Sam Zell – Family, Family Tree

Sam Zell or Shmuel Zielonka is a famous American businessman.

He invests in commercial real estate, energy, manufacturing, logistics, transportation, healthcare, and communications.

Early Life and Education

Samuel “Sam” Zell or Shmuel Zielonka was born on 27th September 1941 in Chicago. When Sam was twelve, the family moved to Highland Park, Illinois. He graduated from Highland Park High School. In 1963, Sam graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan. While studying, he was the member of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity.

Personal Life

Sam managed a 15 unit apartment building in exchange of free room-and-board. Later, he managed owner’s other properties. Sam’s fraternity brother, Robert H. Lurie joined him. They got a contract with a large apartment development owner in Ann Arbor. In 1966, Sam graduated with a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. Sam and Lurie managed over 4,000 apartments and owned 100-200 units. After school, Sam sold his interest in the management Company to Lurie and moved to Chicago.