Builders &
Operators
We're not career investors. We're people who've built things — on the ocean, on the ground, and in the trenches. We bring that experience to everything we do.
Jonathan Spindler
Before founding Waterslake Capital, Jonathan spent over a decade commanding vessels in some of the most demanding environments on earth — including the Pacific Santa Ana, a large offshore drill ship operating in deepwater drilling campaigns worldwide.
That experience shaped his approach to leadership: clarity of mission, disciplined execution, and an unwavering focus on the team. When lives depend on decisions, you learn to prepare thoroughly, communicate clearly, and trust the people around you.
Jonathan brings the same rigor to Waterslake. Every acquisition is underwritten carefully. Every operation is monitored daily. Every team member knows what's expected — and what's possible.
The Operating Team
The people who make it happen every day across our portfolio.
Billy Farrell
Director of Operations — Scooter's Coffee
15 years working alongside Jonathan. They met offshore — Billy was Catering Manager, Jonathan was Captain of the Pacific Santa Ana. Deep trust, forged in the ocean.
Carlyle Rose
Director of Operations — Urban Air
Carlyle built the Urban Air operation from the ground up alongside Jonathan. No-nonsense and decisive, she creates teams that move fast, adapt faster, and never let a challenging situation become an excuse. Her focus is simple: hit the KPIs, fix what's broken, and keep all four Atlanta parks performing at the highest level.
Bill Bishop
Chief Financial Officer
Former Audit Partner at Grant Thornton (20 years) and CFO of Teriyaki Madness. Bill brings institutional-grade financial rigor to Waterslake — deep expertise in franchise unit economics, multi-brand reporting, and scaling financial infrastructure for high-growth portfolios.
Alex Mesa
VP of Operations — Goldfish Swim School
Co-franchisee and operational lead for Waterslake's Goldfish Swim School locations in Houston. Alex brings hands-on franchise operations experience and a track record of building high-performance swim school teams.
Ashton King
District Manager — Scooter's Coffee
Employee #1 of Waterslake's Scooter's operation. Ashton started as a store manager and built his way up from the ground floor — he knows every location, every barista, and every routine. The Indiana portfolio's success is built on his foundation.
Core Values
These aren't poster words. They're how we hire, how we fire, and how we make every decision. We call it BAR: Three +'s and No -'s.
Be Above Board
Integrity in every handshake, every deal, every decision. We are honest, dependable, and ethical — even when no one is watching.
Do Epic Shit
Remarkable experiences. Be the best. Move with urgency and intention. High standards aren't optional — they're who we are.
Be Human
Do the right thing. Be authentic. Lead with humility. The best business decisions are also the most human ones.
Mullet Effect
Business in front, party in back. We are relentlessly goal-driven but we never forget to have fun doing it.
Lifesaver
Collaborative, team-oriented, and always looking out for each other. Nobody succeeds alone at Waterslake.
Create a
Willy Wonka Experience
for Everyone
That's our purpose statement. It sounds fun because it is. But it's also serious. We believe the best business outcomes happen when people genuinely love where they work and what they do.
At Waterslake, there are no corner offices. No corporate bureaucracy. No 60-slide decks. We make decisions fast, we own our mistakes, and we celebrate every win — big or small.
Whether you're a barista crafting the perfect latte, a swim instructor teaching a child to float, or a park team lead creating an unforgettable birthday party — you matter. Your work matters. And we want you to feel that every single day.
🎯 Top Employer of Choice
Our 5-year goal: be the top employer of choice in every market we operate in. Great Place to Work certifications. Real benefits. Real career paths.
📈 Profit Sharing
Unit-level teams share in the profits they generate. When you hit your numbers, you share in the upside. Ownership mindset, at every level.
🚀 Promote from Within
Many of our GMs started as hourly team members. If you've got the drive, we'll give you the opportunity. Career ladders aren't theoretical here — they're real.
Want to Build Something
Real?
We're always looking for exceptional people who want to build something real — not just punch a clock.