Early Life
Donald Leroy Bren was born on May 11, 1932, in Los Angeles, California. His father, Milton Bren, was a naval officer, talent agent, and movie producer, while his mother, Marion Newbert, was a civic leader. Bren graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor's degree in business administration and economics. He served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.
Rise to Success
Bren founded the Bren Company in 1958 to build homes. In 1963, he co-founded the Mission Viejo Company. In 1977, Bren joined a group of investors to purchase the Irvine Company and became its majority owner, later becoming the sole owner. Under his leadership, the Irvine Company has developed into a major real estate developer in Southern California.
Key Business Strategies
Bren's business strategy has focused on long-term ownership and meticulous planning, which has ensured consistent revenue streams and asset appreciation. The Irvine Company's portfolio includes over 129 million square feet of real estate, with nearly 600 office buildings and 125 apartment complexes, primarily in Southern California. He also owns the MetLife Building in Manhattan.
Philanthropy
Bren is a dedicated philanthropist, with over $2.1 billion in contributions to education, conservation, and research. He has donated extensively to educational institutions such as the University of California, Irvine, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has also given over 57,000 acres of land for permanent open space and parklands.