May 2005 -
American dream comes true as Wayne Huizenga wins Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year

Miami Dolphins owner and founder of Blockbuster Entertainment proves that nice guys can finish first

Wayne Huizenga, the only person in history to have founded three Fortune 500 companies was this evening named the 2005 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year (WEOY) at an award ceremony in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

The judges identified the consistent nature of his success, his ‘confident humility’ and his pioneering of many new business models over the years as his winning characteristics.

“Even now, despite his uniquely successful track record he remains as excited by his most recent idea as by his first,” said Howard Stevenson, Senior Associate Provost at Harvard University, and Chairman of the judging panel.

“Among a truly exceptional group of entrepreneurs from right around the world, Wayne stands out not just for his business success but for his contributions to humanity.”

Gregory K. Ericksen, global head of the Entrepreneur Of The Year program commented:

“When it comes to entrepreneurship, Wayne is the genuine article. He has consistently taken an idea to an exceptional level with deeply loyal teams. His personal qualities, the strength of his family relationships and his business leadership have had far reaching social and economic impact across the globe.”

Ernst & Young Chairman and CEO, James S. Turley, said: “Wayne is a role model for every aspiring entrepreneur whether they are in Chicago, Copenhagen or Chunquing. His astonishing story of success will be an inspiration to every generation of entrepreneurs seeking to make a real difference.”