Platform Key Milestones

A vertically integrated team oversees all aspects of the investment and ownership process, seeking to provide a total alignment of interests with investors.

Driftwood Capital Founder Carlos Rodriguez, Sr. launches Cardel Hospitality Group.
1997
Driftwood Hospitality Management (DHM) founded by Driftwood Capital Managing Partner David Buddemeyer, with Lehman Brothers as anchor investor.
1999
Cardel Group merges with
DHM.
2003
DHM buys out Lehman Brothers’ interest
2009
Carlos Rodriguez, Sr., his son Carlos Rodriguez, Jr. and Buddemeyer create Driftwood Acquisitions & Development (DAD), an innovative private equity platform for accredited investors.
2015
DAD founders launch Driftwood Capital and raise three “GP Funds” dedicated to hospitality acquisitions, development and lending
2019
Driftwood Capital recapitalizes DHM, which then becomes a controlled subsidiary, creating a fully-integrated hospitality ecosystem
2021
Driftwood Capital establishes the Space Coast Portfolio.
2024