Wayne Huizenga and Running Businesses

Different people have different talents. Some people write well, some cook well, and people like Wayne Huizenga seem to be skilled at establishing and running businesses. This Chicago-born business success started early and persevered through his life to get to where he is now.

He worked for a family friends garbage collection company. Eventually he left that job and bought his own truck. He established Waste Management Inc. when his company grew to 40 trucks and merged with another waste management company. WMI expanded through buying 150 local and regional garbage collection and management services. This made WMI the largest US waste disposal company. Along the way, he established other companies that also gained success over the years. The success of Blockbuster Video (movie rental chain), AutoNation (autodealer chain), Extended Stay America (hotel chain), and Republic Services (waste management) with his recognition in Fortune 1000 thrice and NYSE companies six times solidified his reputation as the hardworking and hugely successful multimillion dollar business man. On top of these, he owned three pro teams (Miami Dolphins basketball team, Florida Marlins baseball team, and Panthers hockey team) and actively provide sponsorship grants and donations to schools in need. 

Behind all the recognition in business, sports, and philanthropy, he encountered conflicts on his way to success. He faced abrasive sports fans and Miami citizens for preferring to name his sports teams after Florida and not Miami. He also faced cases filed against him and his company for cases such as assault, involvement in organized crime, physical and emotional abuse, illegal political contributions, unfair business advancements, and environmental crimes. Despite some of these claims being true, it is still fact that Wayne Huizenga is a stalwart example of excellent customer service. He and his companies raised the bar for professionalism in all the industries he is/was involved in. Hard work pays off, and if done wisely, pays well. Just ask Mr. Huizenga.