Early Life
George Leon Argyros was born on February 4, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, to Greek immigrant parents. Raised in Pasadena, California, he developed a strong work ethic from a young age. He worked throughout high school to help support his family.
Rise to Success
Argyros graduated from Chapman University in 1959 with a degree in business and economics. He started his career in real estate in 1962, buying and selling property. In 1968, he established Arnel & Affiliates, a real estate development and investment company based in Costa Mesa, California. The company owns a significant portfolio of apartments and commercial properties. Argyros's business acumen also led him to own the Seattle Mariners baseball team from 1981 to 1989.
Key Business Strategies
Argyros's success is attributed to his strategic investments in real estate and a keen understanding of market trends. His company, Arnel & Affiliates, has focused on acquiring and managing a large portfolio of properties, generating significant revenue. He has also demonstrated a knack for identifying and capitalizing on investment opportunities in addition to the Real Estate business.
Philanthropy
George Argyros and his wife, Julia, are notable philanthropists. They have made significant donations to Chapman University, including the naming of the Argyros School of Business and Economics, as well as the Argyros Forum. They have also supported the arts through donations to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and other organizations. The Argyros family has donated to Hoag Hospital and the city of Hope Orange County. In 2024, the family donated $15 million to Hoag's Julia Argyros Center for Nursing Excellence.