. Success doesn’t come without setbacks, for anybody, in any field. But it’s about the mindset with which you confront it. Do you let the setbacks define you, or do you perceive them as opportunities to grow and to thrive?

It’s also important to evaluate whether founders can delegate effectively. Highly ambitious and highly driven people often have difficulty doing this. They want to do it all. But you can’t, it’s simply not possible, and you will burn out if you try. Assembling a team that you can trust, and then delegating to that team, is essential for long-term success.

Q: Looking ahead, which emerging technologies or trends do you find most promising for investment?

Elliott Broidy: We’re entering an incredibly dynamic period in defense technology investment. The pace of technological change continues to accelerate, and we’re seeing new threats emerge that require innovative solutions.

Generative AI is moving fast—and it’s reshaping industries at every level. Quantum computing is transitioning from theory to real-world use cases. We’re on the edge of breakthroughs that could unlock processing power beyond anything we’ve seen.

But regardless of the specific technology, the key to success will be maintaining focus on real-world impact rather than just technological advancement. The most effective investments will be those that enhance existing capabilities while enabling new ones, always with an eye toward actual operational needs. The companies that succeed will be those that can adapt quickly to emerging threats while maintaining the reliability and integration capabilities that this sector demands.

Elliott Broidy office

Meet Elliott Broidy

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This profile was originally published on ShoutOut Miami on May 29, 2025.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elliott Broidy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elliott, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
The habits that have contributed to my success are deeply rooted in perseverance, resilience, and a strong ability to stay focused on long-term goals. As an entrepreneur, challenges are inevitable, and it’s the grit to push through adversity that keeps me moving forward. Whether it’s navigating market shifts, overcoming financial hurdles, or learning from missteps, grit has been essential in maintaining the drive to continue building and growing my businesses.

Resilience allows me to quickly recover from setbacks and adapt my approach when things don’t go as planned – which happens often. This adaptability and willingness to learn from failure are crucial to staying competitive in the entrepreneurial world.

In addition to personal perseverance, effective leadership and team management habits have been integral to my success as an entrepreneur.

Delegation has allowed me to scale my businesses by entrusting tasks to people with the expertise and passion to execute them well. In a startup environment, where resources are often limited, the ability to trust my team members and leverage their strengths is critical.

Building a culture of trust ensures that my team feels empowered, which boosts motivation and fosters creativity. This collaborative environment, paired with a relentless focus on our shared vision, has allowed us to turn challenges into opportunities.

Tenacity, combined with the ability to build a strong, cohesive team, has been fundamental to overcoming the hurdles that every entrepreneur faces. It’s clear that success is not just about individual effort; it’s about having the right mindset and the right people beside you on the journey. No man is an island.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of building and investing in over 160 companies. Each venture has brought its own challenges, but the throughline has always been a relentless focus on creating value, solving complex problems, and pushing the boundaries of innovation. Over the decades of my professional career, I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from simply following trends – it comes from anticipating the future and positioning yourself at the cutting edge of emerging needs.

My decision to focus on defense, intelligence, homeland security, public safety, and law enforcement was deeply influenced by the seismic impact of the 9/11 attacks. I knew then that I had to do whatever it was in my power to do to defend the United States and its allies from those who wish us harm.

What sets my approach apart is a blend of strategic foresight, a passion for disruptive innovation, and a commitment to solving real-world problems. I’m not just interested in building companies; I’m focused on building organizations that create meaningful impact for people. The AI technologies and systems we are developing today are at the heart of transforming sectors like defense and law enforcement – improving how we protect societies, secure critical infrastructure, and respond to emergencies. We’re empowering decision-makers with real-time insights, automating complex tasks, and enabling smarter, safer operations across the globe.

The journey to where I am today hasn’t been easy. No entrepreneur’s path is easy – brutal difficulty is baked in. I have faced countless challenges, from navigating the complexities of regulatory landscapes to managing the demands of rapidly growing teams. The constant evolution of technology means that you have to remain agile, always learning and adapting. You can’t stand still. There have been moments of failure along the way, but I perceive them as essential stepping stones that provided lessons that I’ve carried into every new venture. Perseverance is key. The ability to pivot, learn from setbacks, and stay focused on the larger vision has been vital.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of surrounding yourself with a great team. As an entrepreneur, you may have the vision, but it takes a team of brilliant, motivated individuals to turn that vision into reality. I’ve always focused on building teams with diverse skills and perspectives. Without effective collaboration, you will burn out.

Another lesson is understanding the value of timing. Even the most innovative ideas can falter if the market is not ready for them. My success has been as much about timing as it has been about innovation. You have to know when to push forward with bold initiatives and when to wait for the right moment to capitalize on evolving trends.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I am committed to building companies that matter – organizations that are on the forefront of solving the most pressing problems of our time. And while business is a passion of mine, it’s the broader societal impact that drives me every day. The journey is never easy, but with the right vision, team, and resilience, I believe we can change the world for the better.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a lifelong fisherman. My love for the sport began when I spent one of my summers during high school working as the deckhand on a two-person, 28-foot, aluminum, commercial fishing boat. We fished for salmon out of Winchester Bay off the Oregon coast.

So, when my friends visit me in Florida for a weekend, my first thought is always to take them deep sea fishing off the Miami coast. A friend of mine has a beautiful 46-foot Valhalla sportfishing boat moored at the Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove. We go out in the morning to catch yellowtail, jacks and a variety of snapper. It’s always a fun and relaxing experience and everyone has a great time.

When we’re done, we clean up at my friend’s condo in South Beach. Then we go to dinner at Carbone Miami, a fantastic New York Italian restaurant, that opened a location in Miami a few years ago. The food, wine, and service are consistently great. The ambience is fantastic. No matter how much my friends and I have eaten, we always have room for one or more of their fabulous desserts. When we return to my home in Boca Raton, it’s time for cigars and Macallan. Now that’s what I call a perfect day.

The next day it’s time to enjoy time with our wives, so we head to Miami’s amazing design district where all the great luxury brands are sold, and we add some special pieces to our wardrobes. Then we head back to Boca, this time for dinner at another great New York restaurant – Gallagher’s Steak House. The bone-in filet is spectacular, the sides are amazing, and the wine is superb.

Next morning, we all take a hike around the community I live in and have a fantastic brunch. Fun times and great food with friends. It’s my way of resting and rejuvenating for the week ahead.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m deeply thankful for my wife, Robin. She’s been my confidante, my true partner, and a constant source of clarity and strength. From the earliest days of my career, during pivotal and often difficult moments, she encouraged me to trust myself and stay the course. Her guidance has shaped not just my business decisions, but every part of my life. I truly couldn’t have done it without her.

Robin’s legal background and her leadership experience as a senior executive at 20th Century Fox give her a distinct and valuable perspective. She brings a sharp, analytical mind combined with a creative approach to our conversations, often helping me reframe challenges in ways I hadn’t considered. Beyond her insight, it’s her steadfast support, through every high and low, that has given me the confidence to take risks and push forward.

What I admire most about Robin is how she blends realism with empathy. She has a clear-eyed understanding of business, yet never forgets the human element behind every decision. That balance has profoundly influenced my own approach, both professionally and philanthropically. She’s shown me that true success is measured not just in profits, but in the positive impact we create in the lives of others.

Website: https://elliottbroidy.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/elliottbbroidy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliottbroidyceo/

Twitter: https://x.com/ElliottBBroidy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567173510697

Other: https://medium.com/@elliottbroidy/

Elliott Broidy Inspirery

The Inspirery Interview with Elliott Broidy

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Elliott Broidy: When things get tough, I draw motivation from a few key sources that have been constant throughout my career. First and foremost is my profound sense of purpose and responsibility. I’ve been blessed with opportunities in my life, and I feel a deep responsibility to make the most of them to help others. This isn’t just a platitude – it’s something I genuinely believe. Whether I’m investing in businesses that create jobs or supporting causes that combat antisemitism, I’m driven by the knowledge that there’s important work to be done.

My family is another invaluable motivating factor. Every day, I wake up thinking about my wife Robin and our three children, and it inspires me to bear down and create opportunities. There’s nothing more powerful than knowing your work contributes to a legacy that benefits those you love most.

I also find strength in historical examples of perseverance. I often think about Winston Churchill, a personal hero of mine, and the adversity he faced while leading Britain during World War II. Churchill once said, “The price of greatness is responsibility.” That quote resonates deeply with me, especially when challenges seem insurmountable. If Churchill could stand firm against such existential threats, surely, I can push through whatever business or personal challenges I’m facing.

Tell us 3 surprisingly easy and 3 surprisingly difficult things about your business.

Elliott Broidy: Surprisingly Easy:

1. Finding purpose in the work. Since redirecting my business focus toward security and defense technology after 9/11, I’ve never had to question whether the work matters. When you’re developing technologies that protect communities and save lives, your mission is crystal clear.

2. Identifying talent. In the defense and security sectors, passionate people tend to gravitate toward meaningful work. I’ve found that when you’re building something with real-world impact, attracting dedicated and talented individuals who share your vision happens organically.

3. Maintaining conviction. Once you’ve identified a true need in security or defense technology, staying committed to addressing it doesn’t require much internal debate. The stakes are simply too high to waver on your commitment to excellence.

Surprisingly Difficult:

1. Balancing innovation with practical implementation. In defense technology, the most innovative solution isn’t always the most effective one. Finding the sweet spot between pushing technological boundaries and ensuring practical, day-to-day usability requires constant calibration and sometimes means making tough choices.

2. Navigating regulatory landscapes. The defense sector involves complex compliance requirements that can dramatically impact how you design and deploy solutions. This regulatory environment is essential but challenging to navigate efficiently.

3. Patience with procurement cycles. While private companies can develop solutions quickly, the timeframes for implementation, especially with government partners, can be frustratingly long. Learning to maintain momentum despite these extended timelines has been one of the most challenging aspects of working in this sector.

What are the 3 things you like best about your work and why?

Elliott Broidy: 1. Meaningful impact on security and safety. What I find most fulfilling about my work is knowing that the technologies we develop have real-world implications for keeping people safe. When I see our open-source intelligence platforms helping identify threats or our AI-based analysis tools assisting law enforcement, it’s deeply satisfying to know we’re contributing to safer communities. This isn’t abstract – it’s about protecting real people from real dangers.

2. The intersection of cutting-edge technology and practical solutions. I love that my work sits at the crossroads of technological innovation and real-world application. There’s something incredibly rewarding about taking emerging technologies like AI and adapting them to solve tangible security challenges. It’s not just about the technology itself but about how we can harness it to address critical needs.

3. Building and mentoring high-performing teams. Over my four-decade career, I’ve had the privilege of assembling teams across more than 160 companies. What I enjoy most is bringing together diverse expertise – technical innovators alongside operational experts with field experience. Watching these teams collaborate to develop solutions that neither could create alone is extraordinarily rewarding. I particularly value mentoring young people who are finding their way in these fields, sharing what I’ve learned while benefiting from their fresh perspectives.

What are your greatest 3 skills and how have they helped you succeed?

Elliott Broidy: 1. Resilience and perseverance. Throughout my career, like any entrepreneur, I’ve encountered challenges and setbacks. I’ve developed the ability to view obstacles as opportunities to grow and evolve. This mindset has been essential to turning challenges into momentum. Success simply doesn’t come without obstacles, and my ability to push through difficulties, adapt quickly, and maintain focus on the mission has been fundamental to whatever success I’ve achieved.

2. Strategic vision balanced with tactical flexibility. I’ve always been able to maintain a clear strategic vision while remaining tactically flexible. In the defense and security sectors, this balance is crucial – you need to keep sight of your long-term goals while adapting to rapidly evolving threats and technologies. This skill has allowed me to pivot when necessary, without losing direction, particularly after 9/11 when I redirected my business focus toward security and defense technology.

3. Talent recognition and team building. One of my most valuable skills has been identifying the right people and assembling teams where diverse talents complement each other. I’ve learned that surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you in their specific domains is essential. For example, when building defense technology companies, I’ve brought together technical innovators with people who have deep operational experience in the field. This combination has consistently led to more effective, practical solutions than either group could develop independently.

Tell us about a time where you saw a surprising outcome that you did not expect.

Elliott Broidy: Early in my career, I once showed up to an investor pitch with the wrong presentation. It was for a completely unrelated project! Instead of panicking, I explained what had happened and shared my vision for the investment from memory. Surprisingly, the investors appreciated my candor and passion, and we ended up striking a deal.

The lesson was simple: preparation is critical, but flexibility and authenticity can save the day. If you truly believe in what you’re building, your conviction will shine through—even when things don’t go according to plan. This unexpected outcome taught me that sometimes our most compelling moments come when we’re forced to abandon our carefully scripted plans and speak directly from our core beliefs and knowledge.

What is the biggest challenge you face each day and how do you handle it?

Elliott Broidy: The biggest challenge I face daily is balancing the demands of running multiple businesses while maintaining strategic focus on long-term objectives. With investments across various companies in the defense, security, and technology sectors, it’s easy to get pulled into tactical problems and day-to-day operations. This can sometimes distract from the broader vision and strategic direction that ultimately drives sustainable success.

I handle this challenge through three practical approaches. First, I’ve learned the art of effective delegation. This wasn’t always easy for me—like many driven entrepreneurs, I initially wanted to control everything. But I’ve built teams I trust and empowered them to handle operational matters while keeping me informed on critical issues.

Second, I maintain strict discipline with my time. I carefully structure my day to ensure I have dedicated periods for strategic thinking and planning, protected from the constant flow of urgent but less important matters. This often means starting my day earlier than most to have quiet time for reflection.

Third, I constantly reconnect with my core purpose. When I feel overwhelmed by competing priorities, I remind myself why I started focusing on security and defense technology after 9/11—to protect the United States and its allies. This clarity of purpose helps me filter decisions and allocate resources in alignment with what truly matters.

What do you value most and why?

Elliott Broidy: I value responsibility most deeply. This might seem like an unusual answer—many people might say family, integrity, or success—and while I certainly cherish those things, I believe that a profound sense of responsibility undergirds everything meaningful in life.

When we accept responsibility—for our families, our communities, our nation, and even for the broader world—we acknowledge that our actions matter and that we have obligations beyond our own comfort and success.

After 9/11, this value led me to redirect my business focus toward security and defense technology. I felt a responsibility to dedicate my skills and resources to protecting both the United States and its allies. This wasn’t just a business pivot—it was an acceptance of responsibility toward a larger purpose.

I value responsibility because it demands action rather than mere sentiment. It’s not enough to feel concerned about problems like antisemitism or threats to public safety; responsibility compels us to do something about them. This value has shaped both my business decisions and my philanthropy, pushing me to contribute meaningfully rather than simply wishing things were better.

What achievement are you the proudest of and why?

Elliott Broidy: While I’ve had various professional accomplishments throughout my career, I’m most proud of the work I’ve done to protect and support Jewish communities and the State of Israel, particularly in times of crisis. In 2003, during the Second Intifada when Israel faced devastating suicide bombings and a dramatic reduction in foreign investment, I founded Markstone Capital Partners, an $800 million fund that invested almost entirely in non-high-tech companies in Israel.

Many people couldn’t understand why I would invest in Israel during such a tumultuous time. But I believed deeply in Israel’s economy and its resilience. It was a moment when conviction and perseverance were tested, and staying the course despite the skepticism ultimately made a real difference in supporting Israel’s economy during a critical period.

I’m proud of this achievement because it represented more than just a financial investment—it was a statement of solidarity and support when it was most needed. It combined my business acumen with my deeply held values and demonstrated that principled investment can create both economic value and social impact. This approach of aligning business decisions with core values has guided my career ever since, including my current focus on defense and security technology and my philanthropic efforts to combat antisemitism worldwide.

What is your favorite book and why?

Elliott Broidy: I am inspired everyday by the strength, leadership and wisdom of Winston Churchill. One of my favorite Churchill quotes is: “Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.” I think it captures the essence of resilience. Real success isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about staying motivated and committed even when things go wrong. That mindset is what separates people who persevere from those who give up.

This is also why my probably favorite book is Martin Gilbert’s extraordinary biography of Winston Churchill. It’s an eight-volume set with each volume covering an era of his life in chronological order! The volumes were released beginning in 1966 and ending in 1988. Luckily, Mr. Gilbert summarized the eight-volume set into one book with new information. It was released in 1991. It can be found on Amazon under the title, Churchill: A Life.

If you do charity or volunteer work, what is it and why do you do it?

Elliott Broidy: My philanthropic work focuses on several key areas that reflect my core values and concerns. Following the October 7th attacks in Israel, my wife Robin and I intensified our support for organizations dedicated to fighting antisemitism and supporting Israel, including Friends of the IDF, Magen David Adom, The Counter Extremism Project, and the Jewish Agency. We’ve also supported legal efforts aimed at reducing antisemitism on U.S. college campuses and elsewhere.

I’m particularly proud to serve as co-chair of the Fund to End Antisemitism, Extremism, and Hate, which supports ARCHER at House 88. This groundbreaking initiative transforms the former home of Auschwitz Commandant Rudolf Höss into a global research and education center to combat extremism. For me, this project is deeply personal—my wife Robin lost many family members in the Holocaust. We believe that education is our most powerful weapon against hate. ARCHER at House 88 will not just preserve memory but actively work to prevent extremism from taking root in future generations.

In our local community of Boca Raton, we’re significant donors to Boca Regional Hospital, The Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida, the Boca West Children’s Foundation, and the Adolph and Rose Levis Jewish Community Center. These institutions do vital work that directly impacts people’s lives in our community.

I do this work because I believe success comes with a responsibility to give back—the ethos championed by philanthropists like Andrew Carnegie. When you’ve been fortunate enough to achieve success, you have an obligation to use your resources to make a positive difference in the world. This isn’t just about writing checks; it’s about thoughtfully directing resources to address serious problems and support communities in need.

Who has been your biggest mentor in life (personal or professional) and how have they helped you?

Elliott Broidy: I’m especially grateful for my wife, Robin. She has always been my sounding board, my partner in every sense, and a steady source of wisdom. Early in my career, when I faced tough decisions, she reminded me to trust my instincts and keep going. Her strength and insight have been invaluable, not only in business but in all aspects of my life. I can’t thank her enough.

Robin’s background in law and her experience as a senior executive at 20th Century Fox has given her a unique perspective that complements my own. She brings analytical rigor and creative thinking to our discussions, helping me see challenges from different angles. More importantly, she’s been unwavering in her support through both successes and setbacks, providing the emotional foundation that makes risk-taking possible.

What I admire most about Robin is her ability to balance pragmatism with compassion. She understands the realities of business while never losing sight of the human impact of decisions. This perspective has influenced how I approach both my businesses and philanthropy, reminding me that success isn’t just measured in financial terms but in the difference we make in people’s lives.

Just for fun, what is your favorite food?

Elliott Broidy: Steak and potatoes. It’s simple but very satisfying.

Help, support, advice, guidance signpost

The Power of Paying It Forward: How Mentorship Shaped My Success

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One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in life is the power of paying it forward. This philosophy has been a guiding force throughout my career and personal growth. From a young age, I was fortunate to be mentored by some extraordinary people who shared their knowledge and experiences with me, and that’s something I’ve strived to do ever since.

My father, a schoolteacher and real estate investor who retired at 58, was one of my earliest mentors. He taught me the value of hard work, financial independence, and most importantly, the importance of passing on the knowledge that helps others succeed. His example instilled in me a deep belief that success is not just about achieving personal goals, but also about sharing the opportunities that lead to success with others.

At USC, my accounting professors provided me with a solid foundation in business and finance. After college, I worked at Arthur Andersen alongside incredible partners and clients, learning the true value of mentorship. Working with clients like Muhammad Ali and Glen Bell, the founder of Taco Bell, allowed me to gain insights that went beyond the technical aspects of business. They taught me about vision, leadership, and the importance of integrity in business. These lessons were invaluable and shaped the way I approached both business and life.

A pivotal moment in my career came when Glen Bell hired me to run his family office at just 26 years old. It was an incredible opportunity, and the trust he placed in me allowed me to apply the principles I had learned from my mentors. At that moment, I truly understood the importance of the guidance I had received and how it had prepared me for the challenges that lay ahead.

As I progressed in my career, young people started to reach out to me for advice. Friends and colleagues would ask me to review resumes, help their children plan their careers, and even write recommendation letters for college admissions. I found it incredibly fulfilling to be able to offer guidance and opportunities to the next generation. Over the years, I’ve provided internships and job opportunities at my family office, and I’ve watched many of these young people go on to achieve great things. Seeing their success has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life.

Mentorship has also taught me that giving back is a two-way street. While I’ve shared my knowledge and advice, I’ve also learned from the people I’ve mentored. Their fresh perspectives and insights have kept me sharp and open to new ideas. The cycle of mentorship is powerful – it benefits both the mentor and the mentee.

I highly encourage everyone to pay it forward. Whether you’re offering career advice, sharing life lessons, or providing opportunities, the impact you can have on others is immeasurable. Not only does it help those you mentor, but it also enriches your own life in ways you can’t fully anticipate. The more we share, the more we grow, and the stronger our communities become.

About Elliott Broidy

Elliott Broidy is an entrepreneur who has used his extensive experience and talent to found, invest in, and in some cases, manage as CEO, more than 160 companies over his four-decade career. Since 2014, he has focused on technology businesses (including, more recently, AI) in the defense intelligence, homeland security, public safety, and law enforcement sectors.

Elliott Broidy at Cavallino Classic

Speed, Style, And Philanthropy At The Cavallino Classic

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This article was originally published at The Supercar Kids on March 25, 2025.

Elliott Broidy: “Ferrari’s craftmanship is second to none in the automotive world.”

Ferrari enthusiasts, luxury car collectors and notable figures from around the world gathered in Palm Beach, Florida for the 34th Cavallino Classic to celebrate the enduring legacy of the world-class brand.

“Being part of the Cavallino Classic is always an incredible experience,” said entrepreneur and philanthropist Elliott Broidy, who also owns two Ferraris. “It’s about beautiful, extraordinarily made cars, but also about connecting with people who share a deep appreciation for Ferrari’s history and its significance as an iconic brand.”

The event, which took place from January 23-26, highlights some of the world’s most unique and meticulously restored Ferraris. The showcase has garnered attention from Ferrari aficionados since its inception in 1992 and is hosted annually at the Breakers hotel as a celebration of the brand’s evolution.

To kick off the weekend, attendees gathered for a welcome reception, where they shared stories about their experiences with the Ferrari brand. The following day, participants had the opportunity to see their Ferraris in motion during the Tour d’Eleganza, a scenic drive along Florida’s coastline. The glamorous weekend concluded with the Party Under the Stars, a night of fine dining and live entertainment that embodied the luxury associated with the Ferrari brand

Ferrari F80 Unveiled as Star of the Show, Concorso d’Eleganza Celebrates Marque’s Legacy

The most special moment of the night was the unveiling of Ferrari’s newest hybrid sports car – the F80, which was designed and built to commemorate Ferrari’s 80th anniversary. Car and Driver magazine explains “the F80 is powered by a plug-in-hybrid powertrain that makes an incredible 1184 horsepower and features technology gleaned from Ferrari’s Formula 1 racing team.” Ferrari has said this car will have a very limited production run – only 799 are scheduled to be made – and will join the ranks of iconic models from the 1984 GTO to the 2016 LaFerrari, making it Ferrari’s newest “hybrid supercar.”

The other centerpiece of the weekend was the Concorso d’Eleganza – the judged car show – where expert judges evaluated each car based on the International Advisory Council for the Preservation of Ferrari Automobiles (IAC/PFA) guidelines. Classic and contemporary vehicles lined the lawns of The Breakers in preparation for the competition, each representing a unique Ferrari era and style.

Every entry started with 100 points, and judges deducted from that initial score with every issue they discovered, ranging from fractional points for small details to five points for major problems like a fake body. The judging process was extremely detail oriented and meticulous to ensure the winners upheld Ferrari’s values of authenticity and preservation and reflected the evolution of design and engineering that has been essential to the brand’s history. Prestigious awards such as the Platinum Awards, Best in Class, and the coveted Best of Show were awarded to the best entries. Of the 100 cars that were evaluated, 70 achieved a Platinum award, receiving 97 points or more.

The Best of Show Winner – a red 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 S – gained further recognition by participating in the Peninsula Best of the Best, a global concours event honoring the top automobiles from major international shows. The event was hosted by Sir Michael Kadoorie, co-founder of the award and chairman of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels – the global luxury chain that includes the Peninsula Hotels.

But for Ferrari enthusiasts and collectors like Broidy, attending the prestigious annual event is more than just entertainment, it’s about a commitment to supporting philanthropic causes. Included in most tickets to the event is a significant contribution to the Cavallino Classic Foundation, a charity that donates to various causes including scholarships for the Palm Beach Police and Fire Foundation and support for the A.W. Dreyfoos School of Art in West Palm Beach. Its goal is to support and inspire younger generations.

“Ferrari has truly set the standard for luxury brands,” Broidy said. “Here we’re reminded that excellence and giving back go hand in hand, and I’m proud to support Cavallino’s mission for this reason.”

As the Cavallino Classic looks ahead to its 35th anniversary in 2026, the event continues to embody the spirit of craftsmanship, elegance, and generosity. It remains a testament to the enduring allure of Ferrari and the vibrant community that celebrates not just the cars, but also the philanthropic efforts that contribute to its legacy.

Elliott Broidy and Robin Broidy

How Family Inspires My Work and Life

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My family is, by far, the most important thing in my life. Every day, I wake up thinking about my wife Robin and our three children, my son-in-law, and our three grandchildren and it inspires me to bear down and create opportunities. There’s nothing more powerful than knowing your work contributes to a legacy that benefits those you love most.

I’m especially grateful for Robin. She has always been my sounding board, my partner in every sense, and a steady source of wisdom. Early in my career, when I faced tough decisions, she reminded me to trust my instincts and keep going. Her strength and insight have been invaluable, not only in business but in all aspects of my life. I can’t thank her enough.

Robin’s background in law and her experience as a senior executive at 20th Century Fox has given her a unique perspective that complements my own. She brings analytical rigor and creative thinking to our discussions, helping me see challenges from different angles. More importantly, she’s been unwavering in her support through both successes and setbacks, providing the emotional foundation that makes risk-taking possible.

What I admire most about Robin is her ability to balance pragmatism with compassion. She understands the realities of business while never losing sight of the human impact of decisions. This perspective has influenced how I approach both my businesses and philanthropy, reminding me that success isn’t just measured in financial terms but in the difference we make in people’s lives.

I’m extremely proud of my children. They are incredibly kind and caring and go after their goals with gusto. My eldest daughter lives in Israel with her husband, a rabbi, and their three beautiful children while also writing novels and helping her community. My second daughter graduated from a terrific law school and is now working as an associate at a major law firm. My son is a junior in college, double majoring in Economics and Communications and Leadership and was just invited into Phi Beta Kappa. What I love most about them is that each of them deeply loves and appreciates our immediate and extended family. The times I spend together with them are the best moments of my life.

About Elliott Broidy

Elliott Broidy is an entrepreneur who has used his extensive experience and talent to found, invest in, and in some cases, manage as CEO, more than 160 companies over his four-decade career. Since 2014, he has focused on technology businesses (including, more recently, AI) in the defense intelligence, homeland security, public safety, and law enforcement sectors.

Elliott Broidy Authority Mag

Elliott Broidy Of Broidy Capital Holdings: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Became A Founder

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This interview was originally published on:

https://medium.com/authority-magazine/elliott-broidy-of-broidy-capital-holdings-5-things-i-wish-someone-told-me-before-i-became-a-96bc89c16d19

Your team is your greatest asset. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you in areas you need. You can’t do it all; trying is a recipe for burnout and makes failure more likely.

As a part of our interview series called “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Became A Founder”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Elliott Broidy.

Elliott Broidy is an entrepreneur who has used his extensive experience and talent to found, invest in, and in some cases, manage as CEO, more than 160 companies over his four-decade career. Since 2014, he has focused on technology businesses (including, more recently, AI) in the defense intelligence, homeland security, public safety, and law enforcement sectors. He is the Chairman and CEO of Broidy Capital Holdings, LLC, founded in 2022 in Boca Raton, FL, and its predecessor, Broidy Capital Management, headquartered in Los Angeles from 1991 to 2022.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

I’ve always had a deep passion for buildings things, whether that be businesses, relationships, or solutions to real-world problems. The entrepreneurial mindset comes naturally to me. My entrepreneurial journey began in Los Angeles with a small investment business, which was a good start. But on 9/11 everything changed: my priorities, my interests, and where I felt I had to direct my businesses and attention. I felt a calling to dedicate all my skills, resources, and energy toward the public safety, defense, and security industries. I found myself profoundly motivated in those dark days to protect not only the United States, but our allies. Since that time, that has been my professional focus.

Can you tell us a story about the hard times that you faced when you first started your journey?

In 2003, I founded a fund whose core mission was to invest in non-high-tech companies in Israel. I faced tremendous skepticism from potential investors. At the time, Israel was in the middle of the Second Intifada, a continuous terrorist assault by Arabs in the West Bank and Gaza that ultimately cost thousands of lives. There were horrible suicide bombings throughout the country, including at a Passover seder, restaurants, nightclubs, buses, and so on. In that context, many people couldn’t understand why I would want to invest resources there. But I knew the Israeli people. I believed in Israel’s economy and its resilience, which has been on display recently as well. So, I decided to stay the course, working closely with potential investors to build trust and achieve tangible results. Looking back, that challenging period increased the value I place on diligence and perseverance. In my opinion, those are the key attributes of the successful entrepreneur. There will always be challenges of some sort or another. The question is: how do you deal with them? How do you not quit? How do you think and work through it? Those are the crucial elements.

Where did you get the drive to continue even though things were so hard?

In my life, I’ve been blessed with opportunities, and I have always felt a keen sense of purpose and responsibility. When you’re in that position, it’s important to make the most of it to help other people. I really can’t stress that enough. Whether I am investing in businesses that create jobs, or supporting causes that combat antisemitism, or contributing to public safety initiatives, I am proud of the important work that I am doing — but I know that there is a lot of important work to be done. That’s a key driver for me.

My lovely wife Robin and my three children are invaluable motivating factors. Every single day I wake up, and I think about them, and it inspires me to bear down, get to work, and create opportunities. I also think about my personal hero, Winston Churchill, and the adversity that he faced while leading Britain during World War II. Churchill once said, “The price of greatness is responsibility.” I think about that quote often. Churchill said this in the context of fighting against Nazi Germany, which represented an existential threat not only to his country, but to Western civilization. The audience for that speech was Harvard students, who would go on to be our country’s leaders and prominent businessmen, lawyers, doctors, etc. He wanted to instill that conviction in them, because it is so profoundly true. So, I want to emphasize it to readers of Authority Magazine.

So, how are things going today? How did grit and resilience lead to your eventual success?

Things are going very well. I moved from Los Angeles to Boca Raton, Florida in 2022 and started Broidy Capital Holdings, LLC, which focuses on technology, investments in defense, public safety, and AI. I am also the founder and Managing Partner of Threat Deterrence Capital Holdings, LLC and LEO Technologies Holdings, LLC.

Without an ample amount of grit and resilience, none of my success would have been remotely possible, I can tell you that. They’re the key ingredient to success. Success doesn’t come without setbacks, for anybody, in any field. Michael Jordan got cut from his high school team. Tom Brady was the 199th pick in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. J.K. Rowling’s manuscript for the first Harry Potter book was rejected a dozen times while she was living on welfare as a single mother. It’s about how you handle those setbacks and follow through.

Throughout my career there have been investments that didn’t pan out, a partnership that dissolved, and a lot of sleepless nights and headaches along the way. That’s how it goes. But it’s about the mindset with which you confront it. Do you let the setbacks define you, or do you perceive them as opportunities to grow and to thrive? I see them as opportunities. It is also important to be tactically flexible and adaptable while keeping a clear focus on the mission — this helps to turn obstacles into momentum.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Early on in my career, I recommended an investment in a company based in Hawaii that was pioneering deep-sea fishing for large shrimp. Unfortunately, the captain of the fishing vessel was drunk a lot — he had a bedspread in his captain’s quarters made from purple Chivas Royal bags that had been tied together. That should have been my first clue. I tried to work with him for almost two years to make the company successful. One day he went out to sea thousands of miles away from Hawaii without approval. When he came back, I was so mad that I fired him on the spot. Of course, his crew went with him. What I forgot was that there were thousands of pounds of deep-sea shrimp on the boat that needed to be unloaded. I enlisted my CFO and a few other employees to help me unload the ship. Someone lifted a crate out of the hold and threw it to the next guy. Each crate was heavy, and you had to do a deep knee bend to catch it properly. There were over 100 crates. At the end of the day, we were all in pain but mine was really severe. It turned out that I had a double hernia and needed surgery! Moral of the story: Think about the ramifications of firing someone before you fire them!

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

Broidy Capital Holdings is uniquely focused on improving public safety and homeland security and leveraging emerging technologies such as AI in doing so. We are a powerfully motivated company. Nothing is more important than public safety and homeland security. Without them, nothing else is possible.

By investing in innovative technologies that assist law enforcement and defense agencies, we are making the world safer. For example, Circinus, LLC is a defense contractor that specializes in providing open source intelligence services to the U.S. government and in creating open source intelligence centers for U.S. allies in the Middle East. LEO Technologies, LLC is a software developer that creates state-of-the-art transcription and AI-based analysis software for law enforcement. I am deeply proud of the important work that these companies do for the betterment of our communities, the United States, and the world.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

The most important thing, which a lot of people overlook, is to prioritize your health. Without your health, you can’t have anything else. I have recently focused on fitness, walking daily and staying active. It is also important to dedicate time to disconnect from work and spend time with your family and friends, which gives you the fuel you need to be an effective leader. And without a support network, burnout and failure become that much more of a probability.

Another thing is learning to delegate effectively. Highly ambitious and highly driven people often have difficulty doing this. They want to do it all. But you can’t, it’s simply not possible, and you will burn out if you try. Assembling a team that you can trust, and then delegating to that team, gives you the time to recharge and allows and motivates your teammates to grow alongside you. It gives you the space you need to think strategically and to make important decisions.

Lastly, always remember why you started the business. Transport back in time to what motivated you in the first place. It is important to lean into that mindset. Purpose is what keeps you going day after day, week after week, month after month when the challenges seem truly insurmountable.

None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?

I’m especially grateful for my wife, Robin. She has always been my sounding board, my partner in every sense, and a steady source of wisdom. Early in my career, when I faced tough decisions, she encouraged me to make the choice that would be a win-win for both parties, trust my instincts and keep going. Her strength and insight have been invaluable, not only in business but in all aspects of my life. I can’t thank her enough.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

Philanthropy is very important to me, and it is central to my life. As I said previously, success comes with the responsibility to give back. That was the ethos of the great philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, and I very much subscribe to that view.

In that vein, my family donates considerably to Boca Regional Hospital, the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida, the Boca West Children’s Foundation, and the Adolph and Rose Levis Jewish Community Center. In the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, we have made it even more of a priority to contribute to organizations dedicated to fighting antisemitism and saving lives in Israel. As such, we are proud to support organizations like Friends of the IDF, Magen David Adom, The Counter Extremism Project (which is now more focused on combating antisemitism), the Jewish Agency, and many law firms and organizations fighting the good fight against antisemitism on U.S. college campuses and elsewhere.

These causes are near and dear to my heart. I am proud to support them and to contribute in any way to their positive impacts.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me before I started leading my company” and why?

  1. Trust your instincts but back them up with data and think through the ramifications. Gut feelings are powerful and very important, but decisions are best made with as much accurate information as possible. Think through the possible consequences — remember my example of the deep-sea fishing boat above!
  2. Mistakes are not failures; they’re lessons. Every setback will teach you something valuable if you let it. Each one is a learning opportunity and a chance to improve. This mindset is nonnegotiable to be a successful entrepreneur.
  3. Your team is your greatest asset. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you in areas you need. You can’t do it all; trying is a recipe for burnout and makes failure more likely.
  4. Balance matters. Success in business should never come at the expense of your health or relationships with your loved ones. Take a long walk. Make sure to connect with family and friends.
  5. Stay grounded in your purpose. Remember why you started, whether it’s your family, your mission, or the difference you want to make in the world. This will keep you focused and allow for clear strategic thinking.

Can you share a few ideas or stories from your experience about how to successfully ride the emotional highs & lows of being a founder”?

The emotional highs and lows are inevitable, but I’ve learned that staying grounded is key. When things are going well, I remind myself to stay humble. When times are tough, I lean on my family and my values to keep perspective. I’ve also learned the importance of taking breaks when needed — you can’t lead effectively if you’re running on empty. These are important ways to try to avoid those emotional highs and lows, which can be exhausting and, for some people, enough of a reason to get off the roller coaster ride entirely.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

If I could start a movement, it would be one that focuses on empowering the next generation. Whether it’s through education, mentorship, or access to opportunities, giving young people the tools they need to succeed is the key to building stronger communities and a better future. When I am not working, I mentor young people trying to figure out their next step in life, whether it be which university or graduate school to attend, which industry to start in, or how to get ahead in their professions. I can’t emphasize enough how important this is to me. I believe in supporting programs that help underprivileged youth, foster children, and students with big dreams, because they’re the leaders of tomorrow.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Readers can check out my blog on Medium and follow me on X, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!

My pleasure. Thank you for having me.

 

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