Get To Know Us Better

Jeff Presley has over 30 years of experience in finance and investments. He is the founder and Principal in SouthWorth Capital Management, our family office.  Jeff serves as a director for each of our investment platforms.  He was a partner in a closely held investment company.  The nature of the investments focused on asset-based lending and corporate restructuring.  Mr. Presley spent five years as CFO for a media placement company specializing in national radio and spot television.  His previous business experience includes being Controller for a diversified investment and commodities company.  He was licensed in general securities sales, real estate, and insurance. Jeff is a graduate of Memphis State University. Jeffrey is married with two children and three grandchildren.

Clay Presley is CEO at SouthWorth Capital Management, where he leads operations and strategic initiatives across a diverse portfolio of privately held companies. He plays a key role in driving the firm’s mission to build generational wealth, create jobs, and invest in the communities where SouthWorth operates. A Memphis native and University of Memphis alumnus, Clay holds both a B.S. and MBA from the university and was a member of the Memphis football team. He also serves as Co-Founder and Executive Director of 901 Fund, the official NIL collective supporting Memphis student-athletes through community partnerships. Clay and his wife Ashley are proud parents to Jack and Caroline. 

Laura Presley recently stepped into the Director of Community Relations role leading SouthWorth’s community investment initiatives. Laura initially joined SouthWorth as Portfolio Liaison in 2015. In this role, she managed the office and day-to-day business of SouthWorth. Prior to SouthWorth, Laura worked in varied industries including retail, telecommunications, and logistics. Laura attended Arkansas State University. Laura has one daughter, Ashlynn.

Brennon Martin joined SouthWorth as CFO in 2022, after 10 years at Eastport Holdings, a SouthWorth portfolio company. He joined Eastport after 2 years of professional baseball. Brennon served as Controller for AdStaff and Mindstream Media before elevating to Controller of Eastport. Brennon has assisted in the structure and completion of acquisitions for several Eastport companies.  He also has participated in the acquisition process for a number of SouthWorth investments outside of Eastport. Brennon graduated from the University of Memphis in 2010 with a BA in Business Management. Brennon is married with 3 children.

Jim Howard joined SouthWorth Capital in 2018 as Managing Director, and in 2023 elevated to Executive Managing Director.  He has held various positions in the corporate and middle market segments of Goldman Sachs, Fifth Third Bank and First Horizon Corp, mainly in the areas of business development, credit risk management and leveraged buyout portfolio management.  Prior to banking, Jim served 12 years as a US Navy SEAL between 1998 and 2013.  During his Special Operations career Jim deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa and Europe in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  In addition to completing level 2 of his CFA, Jim has a B.S. from the University of Kentucky and an MBA from the University of Colorado. Jim is married with two children.

Ben Reed joined SouthWorth Capital in 2016 as Managing Director and has 20 years of prior commercial banking experience.  He has held various positions in the corporate and middle market banking segments mainly in the areas of credit risk management, special assets and portfolio management. His banking career included Hibernia National Bank (now Capital One Bank), SunTrust Bank and Fifth Third Bank.  Prior to banking, Ben spent a few years as a steamship agent in New Orleans and is a former officer in the U.S. Navy.  Ben has his B.A. from Loyola University of New Orleans and his MBA from the University of New Orleans. Ben is married with three children.

Garland Robeson joined Southworth in 2018 as Managing Director after spending 16 years in corporate banking (US Bank and Fifth Third).  Most recently, Garland led a team for Fifth Third, responsible for advising, lending, and arranging capital to privately held companies and financial sponsors.  Garland’s experience has spanned the large corporate and middle market spaces across a comprehensive range of industries.  He’s deeply experienced in arranging and structuring a variety of capital; including senior secured & unsecured, mezzanine, asset based, bonds/TLB’s, and securitizations.  Garland has his BA from the University of Cincinnati. Garland is married with 3 boys.

Charles joined SouthWorth in 2020. He served as Portfolio Coordinator, supporting several Ascension acquisitions, before moving into a Director role and leading the Charter Vista Landscaping platform.  Clay and Jeff met Charles during his tenure at the University of Memphis as a development coordinator following his star-studded football career. Chuck twice led the Tigers in tackles, won, conference academic player of the year as well as earning Academic All-American honors.  Following the completion of his bachelor’s degree, Chuck re-enrolled at the University of Memphis and received his MBA in 2018.