How Did Stephen Ross Make His Money?

Stephen Ross’s Profile Summary

Company	Related Companies
Position	Chairman and Founder of Related Companies, which he established in 1972. The firm is one of the largest real estate developers in the United States, known for high-profile projects like Hudson Yards in New York City
Source of wealth	Stephen Ross's wealth primarily stems from real estate development through Related Companies, ownership of the Miami Dolphins, and investments in fitness brands like Equinox, SoulCycle
Also known as	Philanthropist, sports team owner, venture capitalist.
Age	85
Education	University of Michigan – Bachelor of Business Administration, Wayne State University Law School – Juris Doctor, New York University School of Law – Master of Laws in Taxation
Citizenship	United States
Residence	New York, United States
Family	Stephen Ross is married to Kara Ross, a jewelry designer. He has two children from a previous marriage
Website, Social Media	https://www.related.com/

Stephen Ross’s biography

Stephen M. Ross was born on May 10, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan. He is an American real estate developer, philanthropist, and sports team owner. Ross founded Related Companies in 1972, which has since grown into a major real estate force, owning and developing properties worth over $60 billion across sectors like mixed-use, residential, retail, and office spaces. Notably, Related is a leader in affordable housing, one of the largest in the U.S. Apart from real estate, Ross is the majority owner of the Miami Dolphins, an NFL team, and has been instrumental in several sports ventures, including bringing the Miami Open tennis tournament to Hard Rock Stadium and the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix. He co-founded RSE Ventures, a firm investing in technology, sports, and entertainment ventures. Ross has contributed significantly to education and social causes, including his $100 million donation to the University of Michigan, where the business school bears his name. He also actively supports various charitable organizations through the Giving Pledge, committing to donate a substantial part of his wealth

How did Stephen Ross make money?

Stephen Ross, an American billionaire and one of the largest real estate developers in the world, founded Related Companies in 1972. His entrepreneurial career began after working in the financial sector, where he acquired deep knowledge of tax planning and investment management. Using this experience, Ross created Related Companies, initially focused on developing affordable housing projects.

A key stage in the development of the business was the expansion of the company's activities into the premium real estate segment. In 1985, Related Companies began actively investing in commercial real estate, residential complexes and mixed-use projects. One of Ross's most famous projects was Hudson Yards in New York - the largest private development project in the United States, the cost of which exceeded $ 25 billion.

Today, Related Companies manages assets worth more than $ 60 billion and operates in such areas as development, property management and investments. The company's main source of income is the lease of commercial space, the sale of luxury housing and the management of residential complexes.

Stephen Ross's fortune is estimated at more than $ 8 billion. In addition to real estate, he is the owner of the NFL team Miami Dolphins and an investor in various industries, including technology and sports, further strengthening his position among the largest entrepreneurs in the United States.
What is Stephen Ross net worth?

As of 2025, Stephen Ross’s net worth is estimated to be $18.4 B.

What is Stephen Ross also known as?

Stephen Ross is widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and urban development. He is the largest donor to the University of Michigan, contributing over $300 million, which led to the naming of the Stephen M. Ross School of Business. Ross also founded the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE), a nonprofit aimed at promoting racial equality through sports. As a sports team owner, he holds the majority stake in the Miami Dolphins and is active in promoting sports ventures, including the Miami Open tennis tournament and the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix. Additionally, he co-founded RSE Ventures, investing in a variety of industries including technology, sports, and media

Prominent achievements of Stephen Ross

Founder of Related Companies, owner of Miami Dolphins, major donor to the University of Michigan, inducted into the National Football Foundation Leadership Hall of Fame, recipient of the Jackie Robinson Foundation ROBIE Lifetime Achievement Award, donor of over $300 million to philanthropic causes

What are Stephen Ross’s key insights?

Stephen Ross believes in creating long-term value through visionary development and fostering innovation. His approach focuses on high-barrier markets and mixed-use developments that integrate residential, commercial, and retail spaces. He advocates for public-private partnerships, sustainable urban growth, and social responsibility, combining business success with philanthropy

Stephen Ross’s personal life

Stephen Ross’s wife, Kara Ross, is a renowned jewelry designer. He has two daughters, Avery and Jennifer, from his previous marriage. Ross and his family are active in philanthropy, with Kara also being involved in various charitable causes

Useful insights

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