David Peterson Jr. '88, '17 Hon.
David Peterson Jr. is a distinguished business leader with over three decades of experience in building, acquiring, and divesting enterprises across diverse sectors, including global online payment processing, health and wellness, and marine industries. Renowned for his strategic acumen, Peterson has consistently driven growth and expansion by optimizing operations, executing strategic acquisitions, and positioning each venture as an industry leader.
Expertise
As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of 4Media Central, a full-service marketing agency established in 2003 in Deerfield Beach, Florida, Peterson leverages his expertise to ensure client success. The firm specializes in brand establishment, customer engagement, market share expansion, and new product launches for online businesses.
Demonstrating his dedication to education and athletics, Peterson collaborated with the University's Athletic Director to fund, design, and develop a state-of-the-art health and wellness facility. The Peterson Performance Center, aimed at elevating the university's football program to Division 1 status, is scheduled to break ground in September 2021.
Peterson's passion for health and wellness extends beyond athletics. In 2020, he invested in the Institute of Regenerative Medicine, partnering with world-renowned Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Purita. The institute is at the forefront of advanced cellular repair, anti-aging treatments, and cell-based therapies for degenerative diseases and orthopedic conditions. In 2023, they expanded their operations with a new 12,000 square foot wellness center, featuring cutting-edge technologies such as hyperbaric chambers, cryotherapy, red light therapy beds, IV therapy, and a comprehensive physical therapy center.
In the marine industry, Peterson founded SD Marine LLC in 2020, an internationally recognized company specializing in pleasure boat sales and service. The company has since expanded, establishing additional dealerships in Key Largo and Aventura, Miami in early 2024.
Peterson and his partners recently acquired the iconic Smugglers Cove and Snake Creek properties at Marina Mile Marker 85.5 in the Florida Keys. This strategic acquisition includes a full-service marina capable of accommodating large yachts, positioned uniquely with access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay.
Recognizing emerging market trends, Peterson co-founded Costa Carts LLC, a golf cart manufacturing company. This venture capitalizes on the growing popularity of golf carts as recreational vehicles beyond traditional golf course use, a trend accelerated by the recent pandemic and changing municipal regulations.
Throughout his career, David Peterson Jr. has demonstrated an exceptional ability to identify market opportunities, drive innovation, and create value across multiple industries, solidifying his reputation as a visionary entrepreneur and business leader.
Education
Peterson holds degrees in Business Administration and Economics from the University of New Haven, where he graduated in 1988. His ongoing commitment to his alma mater is evidenced by his active membership on the University Board of Governors. In recognition of his achievements and contributions, Peterson received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012, was inducted into the University's Athletic Hall of Fame, and was conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Business in 2017.