Founder

Michael Pruitt founded Avenel Financial Group in 1999, a boutique merchant banking firm concentrating on value-oriented investments both public and private on behalf of 40 families. Mr. Pruitt formed Amergent Hospitality Group, Inc (formerly Chanticleer Holdings, Inc), which commenced operations in June 2005 with him as Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, roles he continues to serve today. In January 2011, Mr. Pruitt became a director of the board of Hooters of America, LLC and was early investor/board member in Appalachian Mountain Brewery which was sold to Craft Brew Alliance (Nasdaq:BREW) in 2018. Mr. Pruitt received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina, where he played on the 1982 and 83 World Series Baseball teams. Today he sits on the Board of Visitors of the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration, the Coastal Education Foundation Board (Endowment Investment Committee), and the Athletic Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Senior Advisor

Before launching Sorfis Investments in January 2019, Joe served as one of the Managing Members and Co-Portfolio Managers of Boyles Asset Management, LLC from April 2013 until December 2018. He worked for Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. (CHI) as an analyst from June 2005 until April 2013 and served as Co-Portfolio Manager for Chanticleer Advisors, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CHI. Joe also served as Co-Portfolio Manager and Chief Compliance Officer of another CHI subsidiary, Chanticleer Investment Partners, from December 2011 until April 2013. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Coastal Carolina University. Joe is also the editor of the Value Investing World Newsletter.

Marketing Associate

Lucia joined the Avenel team in 2020 as the Marketing Associate. At Avenel, Lucia manages public relations, advertising and social media. Lucia edits and markets the weekly investment newsletter and podcast for the Co/Investor Club. Lucia graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 2020 earning a Bachelor’s in Communication with a minor in Hospitality Resort Tourism. In addition, Lucia serves as the Director of Event Operations for the Food & Beverage Social Club, a venture under Avenel Financial Leadership. She is responsible for planning 3-5 culinary events per month and ensures that members and guests have an optimal experience.

Accountant

Michelle Arcidiacono graduated with her BA in Accounting from Winthrop University in 2003. She worked in the public accounting sector for five years until joining Michael Pruitt at Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. in January 2008. While continuing as the accounting manager, she earned her MBA in Accounting from Winthrop University in 2011. Michelle has continued to grow and evolve with the accounting for Avenel Financial Group as well as maintain her accounting role and Corporate Secretary position for Chanticleer Holdings, Inc.

Analyst

Sam is an Analyst for Avenel Financial Group and the Co/Investor Club. A Massachusetts native, Sam graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a Finance major and Commercial and Investment Real Estate Minor. During his time at Coastal Carolina, Sam was one of eight chosen members of the Wall Fellows Class of 2021. He served on the recruitment staff of Coastal Carolina Football and focused on data analysis, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Sam’s past internship experiences include the Boston Bruins, Home Shop Properties, Select Technology, and Avenel Financial before coming on full-time. Sam now focuses on alternative investments at Avenel Financial.

Partner: Honest Discounts Relationship

Jeff’s background includes heavy sales and business development experience, calling on major retailers for over 30 years. He is well known throughout the industry for both his professionalism and ability to move deals forward. A graduate of UNC Charlotte with a BA in Business Administration, Jeff was also a member of the NCAA Final Four basketball team at UNCC and is a former board member of the UNC Charlotte Athletic Foundation.

Senior Advisor

Andy Crane has established a successful career serving Affluent, High Net Worth and Ultra High Net Worth Individuals and Families throughout the Nation. He has served in C-Suite and Executive level positions in Banking, Trust and Investments. Andy was the founder of Trust Company of the South in South Carolina. Along the way he has been deeply committed to numerous eleemosynary endeavors serving education, health, children and social well-being. Andy is a graduate of Wofford College and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

Summer Analyst

Aaron Staley graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors from Coastal Carolina University in the Spring of 2022 with Finance major. While at Coastal, Aaron supported the Finance department to become CFA SMIF certified in order to help future students develop their skills in fund management. Aaron was also a mentor to students in the Finance Capstone course at Coastal, acting as a lead analyst for the student-managed investment fund. Aaron has experience in retail management prior to Avenel, where he held a variety of roles in HR, operations, and business development.