Tamir Sapir

$1.40 B

Ranked #721 in World

About Tamir Sapir

Tamir Sapir, a Georgian-born American entrepreneur and real estate magnate, passed away on September 24, 2014, leaving behind a legacy as the founder of the New York City-based Sapir Organization. Born Temur Sepiashvili in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sapir amassed his fortune through savvy investments in oil and fertilizers with the Soviet Union during the 1980s, eventually becoming a billionaire by 2002 with a net worth peaking at $2 billion in 2007, as reported by Forbes. His journey from a journalism student at Tbilisi State University to an iconic figure in America's real estate scene, famously dubbed the "billionaire cabbie," showcases his remarkable transition from processing emigration applications for Soviet Jews to establishing a significant footprint in Manhattan's real estate market. Sapir's personal life was marked by his contributions to the Jewish community, including building the Congregation of Georgian Jews synagogue in Queens. His legacy continues through his children, with his son Alex leading the Sapir Organization since 2006.

Born

August 25, 1947 in Tbilisi, Georgian SSR, USSR

Died

September 24, 2014 (aged 67)

Source Of Wealth

Real Estate

Industries

Real Estate

Citizenship

United States

Residence

New York, NY

Education

Drop Out, Tbilisi State University

Spouse

Bella Sapir (divorced), Elena Ponomareva

Children

Tamir Sapir","born Temur Sepiashvili in 1946 or 1947","was a Georgian-born Georgian-American businessman","real estate developer","and investor. He hailed from Tbilisi","Georgia","where he was raised in a Jewish family. His father served as a major in the Soviet Army. Sapir pursued journalism studies at Tbilisi State University in the early 1970s but left to support his family after his father","s passing.

Tamir Sapir: Family

Sapir was married twice. His first marriage was to Bella Sapir, which ended in divorce. Together, they had five children: Ruth Sapir Barinstein, Zina, Alex, Zita, and Eli. Sapir\"s second wife was Elena Ponomareva.

Tamir Sapir: Career Highlights

Sapir\"s career took various turns. He initially processed emigration applications for Soviet Jews and immigrated to Israel in 1973. During his time in Israel, he changed his last name to Sapir. Seeking new opportunities, he moved to the United States, first residing in Louisville, Kentucky, where he learned English and held various jobs. Eventually, he settled in New York City and worked as a taxicab driver.

Sapir\"s entrepreneurial spirit led him to open an electronics store, Joy Lud International Distributors, on Fifth Avenue, in partnership with fellow immigrant Sam Kislin. Through his connections with the Soviet contingent to the United Nations, he ventured into trading electronics, clothing, and footwear in exchange for exclusive rights to sell Soviet oil and oil products. The profits from these ventures allowed him to invest in Manhattan real estate in the 1990s, eventually amassing a fortune and becoming a billionaire by 2002.

Sapir gained recognition as America\"s \"billionaire cabbie\" due to his humble beginnings as a taxi driver. He also faced legal challenges, winning a lawsuit in Russia against a Moscow oil refinery for violating a contract, although he did not receive the awarded $28 million. Notably, Sapir served as a financier and development partner for the construction of the Trump SoHo in Manhattan, completed in 2006.

Tamir Sapir: Companies

Sapir founded the Sapir Organization, a real estate investment firm based in New York City.

He appointed his son Alex as the chairman and president of the organization in 2006.

Tamir Sapir: Major Achievements

Sapir\"s major achievements include amassing a significant fortune through real estate investments, becoming a billionaire in 2002, and reaching a peak net worth of $2 billion in 2007, as estimated by Forbes.

Tamir Sapir: Awards & Achievements

While information about specific awards or honors bestowed upon Tamir Sapir is not provided, it is evident that he achieved notable success in the business world, particularly in the real estate sector.

Tamir Sapir: Personal Life & Legacy

Sapir was actively involved in the Jewish community. He was a member of the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan and played a significant role in the construction of the Congregation of Georgian Jews synagogue in Rego Park, Queens. Sadly, he passed away on September 26, 2014, at the age of 67.

Sapir\"s daughter, Zina, married Rotem Rosen, the CEO of Africa Israel USA, in 2007. Additionally, he owned a three-mansion estate called The Fountains in Great Neck, New York, which is currently listed for sale at $55 million.

Tamir Sapir: Trivia

Tamir Sapir\"s original surname, Sepiashvili, is a Georgian name derived from the word \"sepi,\" meaning \"white.\"\n- Sapir\"s business acumen earned him the nickname \"The Donald Trump of Georgia.\"\n- He was known for his extravagant lifestyle and lavish parties, often attended by celebrities and high-profile individuals.\n- Sapir\"s real estate portfolio included notable properties such as the Woolworth Building and the Chrysler Building in New York City.

Wealth History

Timeline

1946/1947

Tamir Sapir was born Temur Sepiashvili to a Jewish family in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Early 1970s

Sapir studied journalism at Tbilisi State University but left to support his family after his father's death.

1973

Sapir processed emigration applications for Soviet Jews and immigrated to Israel.

1973

Sapir changed his last name to Sapir while in Israel.

1980s

Sapir made his fortune trading oil and fertilizers with the Soviet Union.

1990s

Sapir invested profits from his trading business in Manhattan real estate.

2002

Sapir became a billionaire, with his wealth peaking in 2007 at US$2 billion, according to Forbes.

2006

Sapir won a lawsuit in Russia against a Moscow oil refinery for violating a contract, but did not receive the awarded $28 million.

2006

Sapir named his son Alex as the chairman and president of the Sapir Organization.

2007

Sapir's daughter Zina married Rotem Rosen, CEO of Africa Israel USA.

September 24, 2014

Tamir Sapir passed away at the age of 67.

Tamir Sapir : FAQs

What is Tamir Sapir's net worth?

As of 2010, Tamir Sapir's net worth was $1.40 billion.

What are Tamir Sapir's main sources of wealth?

Tamir Sapir's main source of income comes from Real Estate.

In which industry does Tamir Sapir primarily operate?

Tamir Sapir is primarily involved in the Real Estate industry.

What is Tamir Sapir educational background?

Tamir Sapir is a dropout from Tbilisi State University.

Is Tamir Sapir dead?

Yes, Tamir Sapir died on September 24, 2014 (aged 67).

How many children does Tamir Sapir have?

Tamir Sapir has 5 children.

Who was Tamir Sapir and what was his contribution to the real estate industry?

Tamir Sapir was a Georgian-born, Georgian-American businessman, real estate developer, and investor, known for founding the Sapir Organization, a prominent real estate investment firm based in New York City. He made his fortune trading with the Soviet Union in the 1980s and became a billionaire by investing in Manhattan real estate.

What is the background and early life of Tamir Sapir?

Tamir Sapir was born Temur Sepiashvili in Tbilisi, Georgia, into a Jewish family. His father was a major in the Soviet Army. After studying journalism at Tbilisi State University, he left to support his family following his father's death. He emigrated first to Israel, changing his last name to Sapir, and then moved to the United States.

How did Tamir Sapir start his career and eventually become a billionaire?

Tamir Sapir began his career processing emigration applications for Soviet Jews before moving to the United States, where he worked as a taxicab driver. He later opened an electronics store and established trade contacts with the Soviet Union. His investments in Manhattan real estate during the 1990s led him to become a billionaire by 2002.

What are some key milestones in Tamir Sapir's career?

Key milestones in Tamir Sapir's career include winning a lawsuit against a Moscow oil refinery, becoming a financier and development partner for the Trump SoHo project, and being dubbed America's 'billionaire cabbie' due to his unique path from driving taxis to real estate investment success.

Can you provide details on Tamir Sapir's personal life and legacy?

Tamir Sapir was married twice and had five children. He was an active member of the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan and built the Congregation of Georgian Jews synagogue in Queens. He passed away on September 26, 2014, leaving behind a significant legacy in both the real estate industry and his community.