Early Life
George Leon Argyros was born on February 4, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan. His family moved to Pasadena, California, when he was 11. Argyros is a second-generation American citizen of Greek descent. He supported himself through high school and college, working as a paperboy and grocery clerk. He graduated from Chapman University in 1959 with a degree in business and economics.
Rise to Success
Argyros began his career in the real estate market in the early 1960s and obtained licenses in securities, insurance, and real estate. He opened his own brokerage office in 1963 and founded Arnel Development Company in 1968, now known as Arnel & Affiliates. The company owns approximately 5,500 apartments and nearly 2 million square feet of commercial real estate in Southern California. From 1981 to 1989, Argyros owned the Seattle Mariners baseball team.
Key Business Strategies
Argyros's success stems from his focus on real estate development and investment, reinvesting profits to expand his portfolio. He acquired and developed properties, particularly in Orange County, California. Argyros also co-owned AirCal airline from 1981-1987. In addition, he has experience in other ventures through his investment company Westar Capital.
Philanthropy
Argyros is deeply involved in philanthropy. He has contributed to Chapman University, which named the Argyros School of Business and Economics in his honor. He also supports City of Hope, Hoag Hospital, and other educational, healthcare, and arts organizations. The Argyros Family Foundation has made significant donations to various causes, including a $25 million gift to City of Hope and a $15 million donation to Hoag's Julia Argyros Center for Nursing Excellence.
