He is the only person in history to build three Fortune 1000 companies.

He is the only person to have developed six NYSE-listed companies.

And, he is the only person to ever own three professional sports teams in a single market.

His name is Wayne Huizenga, and he is one of the most successful entrepreneurs of modern times.

In 1992, Huizenga was awarded the Horatio Alger award, given to Americans who have achieved great success by overcoming adversity.

He has also been named five times Financial World Magazine’s CEO of the Year.

Huizenga has been at the top of his game for some time now, but just how did he get there?

“My father always said working for somebody else never amounted to anything. You have to be an entrepreneur.

We’re looking for something where we can make something happen: an industry where the competition is asleep, hasn’t taken advantage. It’s going to be hard to find another Blockbuster, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have three good companies growing. The point is, we’re going to be busy.

I don’t want to be just a voice on the phone. I have to get to know these guys face-to-face and develop a sincere relationship. That way, if we run into problems in a deal, it doesn’t get adversarial. We trust each other and have the confidence we can work things out.

I don’t think we are unique, we’re certainly not smarter than the next guy. So the only thing I can think of that we might do a little differently than some people is we work harder and when we focus in on something we are consumed by it. It becomes a passion.

I busted my butt all my life building companies. I have a friend who’s my age, and the last thing we say when we hang up is QTR – quality time remaining. I don’t know how many years I’ll be able to play golf, so I’m going to enjoy every minutes of this.

Overcoming hardships and working around and through their obstacles to achieve an education is what I call a true success. People are what determine your success in the future. Surround yourself with good people and you won’t fail.

I really would not change anything. Have a passion for what you do, work hard, have great people with good personalities, enjoy the ride.”

Which Famous Entrepreneur would you like to see profiled? Leave a comment below and we might take you up on your idea!

Evan Carmichael