Biography of Jakub Hejl
Jakub Hejl is a Czech American investor, real estate developer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist recognized for his leadership in large-scale real estate and business ventures. He is the founder and president of Westside Capital Group, a Miami-based real estate investment firm with a multibillion-dollar portfolio spanning multiple asset classes across the United States Hejl is also the founder and Chairman of the Hejl Foundation and serves as Chairman of the Board of The Wolfsonian, a distinguished museum and research center in Miami Beach that examines the impact of art and design.
Since establishing Westside in 2017, Hejl has been responsible for shaping the company’s long-term vision, overseeing risk management, and directing its investment strategy His professional background
includes more than $4 billion in real estate transactions across the U S and Europe, involving acquisitions, development, and various complex deal structures Under his leadership, Westside has expanded significantly, with investment priorities centered on multifamily communities, mixed-use projects, and data-driven real estate opportunities.
The firm also maintains a substantial development pipeline comprising entitled land at various stages of planning, construction, and stabilization. Beyond traditional real estate ventures, Westside invests in operating companies along the real estate value chain and in other industries. The company continues to pursue acquisitions and development opportunities throughout the Southeastern, Mid-Atlantic, and Sunbelt markets.
Early Life and Education
Jakub Hejl was born on January 9, 1989, in Prague, Czech Republic. Hejl’s upbringing in a modest background and a newly born democracy with emerging capitalistic principles shaped his drive to pursue entrepreneurial goals in real estate later in life. At the age of 15, he immigrated to the United States to pursue his education. Hejl attended the prestigious IMG Academy in Sarasota, Florida, before enrolling at the University of Miami He displayed exceptional academic prowess, earning a business degree in Finance and Real Estate with a minor in Economics from the University's esteemed School of Business. Hejl graduated with Honors. Throughout his education, Hejl demonstrated a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a keen interest in the world of real estate
Career History
Jakub Hejl's professional journey in the real estate industry began with a position as a real estate investment banking analyst in New York City. Hejl also gained valuable experience for DRA Advisors, a reputable private equity real estate firm based in New York Hejl further honed his skills and knowledge while working at Westbrook Partners, another prominent private equity real estate firm with offices in both New York and London.
In 2017, Jakub Hejl established Westside Capital Group in Miami, Florida As the founder and president of the company, he has been instrumental in driving its growth and success Under his leadership, Westside Capital Group has grown its portfolio of assets, including various buildings and land in excess of a billion dollars, spanning various property types, including mixed-use and multifamily high-rise assets and developments, multifamily garden-style assets and developments, as well as large land holdings intended for transformative mixed-use developments. Hejl's visionary approach and strategic direction have positioned the firm as a major player in the southeastern United States' real estate market with a significant existing portfolio and a multi-billion-dollar construction pipeline on fully entitled land the firm owns.
Notable Projects
Throughout his career, Jakub Hejl has spearheaded numerous notable projects that have made a significant impact on the real estate landscape Hejl’s expertise and track record span the following:
Urban Development: Variety of land acquisitions and proposed public-private partnerships intended to redevelop and catalyze large land holdings in urban areas in the Southeastern United States. The most notable recent project includes RoseArts District, one of the largest opportunity zone developments in the United States, zoning for almost 6,000 residential units and 350,000 sf of commercial space in Orlando, FL.
Landmark Assets: Acquisitions of various landmark high-rise towers in urban settings within the Southeastern United States, with potential for significant additional value creation, and often including additional land development potential and positive impact
Special Situation Investing: Acquisitions of distressed mixed-use and multifamily assets from UCC foreclosures, deed-in-lieu buys, and other distressed situations that Hejl’s firms capitalize, reposition, and fuel for future growth Hejl’s recent focus also includes real estate corporate investments in real estate-rich companies and real estate operating companies
These are just a few examples of the impressive projects Jakub Hejl has been involved in. His portfolio encompasses many properties, demonstrating his expertise in diverse real estate sectors
Community Involvement
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jakub Hejl is deeply committed to giving back to his community. He actively participates in philanthropic endeavors personally and through Westside Capital Group One of the initiatives supported by the company is Sebastian Strong, a foundation dedicated to pediatric cancer research Additionally, Hejl is one of the youngest members of the University of Miami President's Council, an invitation-only organization comprising prominent alumni who contribute to the University's development and success. He is also an incoming board member of the Wolfsonian, a museum and research center that utilizes art and design to convey powerful messages
Jakub Hejl is often invited to speak at conferences and leadership events to speak about real estate-related topics and participate in student-related initiatives. Hejl’s recent involvement includes the University of Miami’s Real Estate Impact conference, FIU’s REact 2022 - Miami: A Real Estate and Technology Powerhouse, various Globe Street conferences, and other similar industry events. Hejl also actively engages with students by speaking in classrooms regarding real estate careers and occasionally judges various real estate student competitions, including, most recently, the Annual Cornell International Real Estate Case Competition Challenges in 2022.
Furthermore, 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 has actively participated in initiatives to uplift underprivileged communities in the United States and abroad He has also dedicated his time and energy to supporting Special Olympics in South Florida, where he has served as a hugger and head hugger, assisting and encouraging athletes and helping with the organization and logistics of the annual competition
Personal Life and Interests
Jakub Hejl enjoys pursuing his hobbies and interests outside of his professional endeavors. He has a deep passion for sports, particularly ice hockey Additionally, he finds solace and inspiration in electronic music, recognizing its power to bring people together and create lasting connections
In summary, Jakub Hejl's career as a real estate developer and investor has been marked by exceptional achievements Through his leadership at Westside Capital Group, he has demonstrated his expertise in real estate transactions worth billions of dollars Hejl's commitment to philanthropy and community involvement further exemplifies his character and dedication to making a positive impact. With his notable accomplishments, he continues to shape the real estate industry and inspire others through his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering drive for success