“ Some people dream of success, while other people get up every morning and make it happen. “
Quotes by Wayne Huizenga
Introducing Wayne Huizenga
Wayne Huizenga was a prominent American entrepreneur known for his remarkable success in various industries, particularly in waste management, video rental, and professional sports. Born on December 29, 1937, in Evergreen Park, Illinois, Huizenga's business acumen led him to build and grow several multi-billion dollar companies. He founded Waste Management, Inc. in 1968, starting with a single garbage truck and expanding it into the largest waste disposal company in the United States. In 1987, he acquired Blockbuster Video and transformed it into the largest video rental chain worldwide, eventually selling it to Viacom in 1994 for $8.4 billion. In 1996, Huizenga founded AutoNation, which became the largest automotive dealer in the United States, revolutionizing the industry with a standardized, nationwide chain of dealerships.
Huizenga also ventured into the hospitality industry, founding Extended Stay America in 1995, a chain of extended-stay hotels catering to business travelers, which he later sold to Blackstone Group for $3.1 billion in 2004. His influence extended to professional sports, where he owned several major teams, including the Miami Dolphins (NFL), Florida Panthers (NHL), and Florida Marlins (MLB), significantly impacting the sports landscape.
Beyond his business achievements, Huizenga was known for his philanthropy, particularly in education and medical research. He made substantial donations to various causes, including the Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University. His legacy as an innovative entrepreneur and strategic visionary continues to inspire business leaders and entrepreneurs globally. Huizenga passed away on March 22, 2018, but his impact on multiple industries and his contributions to society endure.
Huizenga also ventured into the hospitality industry, founding Extended Stay America in 1995, a chain of extended-stay hotels catering to business travelers, which he later sold to Blackstone Group for $3.1 billion in 2004. His influence extended to professional sports, where he owned several major teams, including the Miami Dolphins (NFL), Florida Panthers (NHL), and Florida Marlins (MLB), significantly impacting the sports landscape.
Beyond his business achievements, Huizenga was known for his philanthropy, particularly in education and medical research. He made substantial donations to various causes, including the Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University. His legacy as an innovative entrepreneur and strategic visionary continues to inspire business leaders and entrepreneurs globally. Huizenga passed away on March 22, 2018, but his impact on multiple industries and his contributions to society endure.