Donald Trump is one America’s most successful entrepreneurs. Gaining worldwide recognition as a real estate developer, Trump expanded his business ventures. He entered the world’s of sports, beauty pageants, and entertainment with the same high-energy, determined attitude that gained him notoriety in the real estate business.
Unlike many who have gone on to find inspiration through struggle in their lives, Donald Trump did not come from humble beginnings. One of five children, he was born in the New York City borough of Queens, in June 1946, to Mary Anne and Fred Trump. His father began a career in construction and real estate development only two years before the Great Depression of 1929. Able to withstand the ensuing years that devastated others, the elder Trump expanded his business with such major innovations as the “supermarket” for convenient shopping. Creating barracks for Navy personnel during World War II and building affordable housing in New York City, made Donald’s father a multi-millionaire.
While Donald Trump attended private school and his family wasn’t burdened by economic worries, he did have problems at school. His being too “rough” as his father said, convinced his parents that military school would be best. From eighth grade through high school Trump attended New York Military Academy. He then gained an Economics degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
Starting work in financing a defunct housing development in Cincinnati, Donald became a partner with his father, and soon founded his own company, the “Trump Organization.” By age 28, he commandeered massive projects in New York. Rebuilding a hotel into the Grand Hyatt and completing work on an ice-skating rink in Central Park that the city government had been unable to do solidified his position as a star in the real-estate realm. He constructed the Trump Tower as his signature building.
While Trump saw his earnings grow by massive amounts, he was hit with difficult times. Beginning in 1991, the gambling and entertainment venues in Atlantic City, that had thrived for years, began to fail. Trump would declare bankruptcy on some of the properties over the course of 18 years. Even losing his own television creation when NBC dropped him from their programming, Trump remained undaunted.
For all his perceived brashness, he seems to inspire the drive for success. Though he has been accused of prejudice, it is clear that he had great affection and respect for the diverse friends he has amassed through the years, many of whom appeared on “Celebrity Apprentice.” Not one to proclaim his philanthropic gifts (as opposed to often bragging about his business successes), Trump has been a major contributor to the United Way, New York City Police Foundation, and Ronald McDonald House. His three children; Ivanka, Donald Jr., and Eric are all successful in their own right.
Trump’s net worth is estimated at more than $4 billion by Forbes magazine. Other sources place the figure as high as $7.7 billion.  Of Trump’s more than 20 books, his first, Trump: The Art of the Deal, remains the most successful. His is honored with a star on the “Hollywood Walk of Fame,” two honorary Doctorate of Business degrees, and awards from several civic organizations. In the summer of 2015, Trump entered the race for the Republican Party presidential nomination, quickly becoming the most popular, yet most controversial, candidate.