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About Starboard

A holding company built on doing things the right way.

Est. 2010 Birmingham, Alabama Holding Company

Starboard Investments was founded in 2010 in Birmingham, Alabama. What started with restaurant operations has grown into a portfolio spanning quick-service restaurants, health and wellness, and technology.

Through Captain Intelligence, Starboard has moved into artificial intelligence, building AI-powered tools and consumer applications. Operators who understand AI will define the next era of business.

The approach is simple: find good businesses, roll up our sleeves, and make them better.

Brandon Stewart

Brandon Stewart

Founder
University of Georgia

Brandon Stewart founded Starboard Investments with a focus on hands-on business operations. He has built and managed ventures across restaurant operations, fitness, health and wellness, and technology — including operating Burger King as a managing owner. Today, he is focused on the intersection of traditional business operations and artificial intelligence.

Brandon Stewart

CEO, Starboard Investments · AI + Operations Speaker · Franchise Operator

Brandon Stewart is the CEO of Starboard Investments, a Birmingham, Alabama-based holding company with operations spanning restaurants, technology, health and wellness, and artificial intelligence.

Brandon graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in finance and began his career in investment banking in Charlotte, North Carolina. He then moved to Boston to join Weston Presidio, a private equity firm whose portfolio included Jimmy John's. That experience gave him a front-row seat to the franchise model and sparked a passion for restaurant operations.

In 2011, Brandon moved to Birmingham and opened his first Jimmy John's location. Over the next several years, he and his partner scaled the business to 62 units across three states. In 2022, he acquired 43 Burger King restaurants in Birmingham and South Alabama, which he operates today as managing owner.

Brandon is now focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and business operations. Through his company Captain Intelligence, he builds AI-powered tools that solve real problems for operators. He also co-founded Caravan AI, a hands-on training program that teaches business leaders how to actually use AI in their day-to-day operations, not just talk about it.

In 2020, Brandon founded Pay It Forward Alabama, a charitable organization dedicated to fundraising and giving back to the Birmingham community. He serves on multiple boards including the Birmingham Zoo, Boys and Girls Clubs, and First Light Shelter.

Brandon Stewart, CEO of Starboard Investments
Brandon Stewart
CEO, Starboard Investments

What Brandon Speaks About

AI for Operators

How traditional business operators can adopt AI without a technical background. Real tools, real results, no hype.

Franchise Operations at Scale

Lessons from building 62 Jimmy John's locations and operating 43 Burger King restaurants. What works, what breaks, and what the data tells you.

From Wall Street to Main Street

The journey from investment banking and private equity to hands-on franchise ownership. Why operators who understand capital have an edge.

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Building AI into Your Business

A practical framework for integrating AI into daily operations. Brandon shares how he built Captain Intelligence and the tools that run his businesses.

Leadership and Community

Building a business that gives back. How Pay It Forward Alabama grew from a simple idea into a platform for community impact.

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AI Training for Teams

Through Caravan AI, Brandon delivers hands-on training that teaches teams how to use AI tools effectively. Not theory. Execution.

Want to train with Caravan?

Whether you need a keynote speaker, a workshop leader, or hands-on AI training for your team, Brandon brings real-world experience to every engagement.

Book a Speaking Engagement Learn About Caravan AI Training

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Location

Birmingham, Alabama