Early Life and Education
Jeff Greene was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1954, to a working-class Jewish family. His family later moved to Florida. He attended Johns Hopkins University, where he earned a B.A. in economics and sociology in just three years. Greene then went on to Harvard Business School, where he obtained his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in 1977.
Rise to Success
Greene's career in real estate began with the purchase of his first property, a three-family house, while at Harvard Business School. By the time he graduated, he had accumulated 18 properties. He moved to Los Angeles and started his first new construction project in 1984. A key moment in his career came during the 2008 financial crisis when he made a successful bet against the housing market by buying credit default swaps.
Key Business Strategies
Greene's strategy includes identifying undervalued properties and making strategic investments. He focuses on a hands-on approach to his investments, particularly in the multi-family sector in South Florida. He is known for his ability to identify and capitalize on market trends, including a significant investment in West Palm Beach.
Philanthropy
Jeff Greene and his wife, Mei Sze Chan, are committed to philanthropy. They have pledged the majority of their wealth to charitable causes through the Giving Pledge campaign. They are the founders of The Greene School in West Palm Beach, a PreK-8 school.
