Winding Bay Capital

Building Wealth Through Strategic Real Estate Investments

At Winding Bay Capital, we are dedicated to strong risk-adjusted returns, unwavering integrity, and a relentless focus on our clients. Specializing solely in real estate and alternative investments allows us to fully concentrate our efforts in finding new, unique opportunities for our investors, resulting in fruitful returns for generations to come.

Integrity | Prudence | Excellence

Our Investment Strategy

Our Services

As a wealth management firm, we specialize in real estate strategies that maximizes tax deferral benefits and passive investment vehicles while enhancing portfolio growth and diversification. Leveraging our deep market knowledge and extensive networks, we help you capitalize on emerging market trends and real estate opportunities with long-term strategy.

Direct Investments

Exclusive investment opportunities in institutional-grade real estate projects. Access professionally managed properties with potential for steady income and long-term appreciation.

1031 Exchanges

Defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting proceeds from property sales into like-kind passive investments. Preserve and grow your wealth and income while maintaining portfolio flexibility.

Tax Strategies

Maximize returns through strategic tax benefits including bonus depreciation and opportunity zone investments. Reduce tax liability while building equity in high-growth markets.

Business Exit Strategies

Plan your business sale with a proactive exit strategy designed to optimize after-tax outcomes. Preserve more of your sale proceeds and transition capital efficiently into long-term investments.

Ready to build a smarter financial strategy?

Take the next step toward maximizing your investments and minimizing unnecessary tax exposure. Our team is ready to help you develop a customized strategy aligned with your long-term financial goals.

Meet Our Team

Our Commitment to Personalized Wealth Management

Winding Bay Capital emerged from a shared vision between Eric Holtz and Jim Smith after years of collaborative experience in wealth management. Recognizing a unique opportunity, Eric and Jim established an investment firm that embodies their commitment to excellence, integrity and client-focused investment strategies in real estate and alternative assets.

Specializing exclusively in real estate and alternative investments allows us to stay fully attuned to both macro and micro trends in the market, providing us with the agility to adapt and capitalize on emerging opportunities for clients – forging the financial future they seek.

Eric Holtz

Founder and CEO

Eric Holtz is the Founder and CEO of Winding Bay Capital, where he sources and structures private placement and 1031 exchange opportunities for accredited investors. With over a decade of experience in alternative investments, he is well regarded for identifying institutional-quality deals and guiding clients through complex, tax-efficient strategies.

A Canisius College Finance graduate, Eric previously worked as a Commercial Product Manager at a national bank and on a fixed-income portfolio team at a large wirehouse. He serves on the Park School of Buffalo Foundation Board and Realta Wealth Advisory Board.

Eric lives in Amherst, New York with his wife Caylen and daughter Teddy. He enjoys golf, fly fishing, sporting clays, and travel.

Dr. James Smith

Co-Founder and Vice President

Dr. James Smith is the Co-Founder and Senior Vice President at Winding Bay Capital, where he advises clients and supports the firm’s real estate and alternative investment strategies. He brings decades of disciplined decision-making from his career as an orthopedic surgeon combined with a deep interest in investing and wealth preservation.

A Georgetown University and SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine graduate (BS 1970, MD 1974), Jim practiced as a surgeon until retiring in 2011. He joined a predecessor firm in 2018, partnering with Eric Holtz, which led to the founding of Winding Bay Capital.

Dr. Smith splits time between Juno Beach, Florida (winter) and East Aurora, New York (summer) with his wife, Beverly. An avid amateur golfer, he also enjoys travel, wine, and time with friends.

Sam Steffan

Vice President

Sam Steffan is the Vice President at Winding Bay Capital and newest member of the team. He focuses on business development and supporting the firm’s growth within the alternative investment space, and brings a diverse background spanning finance, biotech, and technology, with a strong interest in applying data-driven thinking to investment and client solutions.

Kristi Scott

Operations Manager

Kristi Scott is the Operations Manager at Winding Bay with over 10 years of experience as a processor supporting registered representatives in investment real estate. She specializes in client paperwork, smooth transactions, and 1031 exchanges including DSTs. Based in West Sacramento, she enjoys the outdoors, wine tasting, and is a proud mother to her 20-year-old son, Austin.

Our Values

Integrity

Taking accountability by following through on our promises to earn your trust, exceed your expectations, and put you first.

Prudence

Performing in-depth research to make sound investment decisions tailored to your specific financial circumstances.

Service

Maintaining consistent and ongoing contact with you—all while being responsive to your every need.

Communication

Creating clarity around our investment process to ensure you are well-informed of—and kept up-to-date with—our actions.

Honesty

Providing you with sheer transparency regarding account performance, investment decisions, and fee structure.

Excellence

Training best-in-class employees who understand the importance of delivering an exceptional experience to you.

Connect With
Our Team

We’re here to assist you with your investment inquiries and goals. Contact us today.