Donald J. Trump

Founder and Chairman, The Trump Organization

Built a real estate empire from the ground up by turning vision into Manhattan landmarks.

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About

Donald Trump built his reputation as one of America's most recognizable real estate developers, transforming the family business from middle-class housing into a luxury empire. Starting alongside his father in Brooklyn, he pivoted to Manhattan's high-stakes real estate market, where he completed several iconic projects including the Grand Hyatt and Trump Tower.

His business acumen extended beyond real estate into entertainment, branding, and international expansion, making the Trump Organization one of the nation's largest privately held companies with revenues exceeding $9.5 billion at its peak. Trump also became a cultural phenomenon through his television work and high-profile business dealings, maintaining a prominent public presence throughout his career.

Experience

Founder and Chairman

The Trump Organization · 1973–present

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Founded and built the Trump Organization into a massive real estate conglomerate with diverse holdings including luxury hotels, residential towers, golf courses, and casinos across the United States and internationally.

Developer and Owner

Trump Organization · 1974–2015

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Completed major real estate projects including the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan, Trump Place on the Upper West Side, and Wollman Rink renovation. Built a portfolio of golf resorts domestically and internationally, plus hotel properties worldwide.

Producer and Host

NBC – The Apprentice · 2004–2015

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Starred in and produced the reality television show The Apprentice, which became a major cultural phenomenon and significantly elevated his public profile as a businessman and celebrity.

Owner

Beauty Pageants · 1996–2015

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Owned and operated several beauty pageant organizations, partially or completely controlling multiple pageant operations during this period.

Junior Executive

Trump Management · 1968–1971

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Began career working in his father's real estate company, learning the construction industry and real estate business before taking over company operations.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Economics
Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania

Projects

Grand Hyatt Hotel

1974–present

Transformed the deteriorating Commodore Hotel into a lavish Manhattan cornerstone hotel, completed in 1974.

Trump Tower

1980–1983

Developed luxury mixed-use skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, which became the headquarters of the Trump Organization.

Wollman Rink

1986–present

Renovated the ice skating rink for New York City, completed the project $350,000 under budget in 1986.

Trump Place

1988–1997

Developed residential complex on the Upper West Side of Manhattan following years of negotiation.

Skills

Real estate development, real estate investment, negotiation, construction management, property management, branding and licensing, hotel and resort management, golf course development, business expansion, media and entertainment, commercial development, residential development, corporate leadership.