Early Life and Education
Edward P. Roski Jr. was born in Oklahoma in 1938. His family later moved to Southern California, where his father, Ed Roski Sr., founded Majestic Realty in 1948. Roski Jr. attended Loyola High School in Los Angeles and graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in real estate and finance.
Rise to Success
After graduating from USC, Roski served in the United States Marine Corps from 1962 to 1966, earning a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts for his service in the Vietnam War. He joined Majestic Realty in 1966, eventually becoming its president and chairman. Under his leadership, Majestic Realty has grown into a major player in the real estate sector, with a portfolio of over 92 million square feet of industrial, office, retail, and hospitality space. Key projects include the Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center) in Los Angeles.
Key Business Strategies
Roski's business strategy has focused on long-term investments and a fully integrated approach to real estate development, including land acquisition, master planning, construction, and property management. Majestic Realty emphasizes community partnerships and a commitment to quality in its projects. Roski has expanded the company's portfolio to include diverse property types and has overseen expansion across the United States.
Philanthropy
Roski is actively involved in philanthropy. He established the Majestic Realty Foundation in 2002, which focuses on youth, family, education, health, and violence prevention. He and his wife, Gayle, have made significant donations to USC, including a $25 million gift to endow the Gayle and Edward Roski Eye Institute at the Keck School of Medicine. Roski also co-founded the Land of the Free Foundation, which supports veterans and their families.