Institutional Financial Leadership.
Built with an Operator’s Perspective.
Trinity 718 provides high-growth platforms with the private equity-grade financial architecture and operational endurance required to scale cleanly. Founded by Samuel Paik, we bridge the gap between complex boardroom capital strategy and ground-level execution—leveraging a proven track record of multi-unit franchise expansion, corporate turnarounds, and historic market exits.
Samuel Paik
Founder & Managing Principal
For more than 15 years, I have operated inside the financial and operational mechanics of high-growth brands. Having sat in the executive seat as a PE-backed platform CFO and multi-brand CPG Chief Financial & Operations Officer, I know firsthand that a spreadsheet alone never solved a real-world operational crisis.
True financial leadership requires operational empathy—the kind that is only forged by leading through intense market pressures.
Fiduciary & Platform Governance
While our marquee platform outcomes—including the $400M Oribe acquisition and the 500% scale of an Orangetheory platform—are detailed throughout this site, my broader worldview is anchored in corporate stewardship and restructuring:
Restructuring Oversight: Appointed Chairman of the Unsecured Creditors Committee during the Rudy's Barbershop Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, protecting stakeholder interests through complex corporate reorganization.
Professional Honors: Recognized nationally as a NACVA "40 Under 40" award winner for exceptional financial stewardship.
Board Leadership: Active director across multiple corporate and organizational entities, advising on long-term capitalization and scaling strategies.
The Core Thesis
I founded Trinity 718 to inject private equity-grade discipline into growth-stage platforms without the overhead or friction of a permanent C-suite hire. When a platform is stewarded with strict operational integrity, it does more than satisfy an investor's ledger—it builds an enduring legacy that preserves value for founders, employees, and customers alike.
Credentials
Earned:
CPA & CGMA
(Inactive/Non-Practicing Status)
Alumnus:
University at Buffalo
B.S. in Accounting
& Finance
15+ Years
Experience:
PE-Backed Platform CFO
& Multi-Brand CPG COO
Fiduciary &
Board Leadership:
Trinity Baptist NYC
Church Board
Watodoo LLC
Past Chapter 11
Creditors Committee
OUR FOUNDATIONS.
Responsible Capitalism
We reject the philosophy of growth at all costs. True enterprise value is built through an ethical, balanced approach to profit—maximizing returns for investors while fiercely protecting the stability of your employees and the trust of your customers.Rock-Solid Foundations
We do not manufacture superficial, "hockey-stick" growth metrics just to satisfy a short-term narrative. We build bulletproof financial infrastructures engineered to withstand macroeconomic headwinds, ensuring your platform is stable enough to support massive, long-term scale.Straight Talk
Financial engineering is inherently complex, but our communication isn't. We do not hide behind dense corporate jargon or try to impress you with convoluted slides. We translate complex data into clear, transparent, and immediately actionable business decisions.Generational Stewardship
We do not optimize your business for the next 90 days at the expense of your next 10 years. Every model, debt structure, and operational policy we deploy is designed to protect your equity and preserve structural value through every phase of scale, transition, and ultimate exit.READY TO CONNECT?
Schedule a conversation directly on our calendar.
Eliminate the corporate back-and-forth. Select a time directly on Sam’s calendar to discuss your platform's operational goals. All preliminary consultations are strictly confidential and complimentary.