In this success post, we are going to share the story of Donald Bren, an American businessman, real estate tycoon, investor, and philanthropist who is the ‘richest real estate developer in the US’.
A California native, Bren was born in Los Angeles in the year 1932 to a movie producer. He is a former US marine who is credited with leading numerous important missions.
Donald Bren Early life and education
Donald is the son of Marion and Milton Bren. His father, Milton, was a naval officer and successful movie producer while his mother Marion was a prominent civic leader. His mother was of partially Irish descent while his father was of Jewish descent. But his parents divorced in the year 1948. Donald father remarried in 1948 to Academy Award Winning actress Claire Trevor. His mother remarried in 1953 to steel businessman Earle M. Jorgensen.
Donald graduated from the University of Washington, where he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics. He even tried out for the 1956 Olympic Ski team but did not qualify following an inquiry. After college, he served as an officer in the US Marine Corps.
Donald Bren Career Highlights
Donald Bren’s breakthrough in the real estate business happened when he purchased the Irvine Company, along with two partners. The Irving Company was one of the most respected and well known real estate companies in the US. Donald Bren owned close to 34% of the company, meaning he was the highest stakeholder. He was the majority owner by the year 1983 and was the chairman too.
By the year 1996, Donald Bren purchased the remaining shares and was the sole owner of the company. Donald has received praise from many quarters for being pretty much the man who converted the world-famous and coveted Orange County region of the US to what it is today. His philosophy was very simple as he stated that due to being in the business for such a long period of time, he was also able to understand its values and was able to have something tangible to show for it.
He is also known as the avid philanthropist and has donated most of his fortune to some charitable and noble groups. He was also voted as one of the top ten philanthropists in the nation by Forbes. His charitable donations have exceeded the $1 billion value.
Donald Bren Personal Life
Many universities in and around California have benefited from donations made by the Donald Bren. Apart from education, he is also known for his efforts in the green business, where he has donated money for environment-friendly technologies and groups.
He has been married 3 times and has 8 children.
Donald Bren Net Worth
Bren’s net worth is around $16 billion, which makes him on the 70th on the Forbes 500 list of 2020.
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