Early Life
Isaac "Ike" Perlmutter was born in Mandatory Palestine (now Israel) on December 1, 1942. He served in the Israel Defense Forces during the Six-Day War of 1967. After his military service, he emigrated to the United States with only $250. He started his business career in New York City, selling toys and beauty products before transitioning to selling surplus stock and end-of-line items.
Rise to Success
Perlmutter's career is characterized by shrewd business moves. He formed Odd Lot Trading, a wholesaler of closeout items, which he later sold. He also invested in several companies, including Revco, Coleco, and Remington. His most significant achievement came with Marvel Entertainment. In 1998, he acquired Marvel from Ron Perelman, and subsequently, oversaw the production of successful action-hero movies, which revived the company's stock. In 2009, Disney acquired Marvel for $4 billion, but Perlmutter remained CEO until 2023. He was later laid off in March 2023.
Key Business Strategies
Perlmutter's success can be attributed to his ability to identify value in undervalued companies and his strategic approach to business deals. He was known for his hands-on management style and his focus on the bottom line. His strategy at Marvel involved controlling production and securing distribution deals for Marvel's characters.
Philanthropy
The Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Foundation supports various causes, focusing on healthcare, social justice, and community initiatives. The foundation has made substantial donations to the NYU Langone Medical Center, including establishing the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center. The foundation also supports The Innocence Project.
