What was H. Wayne Huizenga’s Net Worth?
| Net Worth | $2.8 billion |
| Salary | N/A |
| Birthdate | December 29, 1937 |
| Birthplace | Evergreen Park, Illinois |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | N/A |
| Profession | Businessman, Entrepreneur, Professional Sports Team Owner |
| Nationality | American |
Highlights
H. Wayne Huizenga was an American businessman, entrepreneur, and professional sports team owner. He had a net worth of $2.8 billion at the time of his death in 2018. Huizenga earned billions of dollars by launching and growing several successful companies, including Waste Management, Blockbuster Video, and AutoNation. He was also the former owner of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, the NHL’s Florida Panthers, and MLB’s Miami Marlins.
Early Life
H. Wayne Huizenga was born on December 29, 1937, in Evergreen Park, Illinois. His family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during his sophomore year of high school. He attended Pine Crest School and later dropped out of college to work various low-wage jobs.
Career
Huizenga’s entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of Southern Sanitation Service, a garbage hauling business that eventually became Waste Management Inc. He grew the company by acquiring smaller trash haulers, transforming it into one of the largest waste-disposal companies in the United States. Huizenga left Waste Management in 1984.
In 1987, Huizenga acquired several Blockbuster Video stores and turned them into the leading movie-rental chain in the United States. He also ventured into the automotive industry, acquiring auto dealerships and forming AutoNation, the nation’s largest automotive dealer. Huizenga was involved in the hotel and resort business as well.
Throughout his career, Huizenga also owned or co-owned multiple professional sports teams, including the Miami Dolphins, the Florida Panthers, and the Florida Marlins. He was known for his contributions to the growth and success of these teams.
Personal Life
Huizenga was married twice. He had two children with his first wife, Joyce, before divorcing in 1966. In 1972, he married his second wife, Martha, and adopted her children. Martha passed away in January 2017 after battling cancer. H. Wayne Huizenga passed away on March 23, 2018, at the age of 80.
Net Worth Over Time
H. Wayne Huizenga’s net worth started to grow significantly with the success of Waste Management, Blockbuster Video, and AutoNation. By the time of his death in 2018, his net worth was estimated to be $2.8 billion.
Components of Net Worth
Huizenga’s net worth primarily consisted of his ownership stakes in various companies, including Waste Management, Blockbuster Video, AutoNation, and his sports teams. Additionally, his net worth included his investments in the hotel and resort industry. Over time, the value of these assets and businesses contributed to the growth of his net worth.
Overall, H. Wayne Huizenga was a successful entrepreneur and sports team owner who amassed a significant net worth through his ventures in waste management, video rental, automotive sales, and other industries. His business acumen and strategic investments played a crucial role in his financial success.