Early Life
George Moutsanas, later known as George Marcus, was born in Euboea, Greece, in 1941. At the age of four, he and his family immigrated to the United States in 1945. He pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree in economics from San Francisco State University (SFSU) in 1965.
Rise to Success
In 1971, Marcus co-founded Marcus & Millichap with William A. Millichap. This company became a prominent commercial real estate brokerage firm. Marcus also founded Essex Property Trust, a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on multi-family properties. His strategic vision and leadership played a crucial role in building both companies. Marcus & Millichap went public in 2013.
Key Business Strategies
Marcus & Millichap's strategy focused on providing comprehensive real estate services, including investment sales, financing, research, and advisory services. The company expanded its services through acquisitions, such as the purchase of Metropolitan Capital Advisors, and the launch of new platforms like MMI Auction Services. His focus on building a diverse portfolio of companies, and serving both public and private clients has been key to his success. Marcus also has a stake in several private real-estate and investment companies, including SummerHill Housing Group and Pacific Urban Residential.
Philanthropy
George Marcus and his wife, Judy, have been actively involved in philanthropy. They have made significant donations to SFSU, including establishing the George and Judy Marcus Funds for Excellence in the Liberal Arts, and supporting athletics scholarships. They have also donated to religious institutions, showcasing their commitment to community and education.
