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{{Short description|American businessman (born 1932)}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Norman Braman
| name = Norman Braman
Line 5: Line 6:
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1932|08|23}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1932|08|23}}
| birth_place = [[West Chester, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[West Chester, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
⚫
| nationality =
| residence = [[Miami, Florida]], U.S.
⚫
| nationality = United States
| alma_mater = [[Temple University]]
| alma_mater = [[Temple University]]
| occupation = Car dealer
| occupation = Car dealer
| known_for = Owner of the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] from 1985–1994
| known_for = Owner of the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] from 1985–1994
⚫
| networth = [[United States dollar|US $]] 2.5 [[1,000,000,000 (number)|billion]] (March 2018)<ref name="Forbes profile">{{cite web|title=Forbes profile: Norman Braman|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/norman-braman/|website=Forbes|accessdate=5 March 2018}}</ref>
| spouse = Irma Miller
| spouse = Irma Miller
| children = 2 daughters
| children = 2 daughters
Line 16: Line 15:
}}
}}


'''Norman Braman''' (born August 23, 1932) is an American [[billionaire]] auto dealer, art collector, and former owner of the [[Philadelphia Eagles]].
'''Norman Braman''' (born August 23, 1932) is an American [[billionaire]] car dealer, art collector, and former owner of the [[Philadelphia Eagles]].
{{TOC left}}
{{clear}}


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Braman was born in 1932 in [[West Chester, Pennsylvania]],<ref>The American Presidency Project, [http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=44305 Nomination of Norman Braman To Be Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization] September 28, 1981</ref> and grew up in the [[Cobbs Creek]] section of [[Philadelphia]], where his father owned a barbershop. Braman's parents were both [[Jews]] who emigrated from Europe. His [[Romania]]n-born mother was a seamstress and his [[Poland|Polish]] father a barber.<ref name=miami>{{cite news|author=Gus Garcia Roberts|title=Bet on Norman Braman|url=http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2008-12-18/news/bet-on-norman-braman|work=The Miami New Times|date=December 18, 2008|accessdate=April 12, 2009}}</ref> Braman was a water boy in his teenage years at the Eagles training camp, which was then in West Chester.{{citation needed|date=December 2017}} During the season, he would sneak into [[Shibe Park]] to watch the team play.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oaW8Rr5gpVEC&pg=PA147&lpg=PA147&dq=norman+braman#v=onepage&q=norman%20braman&f=false|first=Gordan|last=Forbes|title=Tales from the Eagles Sideline|pages=147|publisher=Sports Publishing |date=September 15, 2006|ISBN= 9781596701533}}</ref><ref name=sports>{{cite news|author= John Steinbreder|title=The Owners|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1993/09/13/129257/the-owners-a-few-of-them-are-household-names-some-of-them-youve-never-heard--of-all-of-them-are-rich-how-rich-in-the-following-pages-we-rank-93-team-owners-by-net-worth-from-the-biggest-billionaires-to-the-merest-of-millionaires|work=Sports Illustrated|date=September 13, 1993|accessdate=June 21, 2008}}</ref> Braman attended West Philadelphia High School and graduated from [[Temple University]] in 1955 with a degree in business administration.<ref name=philly>{{cite news|author=Peter Mucha|title=‘Richest Americans’ list includes 4 from Philly|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/103638234.html|work=Philadelphia Inquirer|date=September 23, 2010|accessdate=October 18, 2010}}</ref>
Braman was born in 1932 in [[West Chester, Pennsylvania]],<ref>The American Presidency Project, [http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=44305 Nomination of Norman Braman To Be Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization] September 28, 1981</ref> and grew up in the [[Cobbs Creek, Philadelphia|Cobbs Creek]] section of [[Philadelphia]], where his father owned a barbershop. Braman's parents were [[Jew]]ish immigrants from Europe. His [[Romania]]n-born mother was a seamstress and his [[Poland|Polish]] father a barber.<ref name=miami>{{cite news|author=Gus Garcia Roberts|title=Bet on Norman Braman|url=http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2008-12-18/news/bet-on-norman-braman|work=The Miami New Times|date=December 18, 2008|accessdate=April 12, 2009}}</ref> Braman was a water boy in his teenage years at the Eagles training camp, which was then in [[Hershey, Pennsylvania]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Norman Braman|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/norman-braman/|access-date=2020-08-31|website=Forbes|language=en}}</ref> During the season, he would sneak into [[Shibe Park]] to watch the team play.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/talesfromeagless0000forb|url-access=registration|quote=norman braman.|first=Gordan|last=Forbes|title=Tales from the Eagles Sideline|pages=[https://archive.org/details/talesfromeagless0000forb/page/147 147]|publisher=Sports Publishing |date=September 15, 2006|isbn= 9781596701533}}</ref><ref name=sports>{{cite magazine|author= John Steinbreder|title=The Owners|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1993/09/13/129257/the-owners-a-few-of-them-are-household-names-some-of-them-youve-never-heard--of-all-of-them-are-rich-how-rich-in-the-following-pages-we-rank-93-team-owners-by-net-worth-from-the-biggest-billionaires-to-the-merest-of-millionaires|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=September 13, 1993|accessdate=June 21, 2008}}</ref> Braman attended [[West Philadelphia High School]] and graduated from [[Temple University]] in 1955 with a degree in business administration.<ref name=philly>{{cite news|author=Peter Mucha|title='Richest Americans' list includes 4 from Philly|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/103638234.html|work=Philadelphia Inquirer|date=September 23, 2010|accessdate=October 18, 2010}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
Braman began his career as a market research analyst for [[Seagram|Seagram's Distributors]] in 1955. A few years later he took an executive position at Bargaintown U.S.A. which he eventually acquired and turned into Keystone Stores, a chain of self-service variety stores in the Philadelphia area. In the mid-1960s he spearheaded the merger between his Keystone Stores business and Philadelphia Laboratories to create Philadelphia Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics. Braman was appointed president and CEO of the new company. Acquisitions under his tenure at the company 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.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.digitaldealer.com/interview-with-norman-braman-owner-of-braman-enterprises |title=Interview with Norman Braman – Owner of Braman Enterprises|publisher=Emerald Expositions|date=April 3, 2014|accessdate=May 30, 2018}}</ref>
Braman began his career as a market research analyst for [[Seagram|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.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.digitaldealer.com/interview-with-norman-braman-owner-of-braman-enterprises |title=Interview with Norman Braman – Owner of Braman Enterprises|publisher=Emerald Expositions|date=April 3, 2014|accessdate=May 30, 2018}}</ref>
⚫
[[File:Bugatti Veyron @ Braman Motors, Miami FL - panoramio.jpg|thumb|A Bugatti Veyron sits in the showroom at one of Braman's Miami dealerships]]
⚫
Braman got his start in the automobile business in 1972 when he acquired controlling interest of Sharpe-Taylor Cadillac in [[Tampa, Florida]]. During these early years, Braman was mentored by well known car dealer and fellow Philadelphia native [[Victor Potamkin]]. In 1975, Braman bought the former Nolan Brown Cadillac in [[Miami, Florida]]. The following year, Braman took on his first import brands with the purchase of [[BMW]] and [[Rolls-Royce Motors|Rolls-Royce]] dealership C.R. Berry Motors and moved both franchises next to his Miami [[Cadillac]] dealership.<ref name="auto"/> By 1980, Braman had Cadillac, BMW, Rolls-Royce, [[Fiat Automobiles|Fiat]], [[Lancia]], and [[Toyota]] dealerships along the 2000 block of [[Biscayne Boulevard]] in Miami.


⚫
While continuing to expand his dealership holdings in the [[South Florida]] area, Braman also added dealerships in [[Colorado]]. Today, Braman serves as chairman of Braman Management, an umbrella company for his automotive businesses that include dealerships in [[Florida]] and Colorado selling [[Acura]], [[Audi]], [[Bentley]], BMW, [[Bugatti Automobiles|Bugatti]], Cadillac, [[Genesis Motors|Genesis]], [[Honda]], [[Hyundai Motor Company|Hyundai]], [[Kia Motors|Kia]], [[Mercedes-Benz]], [[Mini (marque)|MINI]], [[Porsche]] and Rolls-Royce.<ref name="bizjournals">{{cite news|author=Kevin Gale|title=JM Family Enterprises, Southern Wine & Spirits lead the list|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2004/08/02/focus1.html|work=South Florida Business Journal|date=August 2, 2004|accessdate=March 10, 2008}}</ref>
⚫
[[File:Bugatti Veyron @ Braman Motors, Miami FL - panoramio.jpg|thumb|left|175px|A Bugatti Veryron sits in the showroom at one of Braman’s Miami dealerships]]
⚫
Braman got his start in the automobile business in 1972 when he acquired controlling interest of Sharpe-Taylor Cadillac in [[Tampa, Florida]]. During these early years, Braman was mentored by well known car dealer and fellow Philadelphia native [[Victor Potamkin]]. In 1975, Braman bought the former Nolan Brown Cadillac in [[Miami, Florida]]. The following year, Braman took on his first import brands with the purchase of [[BMW]] and [[Rolls-Royce Motors|Rolls-Royce]] dealership C.R. Berry, Inc. and moved both franchises next to his Miami [[Cadillac]] dealership.<ref name="auto"/> By 1980, Braman had Cadillac, BMW, Rolls-Royce, [[Fiat Automobiles|Fiat]], [[Lancia]], and [[Toyota]] dealerships along the 2000 block of [[Biscayne Boulevard]] in Miami.

⚫
While continuing to expand his dealership holdings in the [[South Florida]] area, Braman has also added dealerships in [[Colorado]]. Today, Braman serves as chairman of Braman Management, an umbrella company for his automotive businesses that include more than 20 dealerships in [[Florida]] and Colorado selling [[Acura]], [[Audi]], [[Bentley]], BMW, [[Bugatti]], Cadillac, [[Genesis Motors|Genesis]], [[Honda]], [[Hyundai]], [[Kia Motors|Kia]], [[Mercedes-Benz]], [[Mini (marque)|MINI]], [[Porsche]] and Rolls-Royce.<ref name="bizjournals">{{cite news|author=Kevin Gale|title=JM Family Enterprises, Southern Wine & Spirits lead the list|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2004/08/02/focus1.html|work=South Florida Business Journal|date=August 2, 2004|accessdate=March 10, 2008}}</ref>


In addition to his retail automotive businesses, Braman had majority ownership of Austin Rover Cars of North America (ARCONA), the distributorship for [[Sterling (marque)|Sterling]] automobiles imported to the United States starting in 1987. The company's name was changed to Sterling Motor Cars in 1989 and closed in 1991 after sales of the [[Rover 800 Series|Rover 800]]-based Sterling 825/827 models failed to meet expectations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2014/03/17/lost-cars-of-the-1980s-sterling-825-and-827/|title=Lost Cars of the 1980s – Sterling 825 and 827|publisher=American City Business Journals|date=March 17, 2014|accessdate=May 30, 2018}}</ref>
In addition to his retail automotive businesses, Braman had majority ownership of Austin Rover Cars of North America (ARCONA), the distributorship for [[Sterling (marque)|Sterling]] automobiles imported to the United States starting in 1987. The company's name was changed to Sterling Motor Cars in 1989 and closed in 1991 after sales of the [[Rover 800 Series|Rover 800]]-based Sterling 825/827 models failed to meet expectations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2014/03/17/lost-cars-of-the-1980s-sterling-825-and-827/|title=Lost Cars of the 1980s – Sterling 825 and 827|publisher=American City Business Journals|date=March 17, 2014|accessdate=May 30, 2018}}</ref>

⚫
According to ''[[Forbes]]'' in July 2022, Braman has a net worth of [[United States dollar|US$]]2.6 billion.<ref name="Forbes profile">{{cite web|title=Forbes profile: Norman Braman |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/norman-braman/ |website=Forbes |accessdate=18 July 2022}}</ref>


==Philadelphia Eagles==
==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.
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 lead by movie producer [[Jeffrey Lurie]]. The reported selling price was $185 million, a record for a sports team franchise at that time.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/07/sports/pro-football-eagles-purchased-for-record-amount.html|title=Eagles Sold for Record, Reported at $185 million|publisher=The New York Times|date=April 7, 1994|accessdate=June 3, 2018}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/07/sports/pro-football-eagles-purchased-for-record-amount.html|title=Eagles Sold for Record, Reported at $185 million|work=The New York Times|date=April 7, 1994|accessdate=June 3, 2018}}</ref>


==Politics==
==Politics==
⚫
He financially supported a [[recall election]] against Miami-Dade Mayor [[Carlos Alvarez (mayor)|Carlos Alvarez]] because of a huge property tax increase and pay hikes to Alvarez's top staffers.{{citation needed|date=October 2015}} On March 15, 2011 close to 90% of those that turned out to vote that day in Miami-Dade County, voted to recall the mayor. It is believed to be one of the most lopsided recall elections in the history of American elections.<ref name=15MayrecallMH>{{cite news|last=Haggman|first=Matthew|title=9 of 10 say ‘yes’ to ousting Alvare|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/03/15/2117129/9-of-10-say-yes-to-ousting-alvarez.html|accessdate=16 May 2011|newspaper=[[Miami Herald]]|date=15 May 2011|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316212716/http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/03/15/2117129/9-of-10-say-yes-to-ousting-alvarez.html|archivedate=16 March 2011|df=}}</ref>


[[Ronald Reagan]] nominated Braman to lead [[Immigration and Naturalization Services]] in September 1981. In November 1981, before Senatorial hearings began, Braman withdrew his nomination, citing the need to focus on his businesses.<ref>{{cite news| last = Pear | first = Robert | date=November 13, 1981 | accessdate=June 21, 2021 | title = Immigration Post Loses Its Nominee | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1981/11/13/us/immigration-post-loses-its-nominee.html | newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref>
⚫
Braman is a supporter of [[Marco Rubio]],<ref name=NYT5915>{{cite news|author1=Michael Barbaro and Steve Eder|title=Billionaire Lifts Marco Rubio, Politically and Personally|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/us/billionaire-lifts-marco-rubio-politically-and-personally.html|accessdate=May 10, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=May 9, 2015}}</ref> and was considering spending anywhere between {{USD}}10 million to {{USD}}25 million in support of [[Marco Rubio presidential campaign, 2016|his 2016 presidential campaign]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Marco Rubio's secret weapon|url=http://www.politico.com/story/2015/04/marco-rubio-2016-campaign-norman-braman-117134.html?hp=t1_r|publisher=Politico|accessdate=20 April 2015}}</ref> According to the acknowledgements in his autobiography, Rubio has thanked Braman for being a supporter, and Braman has employed at one time or another Marco Rubio's wife,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/meet-marco-rubios-wife-jeanette-dousdebes-shares-surprising/story?id=30306521|title=6 Surprises Marco Rubio's Wife Shared About Her Husband|first=A. B. C.|last=News|date=7 August 2015|website=ABC News|accessdate=25 June 2018}}</ref> [[Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio]], at the Braman family's charitable foundation.<ref>{{cite web|title=Reading Of Marco Rubio's Biography|url=http://kenfields.net/reading-of-marco-rubios-biography/|publisher=kenfields.net.|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211152906/http://kenfields.net/reading-of-marco-rubios-biography/|archivedate=2015-12-11|df=}}</ref>

⚫
He financially supported a [[recall election]] against Miami-Dade Mayor [[Carlos Alvarez (mayor)|Carlos Alvarez]] because of a huge property tax increase and pay hikes to Alvarez's top staffers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez Recalled|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/landslide-recall-miami-dade-mayor-carlos-alvarez/story?id=13148353|access-date=2020-08-31|website=ABC News|language=en}}</ref> On March 15, 2011, close to 90% of those that turned out to vote that day in Miami-Dade County, voted to recall the mayor. It is believed to be one of the most lopsided recall elections in the history of American elections.<ref name=15MayrecallMH>{{cite news|last=Haggman|first=Matthew|title=9 of 10 say 'yes' to ousting Alvare|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/03/15/2117129/9-of-10-say-yes-to-ousting-alvarez.html|accessdate=16 May 2011|newspaper=[[Miami Herald]]|date=15 May 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316212716/http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/03/15/2117129/9-of-10-say-yes-to-ousting-alvarez.html|archivedate=16 March 2011}}</ref>

In 2012, Braman established political groups to campaign against four incumbent [[Miami-Dade County, Florida|Miami-Dade County]] commissioners with $440,000 in funding, focusing on the commissioners' support for the controversial [[Marlins Park]] project and a property tax hike in 2010.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article1941269.html|title=Norman Braman's money gives challengers better shot at Miami-Dade Commission seats|last=Rabin|first=Charles|date=2012-07-16|work=Miami Herald|access-date=2018-11-08|language=en}}</ref>

⚫
Braman was a supporter of [[Marco Rubio]],<ref name="NYT5915">{{cite news|author1=Michael Barbaro and Steve Eder|title=Billionaire Lifts Marco Rubio, Politically and Personally|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/us/billionaire-lifts-marco-rubio-politically-and-personally.html|accessdate=May 10, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=May 9, 2015}}</ref> and was considering spending anywhere between {{USD}}10 million to {{USD}}25 million in support of [[Marco Rubio presidential campaign, 2016|his 2016 presidential campaign]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Marco Rubio's secret weapon| date=20 April 2015 |url=http://www.politico.com/story/2015/04/marco-rubio-2016-campaign-norman-braman-117134.html?hp=t1_r|publisher=Politico|accessdate=20 April 2015}}</ref> According to the acknowledgements in his autobiography, Rubio has thanked Braman for being a supporter, and Braman has employed at one time or another Marco Rubio's wife,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/meet-marco-rubios-wife-jeanette-dousdebes-shares-surprising/story?id=30306521|title=6 Surprises Marco Rubio's Wife Shared About Her Husband|date=7 August 2015|website=ABC News|accessdate=25 June 2018}}</ref> [[Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio]], at the Braman family's charitable foundation.<ref>{{cite web|title=Reading Of Marco Rubio's Biography|url=http://kenfields.net/reading-of-marco-rubios-biography/|publisher=kenfields.net.|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211152906/http://kenfields.net/reading-of-marco-rubios-biography/|archivedate=2015-12-11}}</ref>


==Philanthropy==
==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.{{fact|date=June 2018}} It is headed by their daughter Debra Wechsler.{{fact|date=June 2018}}
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|date=June 2018}}


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.{{fact|date=June 2018}}
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|date=June 2018}}


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
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==External links==
==External links==
* [http://articles.latimes.com/1990-10-16/sports/sp-2443_1_philadelphia-eagles Norman Braman: Eagles Owner] Los Angeles Times
* [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-10-16-sp-2443-story.html Norman Braman: Eagles Owner] Los Angeles Times


{{Philadelphia Eagles owner navbox}}
{{Philadelphia Eagles owner navbox}}
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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American billionaires]]
[[Category:American billionaires]]
[[Category:American businesspeople]]
[[Category:Jewish American sports executives and administrators]]
[[Category:Jewish American sportspeople]]
[[Category:American automobile salespeople]]
[[Category:Philadelphia Eagles owners]]
[[Category:Philadelphia Eagles owners]]
[[Category:Fox School of Business and Management alumni]]
[[Category:Fox School of Business and Management alumni]]
[[Category:People from Chester County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:People from West Chester, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:American people of Polish-Jewish descent]]
[[Category:American people of Polish-Jewish descent]]
[[Category:American people of Romanian-Jewish descent]]
[[Category:American people of Romanian-Jewish descent]]
[[Category:Florida Republicans]]
[[Category:21st-century American Jews]]
[[Category:20th-century American Jews]]

Latest revision as of 14:53, 19 September 2024

Norman Braman
Born (1932-08-23) August 23, 1932 (age 92)
West Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Alma materTemple University
OccupationCar dealer
Known forOwner of the Philadelphia Eagles from 1985–1994
SpouseIrma Miller
Children2 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

[edit]

Braman was born in 1932 in West Chester, Pennsylvania,[1] and grew up in the Cobbs Creek section of Philadelphia, where his father owned a barbershop. Braman's parents were Jewish immigrants from Europe. His Romanian-born mother was a seamstress and his Polish father a barber.[2] Braman was a water boy in his teenage years at the Eagles training camp, which was then in Hershey, Pennsylvania.[3] During the season, he would sneak into Shibe Park to watch the team play.[4][5] Braman attended West Philadelphia High School and graduated from Temple University in 1955 with a degree in business administration.[6]

Career

[edit]

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]

A Bugatti Veyron sits in the showroom at one of Braman's Miami dealerships

Braman got his start in the automobile business in 1972 when he acquired controlling interest of Sharpe-Taylor Cadillac in Tampa, Florida. During these early years, Braman was mentored by well known car dealer and fellow Philadelphia native Victor Potamkin. In 1975, Braman bought the former Nolan Brown Cadillac in Miami, Florida. The following year, Braman took on his first import brands with the purchase of BMW and Rolls-Royce dealership C.R. Berry Motors and moved both franchises next to his Miami Cadillac dealership.[7] By 1980, Braman had Cadillac, BMW, Rolls-Royce, Fiat, Lancia, and Toyota dealerships along the 2000 block of Biscayne Boulevard in Miami.

While continuing to expand his dealership holdings in the South Florida area, Braman also added dealerships in Colorado. Today, Braman serves as chairman of Braman Management, an umbrella company for his automotive businesses that include dealerships in Florida and Colorado selling Acura, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, Cadillac, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Porsche and Rolls-Royce.[8]

In addition to his retail automotive businesses, Braman had majority ownership of Austin Rover Cars of North America (ARCONA), the distributorship for Sterling automobiles imported to the United States starting in 1987. The company's name was changed to Sterling Motor Cars in 1989 and closed in 1991 after sales of the Rover 800-based Sterling 825/827 models failed to meet expectations.[9]

According to Forbes in July 2022, Braman has a net worth of US$2.6 billion.[10]

Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]

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

[edit]

Ronald Reagan nominated Braman to lead Immigration and Naturalization Services in September 1981. In November 1981, before Senatorial hearings began, Braman withdrew his nomination, citing the need to focus on his businesses.[12]

He financially supported a recall election against Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez because of a huge property tax increase and pay hikes to Alvarez's top staffers.[13] On March 15, 2011, close to 90% of those that turned out to vote that day in Miami-Dade County, voted to recall the mayor. It is believed to be one of the most lopsided recall elections in the history of American elections.[14]

In 2012, Braman established political groups to campaign against four incumbent Miami-Dade County commissioners with $440,000 in funding, focusing on the commissioners' support for the controversial Marlins Park project and a property tax hike in 2010.[15]

Braman was a supporter of Marco Rubio,[16] and was considering spending anywhere between US$10 million to US$25 million in support of his 2016 presidential campaign.[17] According to the acknowledgements in his autobiography, Rubio has thanked Braman for being a supporter, and Braman has employed at one time or another Marco Rubio's wife,[18] Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio, at the Braman family's charitable foundation.[19]

Philanthropy

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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]

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

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Braman is married to Irma Miller.[20] They have two daughters:[21] Debra Wechsler and Suzi Lustgarten.[22]

References

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  1. ^ The American Presidency Project, Nomination of Norman Braman To Be Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization September 28, 1981
  2. ^ Gus Garcia Roberts (December 18, 2008). "Bet on Norman Braman". The Miami New Times. Retrieved April 12, 2009.
  3. ^ "Norman Braman". Forbes. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
  4. ^ Forbes, Gordan (September 15, 2006). Tales from the Eagles Sideline. Sports Publishing. pp. 147. ISBN 9781596701533. norman braman.
  5. ^ John Steinbreder (September 13, 1993). "The Owners". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 21, 2008.
  6. ^ Peter Mucha (September 23, 2010). "'Richest Americans' list includes 4 from Philly". Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved October 18, 2010.
  7. ^ a b "Interview with Norman Braman – Owner of Braman Enterprises". Emerald Expositions. April 3, 2014. Retrieved May 30, 2018.
  8. ^ Kevin Gale (August 2, 2004). "JM Family Enterprises, Southern Wine & Spirits lead the list". South Florida Business Journal. Retrieved March 10, 2008.
  9. ^ "Lost Cars of the 1980s – Sterling 825 and 827". American City Business Journals. March 17, 2014. Retrieved May 30, 2018.
  10. ^ "Forbes profile: Norman Braman". Forbes. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  11. ^ "Eagles Sold for Record, Reported at $185 million". The New York Times. April 7, 1994. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
  12. ^ Pear, Robert (November 13, 1981). "Immigration Post Loses Its Nominee". The New York Times. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  13. ^ "Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez Recalled". ABC News. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
  14. ^ 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.
  15. ^ Rabin, Charles (2012-07-16). "Norman Braman's money gives challengers better shot at Miami-Dade Commission seats". Miami Herald. Retrieved 2018-11-08.
  16. ^ Michael Barbaro and Steve Eder (May 9, 2015). "Billionaire Lifts Marco Rubio, Politically and Personally". The New York Times. Retrieved May 10, 2015.
  17. ^ "Marco Rubio's secret weapon". Politico. 20 April 2015. Retrieved 20 April 2015.
  18. ^ "6 Surprises Marco Rubio's Wife Shared About Her Husband". ABC News. 7 August 2015. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  19. ^ "Reading Of Marco Rubio's Biography". kenfields.net. Archived from the original on 2015-12-11.
  20. ^ Lebanon Daily News: "Sophie Miller Obituary" on December 6, 2009
  21. ^ 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
  22. ^ 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
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