Bridging Operational Gaps. Growing Value. Your Trusted Partner.
About Us
Who We Are
Sapere Advisors creates value through operational excellence, strategy and accountability. Working with private equity firms, independent sponsors, family offices and industrial companies, Sapere takes an ownership mindset that transforms organizations and positions them for the future.
Zaid Nesheiwat
Founder & Managing Principal
Tom Harrington
Managing Director
Jeff Cardell
Senior Advisor
Zaid Nesheiwat
Founder & Managing Principal
Tom Harrington
Managing Director
Jeff Cardell
Senior Advisor
Zaid Nesheiwat
Founder & Managing Principal
Jeff Cardell
Senior Advisor
Founder & Managing Principal
Zaid Nesheiwat
Zaid Nesheiwat founded Sapere Advisors to help Private Equity firms, Family Offices, and Independent Sponsors build stronger companies and create lasting value. He partners with investors to design operating systems that drive compounding results across entire portfolios.
Known as the “Ops Guy,” Zaid has led and supported operational transformations in dozens of portfolio companies ranging from $10M to $300M+ in EBITDA. His work has contributed to meaningful improvements in revenue, margins, and enterprise value—and he has been part of award-winning transactions.
From GE to KPS Capital Partners and ORIX Capital Partners, Zaid has worked across the U.S. and internationally—inside factories, with frontline teams, and in boardrooms. That blend of hands-on operating experience and investor perspective shapes Sapere’s approach today.
A proud American citizen, Zaid was naturalized at Faneuil Hall in Boston. He brings grit, clarity, and purpose to every engagement. Outside of work, he’s a proud girl dad and enjoys time on the golf course when he can.
Senior Advisor
Jeff Cardell
With more than 25 years of experience leading operational transformations across global enterprises and private equity-backed companies, Jeff Cardell drives results where they matter.
He has held leadership roles at Lockheed Martin, NCR, and North American Breweries, and served as an operating executive with KPS Capital Partners—one of the most operationally focused private equity firms in the world. A Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Jeff has helped drive enterprise-wide improvements, contributing to hundreds of millions in value creation.
At Sapere Advisors, Jeff works with clients on strategic execution, manufacturing optimization, and leadership development, with a strong track record of turning underperformance into competitive advantage. Jeff is known for building high-impact teams and delivering sustainable results across the portfolio lifecycle.
When he’s not spending time with his grandchildren or traveling with his wife, Jeff enjoys working with his hands. He is an avid wood worker who can transform an ordinary piece of lumber into something unique.
Managing Director
Tom Harrington, CFA
Tom is an experienced M&A and corporate finance professional with more than 15 years of advising and investing in founder-led and family owned businesses through pivotal financial and strategic decisions. His background spans investment banking, private equity, mezzanine lending, and operational leadership, giving him a balanced perspective on value creation, growth, and long term business stewardship.
Over his career, Tom has completed more than 30 transactions totaling more than $800 million and evaluated several thousand opportunities across diverse industries. He worked at 1858 Capital Partners and PCE Investment Bankers, both boutique investment banks where he executed sell side mandates, buy side engagements, and capital raises for middle market clients. He also served at Penta Mezzanine Fund where he underwrote, structured, and managed private credit and equity investments across a wide range of industries. Tom began his career at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
In addition to his transactional work, Tom has held operational roles including CFO and Strategic Advisor, which sharpened his ability to translate analytical insights into practical, real-world execution.
A Florida native, Tom is passionate about supporting businesses across the state as they prepare for succession, growth, or sale. He is a CFA charterholder and past President of CFA Society Orlando, reflecting his longstanding commitment to disciplined and ethical financial leadership.
Tom lives in Winter Park with his wife and two children.
Our Values
We Focus on Long-Term Impact
Sapere Advisors created systems that deliver sustained value. Our goal goes beyond immediate results. We deliver value that endures.
We are Driven by Purpose
Sapere Advisors believes in the importance of guiding businesses and creating sustainable operations. With our clients, we build better businesses and stronger leaders.
We Showcase Innovation
Sapere Advisors is not content with the status quo. We highlight practical solutions that drive change within an organization and innovation within the industry.
We Simplify Complexity
Embed data-driven insights into operational priorities, enabling proactive and informed decision-making at all levels.
Why Sapere Advisors is Different
Sapere Advisors is more than a consulting firm. We are an extension of your team, providing insights and expertise that drive efficiency and results. Whether a Private Equity firm, Lower/Middle Market Company, Family Office or PE-backed industrial company, Sapere Advisors can transform your portfolio and expedite growth.
Operational Excellence
Ownership Mindset
Organizational Transformation
Succession Planning
Data & Analytics
Leadership
Development
