Jay Leyva
CEO
Jay Leyva is an entrepreneur, investor, and business operator with more than 25 years of experience building, acquiring, and leading founder-owned businesses across multiple industries. As Founder and Managing Partner of Leykar Investments, he partners with business owners to strengthen operations, accelerate growth, and create long-term enterprise value through active leadership, strategic insight, and operational expertise.
Throughout his career, Jay has worked alongside founders and management teams to grow businesses, navigate complex transitions, and position companies for long-term success. His experience spans consumer goods distribution and manufacturing, residential construction, technology, hospitality, marinas, commercial landscaping, and other founder-led businesses. In addition to leading businesses through periods of growth and expansion, he has successfully guided companies through acquisitions, integrations, and strategic exits.
Most recently, Jay served as CEO of Shinto Landscaping, where he led the integration of multiple landscape companies into a unified regional platform. Under his leadership, the organization strengthened operations, expanded its market presence, and successfully transitioned through its acquisition by LMC Landscape Partners in 2026. Having spent decades building businesses himself, Jay understands both the operational and personal decisions founders face as they prepare for growth, succession, or ownership transition.
Among his most notable transactions, the sale of La Curacao, one of Peru’s largest home appliance retailers, was recognized as “Deal of the Year 2012” in the Private Equity category by Latin Lawyer magazine. Throughout his career, Jay has held operating and leadership roles within his family’s domestic and international investment holdings, giving him broad experience across diverse industries and business models.
A lifelong Miami-Dade County resident, Jay is committed to giving back to his community. He previously served on the Board of Directors for His House Children’s Home, a nonprofit providing residential care for abused, neglected, and drug-exposed children, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami.
The Leykar Difference
This investment reflects the philosophy behind every Leykar partnership. The objective is never simply to invest capital.
It is to build stronger businesses through experienced leadership, disciplined execution, and active partnership.
Whether integrating multiple companies, strengthening operations, or preparing an organization for its next stage of growth, Leykar focuses on creating lasting enterprise value for founders, employees, customers, and future stakeholders.
