Stephen Ross | Founder and Chairman of Related Companies

This week, Matt is joined by Stephen Ross, Founder and Chairman of Related Companies, one of the country’s premier real estate development organizations. Stephen talks about their current mega-project, Hudson Yards, where we recorded the episode, the breadth of Related’s activities and both his personal business and philanthropic interests, including as owner of the Miami Dolphins NFL team.

One of Stephen’s current projects takes the form of revitalizing downtown Detroit through a major new development. Stephen grew up in Detroit until he was 15, when his family moved to Florida. As soon as he had the chance, he moved back for college before planting himself more permanently in New York City. Detroit has been through changes and challenges since Stephen’s days there, but he still sees a bright future for it. His hope is that this new development will serve as a catalyst for a renaissance of the whole city.

Stephen brings a trove of experience and a vision of real estate’s future to today’s episode. His desire to create ventures that matter is defined by mega projects like Hudson Yards and the Time Warner Center in New York, as well as Related’s ongoing business in affordable housing — an area which Stephen acknowledges is one of America’s biggest current needs.