PERSONAL WEBSITE
Judah Spinner
Investor. Philanthropist. Adventurer.
This is the personal website and blog of Judah Spinner, a financier and philanthropist. Founder of BlackBird Financial LP and The Judah Spinner Foundation.
About Me
Professional Background
Professional Background
I am the founder and Chief Investment Officer of BlackBird Financial LP, a New Jersey–based hedge fund that advises and manages capital for high-net-worth families throughout the United States. In 2025, BlackBird Financial generated a 62.2% return, significantly outperforming the S&P 500’s 17.9% gain—reflecting a consistent investment process rather than reliance on leverage, speculation, or short-term market timing.
Investment Philosophy. My approach is grounded in the principles of value investing as developed by Benjamin Graham and refined by Warren Buffett. At BlackBird Financial, I approach investing as the acquisition of partial ownership in real businesses—not speculation on price movements.
Every investment decision begins with a fundamental question: What is the intrinsic value of the business? I evaluate companies by analyzing cash-flow durability, competitive positioning, capital allocation discipline, balance-sheet strength, and management quality. Only when a company meets strict criteria—and is available at a meaningful discount to intrinsic value—will BlackBird commit capital.
Discipline and patience are the true competitive advantages in investing. Rather than reacting to headlines or predicting macroeconomic trends, BlackBird focuses on long-term business economics. This approach results in concentrated portfolios, low turnover, and a willingness to hold cash when compelling opportunities are scarce.
Early Career. My interest in investing began early. At twelve, I started reading The Wall Street Journal daily. At thirteen, I purchased my first stock. By fifteen, I was managing $100,000 for Charles Dayan, a prominent New York real estate investor. At eighteen, I founded Petlin Management, which later evolved into BlackBird Financial LP.
Credentials. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Crestpoint University and hold the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. I invest a substantial portion of my personal net worth alongside clients, ensuring strong alignment of interests.
Learn more at www.blackbirdfinancial.com.
Philanthropy
Philanthropic Work
In 2025, my wife Julie and I launched the Judah Spinner Foundation with a $2 million commitment to address four of America’s most persistent challenges: income inequality, high incarceration rates, rising healthcare costs, and the growing federal deficit.
Narrowing Income Inequality Through Skilled Trades. America’s prosperity has not been shared by many—income inequality is the widest since the Gilded Age. Through the Judah Spinner Scholarship, we fund trade-school tuition and tools for students pursuing certifications in welding, HVAC, electrical work, and plumbing. Unlike four-year degrees that saddle students with debt, trade credentials can be earned in months and lead to wages exceeding the national median. We prioritize scholarships for low-income students, veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals seeking a fresh start.
Reducing Incarceration by Creating Work Opportunities. The United States incarcerates roughly two million people—more than any other country. We believe steady, dignified work is among the most effective deterrents to crime. As Ben Franklin said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A dollar spent on trade school is far more productive than a dollar spent on prison operations.
Confronting America’s Broken Healthcare System. The U.S. spends nearly 18% of GDP on healthcare yet lags behind peers in outcomes. We advocate for adopting Singapore’s proven model, where spending totals just 5% of GDP and life expectancy exceeds 83 years. Their system combines personal medical savings accounts, catastrophic insurance, and a safety net for those in need. We support candidates committed to healthcare reform.
Addressing the Federal Deficit. With national debt surpassing $38 trillion, the deficit cannot be reduced without tackling healthcare costs. If the U.S. matched Singapore’s spending levels, savings exceeding $1 trillion annually could bring the deficit below 3% of GDP.
Learn more at www.judahspinnerfoundation.com.
As Seen In
Life Highlights
Visiting All 50 States
Completed the ultimate American adventure by visiting all 50 states, experiencing our country unique in all its beauty. Spinner is a proud member of the All 50 Club.
Cycled 153 Miles
Cycled 153 miles through the Mojave Desert from Palm Springs, California to Arizona.
Flying as a Pilot
As a licensed private pilot, Spinner has extensive experience flying throughout the deserts of the Southwest United States.
Earning CFA Charter
Earned the prestigious CFA Charter. Spinner passed all three levels on his first attempt, a feat accomplished by fewer than 10% of candidates. Spinner is a proud member of the CFA Institute.
Completing Mongol Rally
Conquered the legendary Mongol Rally, driving 11,000 miles across challenging terrain. The Rally traversed Czechia, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, Russia, and Kazakhstan.