Early Life and Education
Steven Charles Witkoff was born in the Bronx, New York, on March 15, 1957, and raised on Long Island. His father was a women's clothing manufacturer, and his mother was an interior designer. Witkoff began his studies at Union College but transferred to Hofstra University, where he earned a BA in political science in 1980 and a JD from Hofstra Law School in 1983.
Rise to Success
Witkoff started his career as a real estate attorney, representing large developers and investors. His career took a turn when he co-founded Stellar Management Company in 1985 with Laurence Gluck, where he acquired and repositioned residential buildings in New York City. In 1997, Witkoff founded the Witkoff Group, which expanded into residential construction and land rehabilitation. Witkoff's strategy included identifying undervalued properties and raising capital, leading to the acquisition and development of numerous high-profile properties.
Key Business Strategies
Witkoff's key business strategies revolve around identifying undervalued properties, securing financing, and implementing value-add renovations. The Witkoff Group focuses on premier residential, hospitality, office, retail, and mixed-use projects in major cities. Witkoff has consistently executed creative strategies across diverse asset classes, leveraging a vertically integrated approach with in-house teams focused on acquisitions, financing, design, development, construction, sales, marketing, and asset management.
Philanthropy
Witkoff has served on the Executive Committee for the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY). He has been a trustee for the Intrepid Foundation, a board member for the Jeffrey Modell Foundation, and the current Chairman of the University of Miami Business School Real Estate Advisory Board, and a member of the Hofstra University Board of Trustees. Additionally, he was honored with a Presidential appointment to the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.