The Making of a Blockbuster

Summary

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.

©2009 Gail DeGeorge (P)2009 Phoenix