How Wayne Huizenga Built a Sports and Entertainment Empire from Trash, Grit, and Videotape
Thirty-five years ago, Wayne Huizenga rose before the sun to run his garbage-collection route. Today, the sun never sets on the international Blockbuster Video empire he created, and he has emerged from the spoils of the Paramount/Viacom merger one of the most powerful and wealthy figures in the entertainment and sports businesses.
The Making of a Blockbuster explores Huizenga's strategy, management style, and deal-making acumen as it traces the evolution of his business empire through a quirky string of profitable ventures. Under Huizenga's guidance, Blockbuster grew from 19 stores to a chain of more than 3,700. And annual revenues leapt from $7 million to $2.6 billion. Huizenga is also the innovative owner of the Miami Dolphins, Florida Marlins, the Florida Panthers, and of Miami's Joe Robbie Stadium. And he has proposed a 2,500-acre sports and entertainment complex in Florida called Blockbuster Park - and aptly nicknamed Wayne's World. Where he'll turn next is anyone's guess, but it is sure to make headlines.
Download and start listening now!
"Told Huizenga's story of building Waste Management and Blockbuster into a page turner, if you like business biographies. Also fairly shows the personal compromises made when one's career is uncompromised.
"
—
Derek (4 out of 5 stars)