H. Wayne Huizenga

$2.80 B

Ranked #859 in World

About H. Wayne Huizenga

Harry Wayne Huizenga Sr., born in Evergreen Park, Illinois on December 29, 1937, and raised in a devout Dutch Reformed Christian household, made significant strides in the business and sports world until his passing from cancer on March 22, 2018, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A dropout from Calvin College, Huizenga went on to establish Waste Management, Inc., transforming it into a Fortune 500 enterprise, and founded AutoNation, becoming America's largest automotive dealer. His acquisitions of Blockbuster Video and sports franchises like the Florida Marlins, Florida Panthers, and the Miami Dolphins left indelible marks in their respective fields. Recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit with awards such as the Golden Plate Award and named the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year in 2005, Huizenga also led a fulfilling personal life, marrying twice and adopting two children. A visionary and philanthropist, his legacy thrives in his substantial contributions to industry and sports.

Born

December 29, 1937 in Evergreen Park, Illinois, U.S.

Died

March 22, 2018 (aged 80)

Source Of Wealth

Investments

Industries

Finance & Investments

Citizenship

United States

Education

Drop Out, Calvin College

Spouse

Joyce VanderWagen (Married: 1960; Divorced: 1966); Martha Jean "Marti" Goldsby (Married: 1972; died 2017)

Harry Wayne Huizenga Sr. was born on December 29, 1937, in Evergreen Park, Illinois. He grew up in a Dutch Reformed Christian family and attended Chicago Christian High School and Pine Crest School. He then enrolled at Calvin College but dropped out before completing his sophomore year.

H. Wayne Huizenga: Family

Huizenga was married twice. His first marriage was to Joyce Vander Wagen in 1960, but they divorced in 1966. He then married Martha Jean "Marti" (née Pike) Goldsby in 1972, and they remained married until her death in 2017. Huizenga had two children, Wayne Jr. and Scott, from his first marriage, and adopted Marti's son, Robert Ray, and daughter, Pamela.

H. Wayne Huizenga: Career Highlights

Huizenga started his career in 1962 when he founded a garbage hauling business in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This business eventually became Waste Management, Inc., which grew into a Fortune 500 company. In 1987, Huizenga acquired Blockbuster Video and built it into the leading movie-rental chain in the United States. He then formed AutoNation in 1996, which became the nation's largest automotive dealer.

H. Wayne Huizenga: Companies

Huizenga founded or acquired several successful companies throughout his career. These include Waste Management, Inc., Blockbuster Video, and AutoNation. He also introduced baseball and ice hockey to South Florida by creating the Florida Marlins and Florida Panthers, and he purchased the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL) in 1994.

H. Wayne Huizenga: Major Achievements

Huizenga's major achievements include building Waste Management, Inc. into a Fortune 500 company, turning Blockbuster Video into the leading movie-rental chain in the U.S., and establishing AutoNation as the nation's largest automotive dealer. He also played a significant role in bringing professional sports to South Florida.

H. Wayne Huizenga: Awards & Achievements

Huizenga received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. These include the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement in 1991, being named a "Distinguished American" by the Horatio Alger Association in 1992, and being named the 2005 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year.

H.
Wayne Huizenga: Personal Life & Legacy

Huizenga was known for his hard work, determination, and business acumen. He was also a philanthropist and donated millions of dollars to various charities and organizations. He died of cancer at his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 22, 2018, at the age of 80.

H. Wayne Huizenga: Trivia

Huizenga was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying his own plane. He was also a fan of sports and owned several professional sports teams. He was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2011.

Wealth History

Timeline

December 29, 1937

Harry Wayne Huizenga Sr. is born in Evergreen Park, Illinois.

1962

Huizenga starts a garbage hauling business in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

1987

Huizenga acquires Blockbuster Video and builds it into the leading movie-rental chain in the U.S.

1991

Huizenga receives the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.

1992

Huizenga is named a "Distinguished American" by the Horatio Alger Association.

1994

Huizenga purchases the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL).

1996

Huizenga forms AutoNation, which becomes the nation's largest automotive dealer.

1998

Huizenga sells the Florida Marlins.

2001

Huizenga sells the Florida Panthers.

2005

Huizenga is named the 2005 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year.

March 22, 2018

Huizenga dies of cancer at his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at the age of 80.

H. Wayne Huizenga : FAQs

What is H. Wayne Huizenga's net worth?

As of 2018, H. Wayne Huizenga's net worth was $2.80 billion.

What are H. Wayne Huizenga's main sources of wealth?

H. Wayne Huizenga's main source of income comes from Investments.

In which industry does H. Wayne Huizenga primarily operate?

H. Wayne Huizenga is primarily involved in the Finance & Investments industry.

What is H. Wayne Huizenga educational background?

H. Wayne Huizenga is a dropout from Calvin College.

Is H. Wayne Huizenga dead?

Yes, H. Wayne Huizenga died on March 22, 2018 (aged 80).

How many children does H. Wayne Huizenga have?

H. Wayne Huizenga has 4 children.

Who was Harry Wayne Huizenga Sr. and what is he best known for?

Harry Wayne Huizenga Sr. was an American businessman and entrepreneur, best known for founding Waste Management, Inc., Blockbuster Video, and AutoNation. He also owned several sports teams, including the Florida Marlins, Florida Panthers, and Miami Dolphins.

How did Harry Wayne Huizenga Sr. contribute to the sports industry?

Harry Wayne Huizenga Sr. significantly contributed to the sports industry by introducing Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League to South Florida through the creation of the Florida Marlins and Florida Panthers, respectively, and by purchasing the Miami Dolphins NFL team.

What honors and awards did Harry Wayne Huizenga Sr. receive during his lifetime?

Throughout his career, Huizenga received multiple honors, including the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement in 1991, being named a "Distinguished American" by the Horatio Alger Association in 1992, and being named the 2005 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year.

When did Harry Wayne Huizenga Sr. pass away, and what was the cause?

Harry Wayne Huizenga Sr. passed away on March 22, 2018, at the age of 80, due to cancer, at his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.