#1 Sterling Dodd

To kickoff the Kemp Classic, I sat down with Sterling Dodd. Personal friend and future contributor to the podcast. 

Sterling S. Dodd is a multifaceted professional with extensive experience in Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning, commercial real estate development, private equity, and corporate banking. Currently completing his MBA at Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business with a concentration in Entrepreneurial Enterprise Growth and Private Equity. Sterling holds a BBA in Entrepreneurship with a Minor in Military Science & Leadership from the University of Houston’s C.T. Bauer College of Business, where he graduated cum laude and was a distinguished military graduate.

Currently, Sterling serves as the Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy at the Equitus Corporation, where he leads strategic initiatives to drive corporate growth and innovation. In this role, he is instrumental in shaping the company’s long-term vision and ensuring the alignment of strategic goals across various departments.

Previously, Sterling was the Director of Capital Markets & Investor Relations at Gated Rentals GP LLC, a $300MM commercial real estate development private equity firm, where he led debt and equity capital structuring activities and oversaw investor relations. He successfully managed significant capital raises and land acquisitions, enhancing the firm’s investment returns through strategic leveraging.

Sterling is also the Founder and Managing Principal of Wolf Hill Investments, LLC, a veteran-owned business specializing in acquiring, managing, and repositioning RV parks and campgrounds to achieve superior risk-adjusted returns. Additionally, he co-founded The Colonna Group LLC, which focuses on defense, construction, consulting, and material procurement, and has successfully secured federal contracts with the U.S. Navy.

His career began as a Credit Analyst at Cadence Bank, where he underwrote approximately $750MM in senior term debt and revolving lines of credit across various sectors. He then moved to KMCO - KMTEX LLC as a Business & Corporate Development Manager, where he drove sales revenue, implemented efficiencies, and produced sustainable EBITDA margin growth.

Sterling served as a U.S. Army Airborne Infantryman for six years, with combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He is currently a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves, serving as a Civil Affairs Officer. His military decorations include the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart.

Outside of his professional and military endeavors, Sterling is an avid outdoorsman, scuba diver, and enjoys exploring nature. He is passionate about his family and stewarding the growth of disruptive companies. His interests also include sociology, classical literature, history, physics, art, philosophy, geopolitical game theory, and global political strategy.

Sterling’s leadership skills, strategic vision, and commitment to sustainability and innovation make him a distinguished figure in both the business and military communities.