Early Life
Edward P. Roski Jr. was born in Oklahoma in 1938. His father, Edward Roski Sr., founded Majestic Realty in 1948, which set the foundation for Roski Jr.'s future in real estate. He attended Loyola High School in Los Angeles and graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in real estate and finance. After graduating from USC in 1962, Roski served in the United States Marine Corps.
Rise to Success
Roski joined Majestic Realty in 1966. Under his leadership, Majestic Realty expanded its portfolio to include massive industrial parks, office complexes, and retail centers across the United States. One of the company's notable projects is the redevelopment of a business park on the former site of Pennsylvania's Bethlehem Steel plant. Roski also played a key role in developing the Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center) in downtown Los Angeles.
Key Business Strategies
Roski's business strategy has focused on the development and management of industrial and commercial real estate. Majestic Realty's success is attributed to its ability to create value for clients and partners through quality real estate projects. The company has maintained a high client retention rate and has a fully integrated approach to development services, including land acquisition, construction, and property management. Roski also expanded the company's portfolio to include office and retail properties, sports, entertainment, hospitality, and multi-family projects.
Philanthropy
Roski is deeply committed to philanthropy. He and his late wife, Gayle, made a $25 million gift to the USC to endow the Gayle and Edward Roski Eye Institute in 2016. In 2002, he initiated the Majestic Realty Foundation, which focuses on youth, family, education, health, and violence prevention, providing grants of over $2 million annually. Roski also founded the Land of the Free Foundation to support war veterans and families.
