Longtime NFL, NHL and MLB owner passes away at age 80
One of the most iconic businessmen and philanthropists in the history of the state of Florida died Thursday at the age of 80 after a long battle with cancer.
H. Wayne Huizenga is believed to be the only entrepreneur to start three separate Fortune 500 companies — Blockbuster video, AutoNation and Waste Management, according to CNN.
And thanks to his business acumen, he was able to own three sports teams during his career — the Florida Marlins (MLB), the Florida Panthers (NHL) and the Miami Dolphins (NFL). Prior to his death, Forbes estimated his net worth to be roughly $2.8 billion.
Huizenga began by starting Waste Management in the 1960s. In the 80s, he was a big part of why Blockbuster became the dominant video chain in America. Then, in the 90s, he created automotive retailer AutoNation, which, according to WPLG, “revolutionized the car industry.”
“He had a magic ability to create a business that was unmatched,” AutoNation CEO Mike Jackson told CNN. “Ideas were exploding in his head. He was bound and determined to out entrepreneur every other entrepreneur.”
Huizenga never ran each of his three companies at the same time. Rather, once he succeeded with one idea, he would move on to the next one.
“He started out on the back of a garbage truck in Fort Lauderdale. Then he bought a truck, and eventually he created Waste Management,” Jackson said. “Then he rented a video and decided he could do better and next thing you know he was opening up Blockbuster store a day. Then he sold that to Viacom and decided there had to be a better way to buy a car and he created AutoNation.”
But Huizenga was perhaps most well known for his sports teams.
In 1990, he bought a 15 percent stake in the Dolphins and 3 years later, became the majority owner of the team.
Huizenga was also the original owner of both the Marlins and the Panthers. The Marlins played their first game in 1993, then won the World Series in 1997.
In a statement, the Marlins mourned Huizenga’s death.
“Today, we mourn the passing of the original Florida Marlin, Mr. H. Wayne Huizenga, who will be remembered as much for his contributions to South Florida professional sports as he was for his many charitable endeavors in the surrounding community,” the statement read.
Today, we mourn the passing of the original Florida Marlin, Mr. H. Wayne Huizenga, who will be remembered as much for his contributions to South Florida professional sports as he was for his many charitable endeavors in the surrounding community. pic.twitter.com/HOVxXEAU5Q
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) March 23, 2018
Owning the Marlins and Dolphins wasn’t enough for the entrepreneur. Huizenga started the Florida Panthers, who first took the ice in 1993, and saw them make it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1996.
“The Florida Panthers organization is heartbroken by the news of H. Wayne Huizenga’s passing,” said current Panthers owner Vincent Viola. “Mr. Huizenga’s lifelong commitment to our community, his philanthropy and his entrepreneurial spirit ensure that the Huizenga family legacy will live on in South Florida. I’m continually inspired by Wayne’s example, from his vision and his civic-minded leadership, to his success fostering an environment of on-ice excellence, which continues to have a shaping influence on every step we take in the South Florida community.”
“He will be remembered always by our Panthers family,” the statement concluded.
Huizenga’s passing was mourned by many on Twitter.
A great man, one of the nicest individuals I have ever known, Wayne Huizenga passed away. RIP
— Jimmy Johnson (@JimmyJohnson) March 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/CEOMikeJackson/status/977190973838159872
RIP former marlins/dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 23, 2018
A truly incredible man.
Some might remember Wayne Huizenga simply for his sports ownership. But as those in Florida know, especially those in South Florida, “Mr. H” changed a community.
One of the most influential people our state will ever know. Rest in Peace. https://t.co/7IahVRhfdF
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) March 23, 2018
Huizenga is survived by his four children and 11 grandchildren, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
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