Private Equity Fast Pitch Andy Unanue - AUA Private Equity Partners
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Feb 19, 2026 
Andy Unanue, founder and managing partner of AUA Private Equity and former COO at Goya Foods, shares stories from his family business roots. He discusses professionalizing family firms, building an ops-driven PE shop, targeting multicultural consumer and co-manufacturing plays. He also covers succession, philanthropy in investments, and practical hiring and leadership advice.
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From Sweeping Floors To COO And Founder
- Andy Unanue started at Goya sweeping floors and progressed through manufacturing, HQ operations, and running Goya Santo Domingo as president at ~27.
- Those hands-on roles shaped his operational approach and led him back to run Goya as COO before founding AUA Private Equity Partners.
Managing 1,000 Workers In Dominican Coconut Season
- In the Dominican Republic Andy managed 800–1,000 workers harvesting coconuts and observed deep pride and happiness despite poverty.
- That experience reinforced empathy, operational grit, and appreciation for diverse workforces shaping his leadership.
Refine Strategy To Match Operating Strengths
- AUA refined its strategy to focus on consumer packaged goods where Andy's operating background adds the most value.
- Narrowing from restaurants/DTC back to food, beverage, and pet sectors improved deal flow and operational edge.