We’re a pair of close friends, dedicated fathers, and enthusiastic entrepreneurs who want to build a better future in healthcare.

About Us


Our friendship started in 2019 when Shaq offered to let Nick test-drive his Tesla. Along the way and between backyard barbecues, we discovered we shared a common goal in business: Build something that we can be proud of by working alongside high-integrity, world-class people.

We’re excited about building an enduring business for the long-term, working in the trenches with a great team. We’re not investors who passively manage a portfolio.

  • Shaq Walker

    Co-Founder

    From co-founding an athletic recovery device startup (featured on Shark Tank) to working with a plethora of healthcare professionals on his path to setting the world record in the “Black Road” 800m race, Shaq’s life has been marked by the intersection of healthcare and entrepreneurship.

    His work advising executives across a variety of industries at Bain & Company sharpened his business acumen, but his most formative experience was coordinating the efforts of 200+ community service volunteers in Manchester, England. His leadership overseas shaped his philosophy that the strength of an organization is determined by the strength of the relationships between its people.

    While Shaq retired from his professional running career, he stays in shape by attempting to keep up with his two kids.

    Shaq is a graduate of Harvard Business School, with his elective coursework focused on the management of small- and mid-sized businesses.

  • Nick Kerr

    Co-Founder

    Nick’s interest in healthcare has been shaped less by athletic success than by personal struggle. His experiencing growing up with severe asthma—and in seeing those close to him struggle with developmental disabilities, mental health, and chronic pain—has instilled in him a deep appreciation for the critical importance of a high-quality healthcare system.

    He built his understanding of the strategic and financial management of businesses through his work as a management consultant and investor; however, like Shaq, he considers leading 200 volunteers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to be his most formative experience.

    Nick’s lack of athleticism led to his love for all things related to music. Tell him about your favorite songs or albums, and chances are you’ll have something in common.

    Nick graduated in the top 5% of his class at Harvard Business School, also focusing his elective coursework on the management of SMBs.

We are grateful to be supported by a tight-knit team of mentors and advisors with deep operational experience, all of whom are excited to support our vision of growing a business to its full potential.

Contact Us


nick@blackroadpartners.com
shaq@blackroadpartners.com