Borrowed Ten Grand, Turned Down Ten Billion | Stephen Ross

About this episode

Stephen Ross shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a real estate titan and owner of the Miami Dolphins.

In this episode of Big Shot, Harley and David sit down with Stephen Ross—real estate titan, Miami Dolphins owner, and the visionary behind Hudson Yards, CityPlace, and more—for a rare look inside his extraordinary life. From growing up in a two-family house in Detroit to transforming New York’s Hudson Yards and Miami’s CityPlace, Stephen’s story is deeply shaped by the Jewish entrepreneurial legacy. Inspired by his grandfather, a Russian immigrant who built the largest independent oil refinery in the Midwest, and his uncle Max Fisher, a renowned businessman and philanthropist, Stephen saw early what was possible through grit, vision, and belief. He shares how getting fired set him on the path to starting his own business, why he’s now building infrastructure in Palm Beach County to create South Florida’s next “Silicon Valley,” and the stories behind owning the Miami Dolphins and bringing Formula 1 racing to Miami. We discuss the following: • How his grandfather built the largest independent oil refinery in the Midwest • Why getting fired was the best thing that ever happened to him • Why he believes New York is still the best place to start anything • Why he held onto CityPlace…

People in this episode

Hosts: Harley, David

Guest: Stephen Ross

Topics covered

• entrepreneurship
• real estate
• business transformation
• personal story
• infrastructure development
• sports ownership

Keywords

• entrepreneurial legacy
• real estate
• Miami Dolphins
• Hudson Yards
• CityPlace
• Silicon Valley
• Formula 1
• business success
• financial crisis

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Miami Dolphins, Hudson Yards, CityPlace

Places: Detroit, New York, Palm Beach County, South Florida, Miami

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