Early Life and Education
Steven Charles Witkoff was born in the Bronx, New York, and raised on Long Island. He is the son of a women's clothing manufacturer and an interior designer. Witkoff attended Hofstra University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1980, followed by a Juris Doctor from Hofstra Law School in 1983. His early career involved real estate law, working at the firm Dreyer & Traub, where he represented major developers, including Donald Trump.
Rise to Success
Witkoff's career evolved from law to real estate development. In 1985, he co-founded Stellar Management, acquiring residential buildings in New York City. In 1997, he founded the Witkoff Group. Under Witkoff's leadership, the Witkoff Group expanded, developing luxury condos, hotels, and mixed-use projects in major cities across the U.S. and abroad. He has been involved in over 70 projects, encompassing more than 18 million square feet. Witkoff's strategic investments have focused on acquiring undervalued properties and repositioning them.
Key Business Strategies
Witkoff's success is attributed to identifying undervalued properties, securing capital, and implementing creative strategies. The Witkoff Group focuses on a vertically integrated approach, handling acquisitions, financing, design, construction, and property management in-house. Key acquisitions include the Woolworth Building, the Daily News Building, and the Park Lane Hotel. Witkoff has partnered with various investors and has expanded into luxury condos and hotels.
Philanthropy
Witkoff has become an advocate for addiction awareness and recovery efforts after the death of his son from an opioid overdose. In 2024, it was reported that he backed a $25 million expansion of Miami's Institute of Contemporary Art and was appointed to the museum's board of trustees. He supports various Jewish charities and community engagement initiatives.
