Norman Braman
Norman Braman | |
---|---|
Born | |
Alma mater | Temple University |
Occupation | Car dealer |
Known for | Owner of the Philadelphia Eagles from 1985–1994 |
Spouse | Irma Miller |
Children | 2 daughters |
Norman Braman (born August 23, 1932) is an American billionaire car dealer, art collector, and former owner of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Early life and education
Braman was born in 1932 in
Career
Braman began his career as a market research analyst for Seagram's Distributors in 1955. A few years later he took an executive position at Bargaintown U.S.A., a company owned by his father-in-law, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. The business eventually became Keystone Discount Stores, a chain of self-service variety stores in the Philadelphia area. In the mid-1960s he spearheaded a merger between Keystone and Philadelphia Laboratories to create Philadelphia Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics. Braman was appointed president and CEO of the new company. Acquisitions under his tenure at PP&C included Vitamix Pharmaceuticals, F.A. Martin and Company, and U.S. Cocoa Corporation. Braman stepped down from his position at Philadelphia Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics in 1969 to pursue other interests.[7]
Braman got his start in the automobile business in 1972 when he acquired controlling interest of Sharpe-Taylor Cadillac in
While continuing to expand his dealership holdings in the
In addition to his retail automotive businesses, Braman had majority ownership of Austin Rover Cars of North America (ARCONA), the distributorship for
According to Forbes in July 2022, Braman has a net worth of US$2.6 billion.[10]
Philadelphia Eagles
Braman and his brother-in-law, Ed Leibowitz, became owners of the Philadelphia Eagles in April 1985 having acquired them from Leonard Tose for a reported $65 million. Initially, Braman owned 65% of the team while Leibowitz owned 35%. In July 1986, Braman bought out Leibowitz’s interest. During Braman's ownership, the Eagles made playoff appearances in 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1992. They were NFC East division champions in 1988.
In 1994, Braman agreed to sell the team to a group led by movie producer Jeffrey Lurie. The reported selling price was $185 million, a record for a sports team franchise at that time.[11]
Politics
He financially supported a
In 2012, Braman established political groups to campaign against four incumbent
Braman was a supporter of
Philanthropy
Braman and his wife, Irma, established the Norman and Irma Braman Family Foundation, which primarily helps fund medical and educational projects throughout the world.[citation needed] It is headed by their daughter Debra Wechsler.[citation needed]
Braman, an art collector, also serves as president of the Irma and Norman Braman Art Foundation, which supports the arts and culture in and around the Miami area.[citation needed]
Personal life
Braman is married to Irma Miller.[20] They have two daughters:[21] Debra Wechsler and Suzi Lustgarten.[22]
References
- ^ The American Presidency Project, Nomination of Norman Braman To Be Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization September 28, 1981
- ^ Gus Garcia Roberts (December 18, 2008). "Bet on Norman Braman". The Miami New Times. Retrieved April 12, 2009.
- ^ "Norman Braman". Forbes. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ISBN 9781596701533.
norman braman.
- ^ John Steinbreder (September 13, 1993). "The Owners". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 21, 2008.
- ^ Peter Mucha (September 23, 2010). "'Richest Americans' list includes 4 from Philly". Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved October 18, 2010.
- ^ a b "Interview with Norman Braman – Owner of Braman Enterprises". Emerald Expositions. April 3, 2014. Retrieved May 30, 2018.
- ^ Kevin Gale (August 2, 2004). "JM Family Enterprises, Southern Wine & Spirits lead the list". South Florida Business Journal. Retrieved March 10, 2008.
- ^ "Lost Cars of the 1980s – Sterling 825 and 827". American City Business Journals. March 17, 2014. Retrieved May 30, 2018.
- ^ "Forbes profile: Norman Braman". Forbes. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
- ^ "Eagles Sold for Record, Reported at $185 million". The New York Times. April 7, 1994. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ Pear, Robert (November 13, 1981). "Immigration Post Loses Its Nominee". The New York Times. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
- ^ "Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez Recalled". ABC News. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ Haggman, Matthew (15 May 2011). "9 of 10 say 'yes' to ousting Alvare". Miami Herald. Archived from the original on 16 March 2011. Retrieved 16 May 2011.
- ^ Rabin, Charles (2012-07-16). "Norman Braman's money gives challengers better shot at Miami-Dade Commission seats". Miami Herald. Retrieved 2018-11-08.
- ^ Michael Barbaro and Steve Eder (May 9, 2015). "Billionaire Lifts Marco Rubio, Politically and Personally". The New York Times. Retrieved May 10, 2015.
- ^ "Marco Rubio's secret weapon". Politico. 20 April 2015. Retrieved 20 April 2015.
- ^ "6 Surprises Marco Rubio's Wife Shared About Her Husband". ABC News. 7 August 2015. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
- ^ "Reading Of Marco Rubio's Biography". kenfields.net. Archived from the original on 2015-12-11.
- ^ Lebanon Daily News: "Sophie Miller Obituary" on December 6, 2009
- ^ The Florida House of Representatives House Resolution 9123 – A resolution honoring Norman Braman for his philanthropy on behalf of the people of the State of Florida | 2008
- ^ The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation: A New Center of Excellence – The Suzi and Scott Lustgarten Center for GI Motility retrieved March 24, 2013
External links
- Norman Braman: Eagles Owner Los Angeles Times