Early Life and Education
Norman Braman was born on August 23, 1932, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, to Jewish immigrant parents. He graduated from Temple University in 1955 with a degree in business administration.
Rise to Success
Braman started his career as a market research analyst and later became involved in the retail sector. In the 1960s, he spearheaded a merger that led to the creation of Philadelphia Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics (PP&C), where he served as president and CEO. At the age of 36, he sold his shares in PP&C, becoming a millionaire. In 1972, he entered the automotive industry by acquiring a Cadillac dealership in Tampa, Florida. He then purchased the Cadillac store in Miami in 1975. Braman expanded his dealerships, adding luxury brands such as BMW, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce.
Key Business Strategies
Braman's strategy involved focusing on the luxury automotive market and expanding his dealerships across Florida and Colorado. Braman Motors, one of his major ventures, has become one of the top-selling luxury dealerships in the country. The group sells brands such as Bentley, Bugatti, Acura, Audi, Kia, Honda, Hyundai, Rolls-Royce, Porsche, MINI, Cadillac, Mercedes and BMW.
Philanthropy
Braman and his wife, Irma, founded the Norman and Irma Braman Family Foundation in 1995, which supports medical and educational projects worldwide. They have also been instrumental in bringing the Art Basel festival to Miami, contributing significantly to the arts and culture in the area. In 2025, the Irma and Norman Braman Comprehensive Cancer Center is set to open.