Jacob Cohen
Dallas
Summary
Graduated from Southern Methodist University as a Division I men’s soccer athlete and a distinguished member of an honors finance program. Launched a career as an Investment Banking Analyst, honing expertise in financial modeling and M&A transactions, while learning a strong work ethic in a professional role. Transitioned to a pivotal role in the pickleball industry, rising to Head of Sponsorships for the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. Drove sponsorship revenue to $31 million annually from $14 million when I started in 2023, personally securing the majority through strategic partnerships with leading brands such as DoorDash, AstraZeneca, and Carvana. Seeking a leadership role within a forward-thinking organization poised to thrive with global innovation and change.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Partnerships
PPA Tour & Major League Pickleball
Dallas
07.2022 - Current
- I started my role with integration efforts following Dundon Capital’s acquisition of the PPA Tour and related pickleball entities, shaping strategic growth plans as the initial Director of Revenue.
- Orchestrated integration efforts post-Dundon Capital’s acquisition of the PPA Tour and affiliated pickleball entities, driving strategic growth initiatives as initial Director of Revenue to ensure operational success.
- Advanced to Director of Sponsorship Sales, securing multimillion-dollar sponsorships with premier brands like AstraZeneca, Abbott, Humana, DoorDash, Veolia, Carvana, and Toray, building enduring partnerships that elevated league prominence.
- Promoted to Head of Sponsorships for PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball post-merger, leading an eight-person team and personally generating 65% of sponsorship revenue—60% of total league income—consistently exceeding revenue targets.
- Doubled Major League Pickleball’s sponsorship revenue from $4.2 million in 2024 to $8.6 million by June 2025, including a $2 million annual DoorDash league rights deal where I served as the sole point of contact, ensuring seamless execution.
- Collaborated closely with the CEO to drive organization-wide strategic initiatives, becoming the top revenue generator among 200+ employees and fostering a strong partnership to shape the company’s growth trajectory.
Corporate Development Associate
AEG Vision
Dallas
08.2021 - 07.2022
- I started as an analyst and was promoted to associate 10 months into the role.
- Performed due diligence for acquiring optometry practices across the U.S., analyzing financials, market conditions, and potential benefits to support successful deals worth millions.
- Worked with the Chief Development and Strategy Officer to create a detailed plan for future market growth, including competitor analysis, demographic trends, and resource evaluation.
- Completed valuation reports and reviews for over 35 practices in six months, leading to acquisition offers for high-value practices.
- Collaborated directly with practice owners to assess their operations, reviewing financial data, staffing needs, and past and projected performance, despite incomplete information.
- Mapped out market opportunities to identify regions for growth through new locations or acquisitions, guiding the company’s expansion strategy.
- Started as analyst and was promoted to associate 10 months into the role
Investment Banking Analyst
Stephens Inc.
Dallas
07.2020 - 08.2021
- Actively contributed to the preparation and execution of sell-side M&A transactions across the transportation, energy, and media sectors, demonstrating adaptability and delivering high-quality results under tight deadlines.
- Developed and presented financial models, including comprehensive projections of income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, alongside detailed DCF and LBO analyses, to support strategic decision-making for senior stakeholders.
- Crafted compelling buy-side and sell-side transaction materials, including 60 to 70 slide PowerPoint presentations featuring in-depth financial analysis and visually impactful graphics, enhancing client engagement and deal communication.
- Successfully completed an intensive 3-week training program focused on advanced financial modeling and PowerPoint proficiency, showcasing a strong commitment to professional development, and rapidly acquiring critical technical skills.
Investment Banking Summer Analyst
Wells Fargo Securities
Charlotte
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Developed credit risk analysis using quantitative and qualitative factors to evaluate the credit worthiness of the companies and their ability to fund capital calls
- Partnered with private equity funds providing the fund with revolving credit facilities in the range of $100-$500 million
- Analyzed public company filings, including 10-Ks,10-Qs, and other financial reports to create financial scenarios for both base and downside cases
- Securitized and sold bonds for various asset classes, including whole business royalty revenues, aircraft leases, and hotel timeshare commitments
- Produced all materials in the Asset Backed Finance Group in the Subscription and Commercial Operating Asset verticals
Hedge Fund Analyst Intern
Kinsale Capital Management
Dublin
06.2018 - 07.2018
- Collected, monitored, and analyzed 2 separate fund performance and risk metrics for hundreds of clients
- Conducted daily fund operations including accounting and reconciliation
- Prepared fund presentations with updated metrics, including YoY Growth and IRR for client meetings
- Researched long-term investing strategies for future investments across many sectors
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance
Southern Methodist University, Cox School of Business
Dallas, TX05.2020
Leadership Experience
- EnCap Investments & LCM Group Alternative Asset, Dallas, TX, Selected Member, Accepted into a highly selective academic honors program based on academic performance and rigorous interview process, Performed weekly financial modeling projects focusing on several valuation techniques, including DCF and LBO
- SMU Division 1 Men's Soccer Team, Dallas, TX, Student-Athlete, Achieved the highest individual GPA on a 35-man roster, Qualified for the 2019 NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament and reached Elite 8 round, Won back-to-back American Athletic Conference Championships in 2017 and 2018
- SMU Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Dallas, TX, Appointed Representative, Appointed by SMU coaching staff and athletic supervisors as 1 of 2 representatives out of a 35-player roster of SMU Men's Soccer Team to represent the team's interests and overall student-athlete life
Affiliations
- Strong interest in personal Investing and the stock market
- Lifting Weights and workout activities
- Listening to podcasts from various sources
Timeline
Head of Partnerships
PPA Tour & Major League Pickleball
07.2022 - Current
Corporate Development Associate
AEG Vision
08.2021 - 07.2022
Investment Banking Analyst
Stephens Inc.
07.2020 - 08.2021
Investment Banking Summer Analyst
Wells Fargo Securities
06.2019 - 08.2019
Hedge Fund Analyst Intern
Kinsale Capital Management
06.2018 - 07.2018
Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance
Southern Methodist University, Cox School of Business
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