Our Team
Founder Stevie Ortega spent 15 years at Leslie’s Inc., where he led global sourcing, private brands, and major product categories. Over that time, he built international supplier networks, improved cost structures, and helped scale merchandising platforms that mattered to customers and shareholders.
After nearly two decades of growth and experience at Leslie’s, Stevie chose to step away during an organizational transition to focus on what he does best: building. Grand Palmetto reflects that conviction, investing in and partnering with businesses for the long term, while providing hands-on operating support where experience and discipline can make a real difference.
The firm takes a practical, owner-oriented approach to value creation, grounded in merchandising excellence, cost discipline, and strong operational execution. Alongside this work, Stevie engages selectively with companies that value hands-on operating support, particularly in merchandising, sourcing, and execution. Over the long term, he remains very open to the right senior corporate leadership opportunity where his experience and values align, while continuing to build a durable platform for his family and partners.
Stevie received his undergraduate diploma from The University of the South and completed post-graduate executive business coursework at both Stanford Graduate School of Business and University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he deepened his understanding of leadership, strategy, and business planning.
Stevie Ortega, Founder
Steve Ortega is a seasoned chief executive, board director, and investor with deep experience building and leading large-scale retail and consumer businesses. He brings decades of operating, financial, and governance expertise to Grand Palmetto Capital Partners, supporting its long-term, owner-oriented approach to value creation.
Steve previously served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of Leslie’s, where he led the company through significant growth, operational transformation, and its transition to a public company.
Today, Steve serves as Lead Independent Director of BJ’s Wholesale Club and as Vice Chairman of the Board of James Avery Artisan Jewelry. In these roles, he is actively engaged in strategy, capital allocation, executive leadership development, and governance, bringing an operator’s perspective to board-level decision making.
Earlier in his career, Steve held senior leadership and finance roles at major retail and grocery organizations including BI-LO, American Stores Company, and Lucky Stores, building a strong foundation across finance, operations, and merchandising. This combination of CFO-level financial discipline and CEO-level operating experience uniquely positions him to advise founder-led and family-backed businesses navigating growth and complexity.
At Grand Palmetto, Steve acts as a trusted advisor on investment evaluation, strategic direction, and operating decisions. His role is not transactional or promotional; it is rooted in experience, perspective, and stewardship, helping ensure the firm remains disciplined, patient, and focused on building durable value for families, partners, and employees.
Steve earned his degree from the University of Arizona and has completed post-graduate executive education at Harvard Business School.