Born on January 9, 1989, in Prague, Czech Republic, Jakub Hejl grew up in a modest background during the early stages of a newly established democracy, where emerging capitalist principles influenced his drive to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors in the real estate industry. At 15, he immigrated to the United States to pursue his education. He attended the renowned IMG Academy in Sarasota, Florida, before enrolling at the esteemed University of Miami. Demonstrating exceptional academic prowess, Jakub graduated with Honors, earning a business degree in Finance and Real Estate, with a minor in Economics from the prestigious School of Business. He consistently demonstrated a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a deep passion for real estate throughout his educational journey.
He embarked on his professional journey in the real estate industry as a real estate investment banking analyst in New York City. He gained valuable experience working for DRA Advisors, a reputable private equity real estate firm based in New York. Further refining his skills and knowledge, he joined Westbrook Partners, a prominent private equity real estate firm with offices in New York and London.
In 2017, Hejl founded Westside Capital Group in Miami, Florida, marking a significant milestone in his career. As the visionary founder and president of the company, he has been instrumental in driving its growth and success. Under his strategic leadership, Westside Capital Group has expanded its portfolio of assets to include various buildings and land valued at over a billion dollars. The firm's portfolio encompasses various property types, including mixed-use and multifamily high-rise assets and developments, multifamily garden-style assets and developments, and significant land holdings intended for transformative mixed-use projects. His visionary approach and strategic direction have positioned Westside Capital Group as a major player in the real estate market of the southeastern United States. The firm boasts a significant existing portfolio and a multi-billion-dollar construction pipeline, leveraging fully entitled land owned by the company.
Hejl's remarkable journey as a real estate developer and investor is a testament to his unwavering dedication, profound expertise, and enduring impact on the industry.
Jakub Hejl_ President and Founder of Westside Capital Group.pdf
1. Jakub Hejl: President and Founder of Westside
Capital Group
Jakub Hejl is a distinguished Czech American real estate developer and investor
renowned for his leadership and expertise as the president and founder of Westside
Capital Group. Westside Capital Group is a prominent real estate investment firm
headquartered in Miami, Florida. Throughout his successful career spanning over a
decade, Hejl has played a pivotal role in numerous high-value real estate transactions
2. across the United States and Europe. His unwavering dedication to his work and active
involvement in charitable initiatives reflect his commitment to positively impact his
community and beyond.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 9, 1989, in Prague, Czech Republic, Hejl grew up in a modest
background during the emergence of democracy and capitalist principles. This
upbringing fueled his drive to pursue entrepreneurial goals in the real estate industry
later in life. At 15, he immigrated to the United States to further his education. Before
enrolling at the esteemed School of Business at the University of Miami, Hejl attended
the prestigious IMG Academy in Sarasota, Florida. He excelled academically and
earned a business degree in Finance and Real Estate, with a minor in Economics. He
graduated with Honors, consistently displaying a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a
profound interest in real estate.
Career History
Hejl embarked on his professional journey in the real estate industry as a real estate
investment banking analyst in New York City. He further honed his skills and
knowledge while gaining valuable experience at DRA Advisors, a private equity real
3. estate firm based in New York. He also made significant contributions while working
at Westbrook Partners, another prominent private equity real estate firm with offices
in New York and London.
In 2017, Jakub Hejl founded Westside Capital Group in Miami, Florida, and assumed
the role of president. Since its establishment, Hejl has been instrumental in driving
the growth and success of the company. Under his visionary leadership, Westside
Capital Group has amassed a portfolio of assets worth over a billion dollars. This
portfolio encompasses various property types, including mixed-use and multifamily
high-rise assets and developments, multifamily garden-style assets and
developments, and large land holdings earmarked for transformative mixed-use
developments. Through his strategic direction, Hejl has firmly positioned the firm as a
major player in the real estate market of the southeastern United States, boasting a
substantial existing portfolio and a multi-billion construction pipeline on fully
entitled land owned by the firm.
Notable Projects
Throughout his illustrious career, Hejl has spearheaded numerous notable projects
that have significantly shaped the real estate landscape. His expertise and track record
encompass a wide range of areas:
4. Urban Development: Hejl has overseen various land acquisitions and proposed
public-private partnerships aimed at redeveloping and catalyzing large land holdings
in the southeastern United States urban areas. The RoseArts District is one of his most
noteworthy recent projects, representing one of the largest opportunity zone
developments in the country. This project involves zoning for nearly 6,000 residential
units and 350,000 square feet of commercial space in Orlando, FL.
Landmark Assets: Hejl has acquired several landmark high-rise towers in urban
settings across the southeastern United States. These acquisitions hold immense
potential for value creation, including land development opportunities and positive
impacts.
Special Situation Investing: Hejl's firms have excelled in acquiring distressed
mixed-use and multifamily assets through UCC foreclosures, deed-in-lieu buys, and
other distressed situations. By capitalizing on these opportunities, Hejl has effectively
repositioned and fueled future growth for these assets. He has also focused on real
estate corporate investments in real estate-rich companies and real estate operating
companies.
The above examples represent just a fraction of the impressive projects Hejl has been
involved in. His portfolio encompasses numerous properties, showcasing his
expertise in diverse real estate industry sectors.
Community Involvement
5. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jakub Hejl is deeply committed to
giving back to his community. He actively participates in philanthropic endeavours
both personally and through Westside Capital Group. One of the initiatives supported
by the company is Sebastian Strong, a foundation dedicated to pediatric cancer
research. Furthermore, Hejl is one of the youngest members of the University of
Miami President's Council, an invitation-only organization of prominent alumni who
contribute to the university's development and success. He has also been appointed as
an incoming board member of the Wolfsonian, a museum and research centre that
utilizes art and design to convey powerful messages.
Hejl frequently receives invitations to speak at conferences and leadership events on
real estate-related topics and actively engages in student-related initiatives. Notable
recent involvements include speaking at the University of Miami's Real Estate Impact
conference, FIU's REact 2022 - Miami: A Real Estate and Technology Powerhouse,
Globe Street conferences, and similar industry events. He also dedicates his time to
speaking in classrooms about real estate careers. He occasionally serves as a judge in
various real estate student competitions, including the Annual Cornell International
Real Estate Case Competition Challenges in 2022.
Moreover, Hejl is an alumnus of the Hyperion Council, an initiative led by the Dean of
the University of Miami's School of Business. Through this program, he actively
participates in initiatives to uplift underprivileged communities in the United States
and abroad. He has also devoted his time and energy to supporting the Special
Olympics in South Florida, where he has served as a hugger and head hugger,
6. providing assistance and encouragement to athletes while assisting with the
organization and logistics of the annual competition.
Personal Life and Interests
Jakub Hejl enjoys pursuing his hobbies and interests outside his professional
endeavours. He has a profound passion for sports, with a particular fondness for ice
hockey. Additionally, he finds solace and inspiration in electronic music, recognizing
its ability to bring people together and foster lasting connections.
In summary, Jakub's career as a real estate developer and investor is characterized by
exceptional achievements. He has demonstrated unparalleled expertise in
billion-dollar real estate transactions through his leadership at Westside Capital
Group. His commitment to philanthropy and community involvement further
exemplifies his character and unwavering dedication to positively impacting. With his
notable accomplishments, Hejl continues to shape the real estate industry and inspire
others through his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering drive for success.