Our Story

Straight Arrow was founded by David T. Traitel, CEO and Chairman of Nutro Products, and carried forward by his son, David S. Traitel II.

The firm’s origins trace back to David T. Traitel’s leadership in transforming Nutro Products into a global leader in premium pet food, later acquired by Bain Capital and Mars Inc. Through Straight Arrow Ventures, the family invested in and contributed to the success of companies such as BOA Fit Systems, Peet’s Coffee, and Oakley.

Following the passing of David T. Traitel, David S. Traitel II established Straight Arrow as a private family office platform to manage the Traitel family’s wealth and business interests. The platform now serves a select group of other ultra-high net worth families by invitation.

WHAT WE DO

Straight Arrow is a closed, invitation-only private family office built by the Traitel family to serve the needs of a select group of ultra high net worth families. It is not a multi-family office and does not operate as a commercial advisory platform.

We are grounded in a philosophy of alignment and partnership. Our team, with backgrounds in Big Four firms and leading industry institutions, brings expertise to help families create long-term value.

We provide comprehensive management of financial and personal affairs with a high degree of discretion and care. Core services include investment management and oversight, financial and business operations, legacy and succession management, technology, bill payment, data protection, and tax advisory.

We also work closely with trusted partners in tax, legal, banking, fiduciary, and estate matters to help protect, grow, and transition family wealth and values across generations.

Our Articles

Real Estate

Tax Advisory

Family Office Advisory

Market Analysis

SHEA P. O’GARA

CEO

Shea O’Gara is Chief Executive Officer of Straight Arrow, where he shapes the strategic direction of the firm and guides the financial and operational stewardship of the families it serves.

He began his career at The Connor Group, a technical advisory firm specializing in IPOs and complex SEC matters. He later joined Ernst & Young, advising S&P 500 companies on mergers, acquisitions, and tax strategy. Prior to Straight Arrow, Shea led a family office advisory practice focused on legal structuring, tax planning, and financial management for ultra high net worth families.

Shea holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco, with a concentration in taxation and estate planning. He is a member of the State Bar of Arizona.

In 2019, Shea joined Ernst & Young (EY) in San Francisco, advising companies and private equity firms on mergers, acquisitions, and complex financial transactions. Working with clients such as Nvidia, Gap, Snowflake, Nike, and Thoma Bravo, he provided strategic guidance on deal structuring, tax planning, and legal frameworks, gaining experience in high-profile transactions.

JASON A. KALMAN

COO

Jason Kalman is Chief Operating Officer of Straight Arrow. He leads operational strategy for the firm’s ultra high net worth families, with a focus on execution, efficiency, and long-term scalability.

Jason began his career in investment banking, developing expertise in deal structuring, financial analysis, and strategic advisory. He later held corporate finance roles, where he focused on financial planning, investment evaluation, and business operations. Prior to Straight Arrow, he advised families on trust administration, fiduciary services, and complex wealth management through his work in the family office space.

jason

Jason holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and a Master’s in Finance from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Charles M. Horn IV

General Counsel

Charles Horn is General Counsel of Straight Arrow, where he oversees legal structuring and complex tax advisory to support the firm’s investment activity and multi-generational planning for the families it serves.

He began his career as an Intelligence Officer in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he earned a Bachelor of Science from the United States Air Force Academy and a Juris Doctor from the University of California, Los Angeles, with an emphasis in taxation.

Charles began his legal practice at EY, advising public companies on tax strategy and legal structuring. He later served as head of the Tax Department at Whittier Trust, advising ultra high net worth families on complex tax planning.

He is currently pursuing an Executive LLM in estate planning at New York University.

NINA R. FERNANDEZ

Associate

Nina Fernandez serves as an Associate at Straight Arrow, where she supports a team of professionals in managing complex projects and strategic initiatives. She assists with diverse legal, tax, and financial tasks and collaborates on marketing strategies to enhance the firm’s brand presence.

Nina earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, focusing on Business Management, from the University of Arizona in 2023. Before joining Straight Arrow, she gained valuable experience as a Project Manager, coordinating diverse projects and sharpening her problem-solving and communication skills. Her background in PR and Marketing further developed her understanding of brand strategy and client relationship management.

Dedicated to continuous growth, Nina is actively expanding her knowledge in the financial services industry to enhance her contributions to the team. Nina intends to further her education by pursuing an MBA in the near future. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active, and exploring new travel destinations.