Martin Sumichrast

Martin Sumichrast is an American entrepreneur, strategic business advisor, investor, and author. He is the co‑founder, chairman, and CEO of American Capital Partners, Inc., and previously served as CEO and chairman of cbdMD, Inc. He authored the business memoir Getting Sheared, which explores high‑stakes finance, entrepreneurship, and business transformation.

Early life

Martin Sumichrast was born in Washington, D.C., to Eastern European immigrant parents. Raised as the youngest of several children, his upbringing emphasized ambition, discipline, and cultural awareness. From an early age, he showed interest in global finance and entrepreneurship.

Career

American Capital Partners

In 2020, Sumichrast co‑founded American Capital Partners, Inc., a strategic advisory and corporate marketing firm. The firm supports early-stage and growth-phase companies with guidance on capital raising, market entry, and brand expansion strategies. As CEO, Sumichrast draws from more than three decades of experience in corporate leadership and investment strategy.[2]

cbdMD, Inc.

Sumichrast joined cbdMD, Inc. (NYSE American: YCBD) as chairman in 2015 and became CEO in 2016. Under his leadership, the company grew into one of the most recognized brands in the CBD wellness space, expanding through athlete endorsements, product innovation, and public listing milestones.[3]

During his tenure, cbdMD built a national brand presence through marketing partnerships, new product lines, and digital commerce strategies. He transitioned from his executive role in 2022.

Other Roles

Since 2012, Sumichrast has served as Managing Director of Washington Capital, LLC, a private family office focused on real estate, emerging tech, and consumer ventures. He has held board and advisory roles in multiple private and public companies across the United States, applying expertise in operations, marketing, and capital markets.

Authorship

Sumichrast is the author of Getting Sheared: Tales from the Front Lines of Finance and Entrepreneurship, a nonfiction book expected in late 2025.[5] The book combines personal experience, investigative journalism, and business insights to help entrepreneurs and investors navigate complex financial environments.[6]

Media and Thought Leadership

Sumichrast has been featured in numerous business publications and podcasts, including:

• *TechBullion* – on investing in American innovation
• *Authority Magazine* – on leadership and entrepreneurship
• *Leaders Magazine* – on capital raising strategies