Nate Wellek

Nate has always been passionate about the Jewish people and Israel. Then, during a transformative visit to Israel, he forged personal connections with several IDF soldiers, which further strengthened his bond with Israelis.

Back in Chicago, looking for ways to support Israel, Nate and Cody Weiss-a fellow 36 Under 36 honoree-co-founded the Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces (FIDF) Chicago Young Leadership Board. Under their leadership, the chapter has grown to more than 20 board members and, so far, has engaged over 1,000 young professionals.

Nate's leadership exemplifies a commitment to nurturing a vibrant, supportive Jewish community. "I believe in helping Jews and Israelis worldwide," he wrote. "My biggest connection is believing in Israel's right to exist and that with no IDF, there is no Israel, and with no Israel, there is no Jewish homeland."

His strong leadership extends beyond his role at FIDF. In 2023, Nate leveraged his professional knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit to establish his own private equity firm, Duffield Holdings, which focuses on acquiring undervalued industrial assets.

AGE:
28

PRIMARY GIG:
Principal at Duffield Holdings

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
Honest and passionate business professional and community leader.

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I ran the Chicago Marathon in 2022.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS:
Making varsity basketball, graduating from the University of Michigan, starting my own company, and restarting the FIDF Young Leadership chapter in Chicago.

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
Bill Ackman. His leadership in both business and combatting antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment inspires me.

YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Never let others deter your passion. Follow it and success will naturally follow.