Early Life
Jeff Greene was born in 1954 in Worcester, Massachusetts, to a working-class Jewish family. His family moved to Florida in 1970. Greene attended Johns Hopkins University, graduating in three years with a B.A. in economics and sociology. He later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1977.
Rise to Success
Greene's career in real estate began during his time at Harvard Business School. He purchased his first property, a three-family house, which he remodeled and rented out. After business school, he moved to Los Angeles, starting new construction projects in 1984. During the 1980s, Greene focused on constructing condominium buildings and custom homes. A pivotal moment was his ability to profit during the 2008 financial crisis by shorting subprime mortgages, a move that significantly boosted his wealth.
Key Business Strategies
Greene's success is attributed to his strategic investments and contrarian approach. He has demonstrated an ability to identify undervalued properties and make calculated risks. His strategy involves acquiring properties, improving them, and capitalizing on market opportunities. He has also expanded into diverse investments, including hedge funds and hotel properties. Greene's investments in credit default swaps during the 2008 financial crisis exemplified his ability to foresee market trends.
Philanthropy
Jeff Greene and his wife, Mei Sze Chan, are committed philanthropists. They participate in the Giving Pledge, promising to donate a significant portion of their wealth to charitable causes. Their philanthropic efforts support education, healthcare, and social justice. They founded The Greene School in West Palm Beach, Florida, dedicated to empowering high-performing students.