Jim Bernhard
Founder & Partner
Jim Bernhard is a Founder and Partner of Bernhard Capital Partners. He serves as Chairman of the Investment Committee, serves on the Portfolio Committee and is involved in all areas of the firm’s investment activities.
Prior to founding Bernhard Capital, Jim started The Shaw Group in 1987 with a small personal investment and grew the company into one of the leading global energy services firms with over $6 billion in revenue and 25,000 employees. For over 25 years, Jim led the growth of The Shaw Group as the CEO, President and Chairman of the Board. Jim played a leading role in every major decision of the company from its founding until its sale. Under his stewardship, Shaw became one of the fastest growing companies in the Fortune 500, offering a broad range of engineering, construction, equipment, environmental, and manufacturing services across the energy spectrum. The Shaw Group became an industry leader in the power industry, a top environmental services provider and the global leader in nuclear power services. Jim is regarded as an expert in the energy services industry and has testified before the U.S. Senate’s Energy Subcommittee to discuss pending energy issues in the U.S. and across the globe.
Jim has served on numerous boards of trade and civic organizations and is very active in his community. In 2001, Jim was recognized as “U.S. Entrepreneur of the Year” and in 2009, he and his wife, Dana, founded “Every Kid a King,” a foundation to help children have better opportunities for education and healthcare.
Jim received his B.A. in Construction Management from Louisiana State University.
Previous Board Activity:
Chairman of the Board of Bernhard, LLC
Chairman of the Board of Epic Piping
