Sam Zell
Born in 1941
Samuel Zell was an American billionaire businessman known for his real estate investments and entrepreneurial ventures.
Born to Jewish immigrants who fled Poland before World War II, Zell grew up in Chicago and attended the University of Michigan.
He began his career in property management while still in college, eventually building a vast portfolio of real estate holdings.
Zell founded Equity Group Investments and played a significant role in creating Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).
Known for his contrarian investment strategy, he earned the nickname "The Grave Dancer" for his ability to profit from distressed assets.
Zell expanded his interests beyond real estate into various industries, including energy, transportation, and media.