Wayne Huizenga, who passed away at age 80, devoted a lifetime to developing businesses and sports franchises in South Florida. Here are some of the highlights:

1937: Born in Evergreen Park, Illinois.

1954: His father, a contractor, moves the family to Fort Lauderdale. Huizenga attends Pine Crest School, a private prep school in Fort Lauderdale.

1962: After discharge from the U.S. Army, he starts a garbage collection route with one truck and gradually expands the fleet.

1971: Forms Waste Management from a merger with other companies, and takes the company public.

1984: Now a millionaire, he leaves Waste Management, the country’s largest waste disposal company.

1987: Acquires a stake in Blockbuster and aggressively expands the chain to capitalize on the home video trend.

1990: Buys 15 percent of the Miami Dolphins and Joe Robbie Stadium.

1991: The National Hockey League awards a Miami-based franchise to Huizenga for a $95 million expansion fee.

1993: Brings professional hockey to South Florida with the Florida Panthers. Launches Major League Baseball in the region with the Florida Marlins.

1994: Buys out the remaining shares of the Dolphins and stadium for $168 million, including assumption of debt.

1994: Sells Blockbuster to Viacom for $8.4 billion.

1995: Becomes chairman of Republic Industries and buys auto dealerships and other entities. Co-founds Extended Stay America hotel chain.

1996: Founds AutoNation to sell used cars.

1998: Sells the Marlins for $150 million, one year after the franchise wins the World Series, stirring controversy.

1999: Nova Southeastern University names its College of Business and Entrepreneurship for him after receiving a $4 million donation.

2001: Sells the Panthers for $101 million.

2004: Retires from AutoNation.

2009: Sells the Dolphins for $1.1 billion.

2010: Takes Swisher Hygiene, a commercial cleaning and supply business he co-founded, public.

2013: Leaves the Swisher Hygiene board following an earnings restatement.

 

 

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