David Siegel

$7.98 B

Ranked #431 in World

About David Siegel

Renowned American entrepreneur David Alan Siegel, the magnate behind Westgate Resorts Ltd., has made a mark since his birth on May 3, 1935, in Chicago. Despite leaving the University of Miami early, Siegel's business acumen propelled him to success, marrying thrice and fathering multiple children. The 2008 economic downturn challenged Siegel deeply, later bringing public attention through "The Queen of Versailles," a documentary featuring his family's hardships. Notably, he advocated for Republican political campaigns and confronted legal adversity, including a significant sexual harassment suit. Additionally, Siegel co-founded Orlando's Mystery Fun House, showcasing his diverse entrepreneurial ventures.

Born

July 15, 1961 in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

Age

64 years

Source Of Wealth

Hedge Funds

Industries

Finance & Investments

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Scarsdale, New York

Education

Ph.D, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Bachelor of Arts/Science, Princeton University

Spouse

Geraldine Florence Sanstrom (Married: 1961; Divorced: 1968), Bettie Irene Tucker (Married: 1970; Divorced: 1997), Jackie Mallery (Married: 2000)

Children

Parent

Sidney Siegel (father), Sadelle Siegel (mother)

David Alan Siegel, an American businessman and founder of Westgate Resorts Ltd., was born on May 3, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, to a wealthy Jewish family. He graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1953 and went on to study marketing and management at the University of Miami, but dropped out before completing his degree.

David Siegel: Family

Siegel has been married three times. His first marriage was to Geraldine Florence Sanstrom in 1961, with whom he had three children: Steven, Valerie, and Richard. The couple divorced in 1968, and Siegel married Betty Tucker in 1970, having a daughter, Susan. This marriage also ended in divorce in 1997, with Siegel remaining the custodial parent of all his children.

In 1998, Siegel met his current wife, Jackie Siegel, and they married in a Jewish ceremony. Together, they have eight children, including Jackie's adopted niece, Jonquil.

David Siegel: Career Highlights

Siegel's career highlights include founding Westgate Resorts Ltd., a timeshare company that owns and operates resorts in various locations across the United States. He is also known for his involvement in the hospitality industry, having co-founded the Mystery Fun House in Orlando, Florida, which operated from 1976 to 2001.

David Siegel: Companies

Siegel is the founder and CEO of Westgate Resorts Ltd., a privately held timeshare company headquartered in Orlando, Florida. The company owns and operates over 28 resorts in popular vacation destinations across the United States, including Orlando, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, and Gatlinburg.

David Siegel: Major Achievements

Siegel's major achievements include building Westgate Resorts Ltd. into a successful timeshare company and expanding the Mystery Fun House into a popular entertainment destination in Orlando. He has also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, including donations to various charities and educational institutions.

David Siegel: Awards & Achievements

Siegel has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the hospitality industry. These include the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2002, the Horatio Alger Award in 2006, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2010.

David Siegel: Personal Life & Legacy

Siegel's personal life has been marked by both successes and challenges.

He has faced financial setbacks, including the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on his businesses and family, which was documented in the 2012 documentary film "The Queen of Versailles." Despite these challenges, Siegel remains a prominent figure in the hospitality industry and is known for his resilience and determination.

David Siegel: Trivia

Siegel's daughter, Victoria Siegel, passed away in 2015 at the age of 18 due to a drug overdose. He has been involved in politics, campaigning for George W. Bush in 2000 and sending a mass email to employees in 2012 suggesting they vote for Mitt Romney or face potential company cutbacks. In 2015, Siegel raised the company's minimum wage to $10 per hour.

Wealth History

Timeline

May 3, 1935

David Alan Siegel is born in Chicago, Illinois, to a wealthy Jewish family.

1953

Graduates from Miami Senior High School.

1961

Marries Geraldine Florence Sanstrom and has three children: Steven, Valerie, and Richard.

1968

Divorces Geraldine Florence Sanstrom.

1970

Marries Betty Tucker and has a daughter, Susan.

1976

Co-founds Mystery Fun House in Orlando, Florida.

1997

Divorces Betty Tucker and remains the custodial parent of all children.

1998

Meets current wife Jackie Siegel.

2000

Campaigns for George W. Bush.

2001

Mystery Fun House closes.

2002

Produces movie "Night Terror" within Mystery Fun House.

2008

Found liable in a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by former employee Dawn Myers.

2012

Sends mass email to employees suggesting they vote for Mitt Romney or face potential company cutbacks.

2012

Documentary film "The Queen of Versailles" is released, showing the Siegel family's struggles during the U.S. economic decline.

2015

Raises the company's minimum wage to $10 per hour.

2015

18-year-old daughter Victoria Siegel is found dead due to a drug overdose.

David Siegel : FAQs

What is David Siegel's current net worth?

David Siegel's current net worth is $7.98 billion.

What is David Siegel's current global rank among billionaires?

David Siegel holds the 431st position globally among billionaires.

What is David Siegel's current ranking within the United States?

David Siegel holds the 169th position in United States.

What was the change in David Siegel's net worth compared to the previous year?

David Siegel's net worth decreased by 0 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 7.98 billion dollars.

What are David Siegel's main sources of wealth?

David Siegel's main source of income comes from Hedge Funds.

In which industry does David Siegel primarily operate?

David Siegel is primarily involved in the Finance & Investments industry.

What is David Siegel educational background?

David Siegel holds a Ph.D from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Princeton University.

How old is David Siegel?

David Siegel is 64 years old.

Who is David Alan Siegel and what did he accomplish as a businessman?

David Alan Siegel is an American businessman who is most well-known as the founder of Westgate Resorts Ltd. His business ventures and personal life gained widespread attention following his appearance in the documentary 'The Queen of Versailles.'

What is the significance of the film 'The Queen of Versailles' in relation to David Siegel's life?

'The Queen of Versailles' is a 2012 documentary that chronicles the Siegel family's experiences during the U.S. economic downturn and how it impacted the construction of their Versailles house, revealing insights into David Siegel's business and family life.

What legal challenges has David Siegel faced regarding sexual harassment claims?

In 2008, David Siegel was found liable in a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a former employee, Dawn Myers. Although initially awarded $5.4 million, the amount was reduced, and Siegel faced compensatory and punitive damages for battery but the sexual harassment claims were time-barred.

How has David Siegel engaged in political advocacy and what changes has he implemented at Westgate Resorts?

David Siegel has been active in politics, campaigning for George W. Bush in 2000, and controversially advising his employees to vote for Mitt Romney in 2012. He also raised the company's minimum wage to $10 per hour in 2015, showcasing his influence on company policies.

What was the Mystery Fun House and how was David Siegel associated with it?

The Mystery Fun House, co-founded by David Siegel in Orlando, Florida, was an entertainment center that operated from 1976 to 2001. It offered a range of attractions, such as laser tag and mini golf, and became a part of popular culture with the production of the movie 'Night Terror' in 2002.