Richard DeVos | Owner Orlando Magic

Richard DeVos | Owner Orlando Magic

Richard DeVos | Owner Orlando Magic
If you have ever been dragged to an Amway opportunity meeting, you can thank the owner of the Orlando Magic. Richard DeVos started Amway (American Way) along with Jay Van Andel in 1959 in Ada, Michigan. They pioneered the multi-level method of selling and distributing vitamins, cosmetics and cleaning supplies (their first product was an organic cleaner they called Frisk) that eventually grew into a $9 billion per year business operating in over 100 countries. Richard bought the Orlando Magic in 1991, shortly before they won the first pick in the 1992 NBA draft lottery and selected 7'1" center Shaquille O'Neal. The Magic won the first pick again in the 1993 NBA draft and added Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway to their lineup, and became one of the top teams in the league. With all-stars O'Neal and Hardaway, the Magic won 50 games in the 1993 - 1994 season and 57 games in 1995 - 1996. They made it to the championship finals in 1996 but lost to the Houston Rockets in four games. After O'Neal left in 1996, Orlando started a gradual downward spiral that culminated in the 2003 - 2004 season when they lost 19 consecutive games. They have made it to the playoffs ten times since O'Neal left but usually didn't get past the first round. Richard had bypass heart surgeries in 1983 and 1992 and a transplant in 1997. He is worth about $5 billion.

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DeVos is the father of four children and lives in a large beachfront home in Manalapan, Florida that opens to the bay with boat dock in the back that has deep water access to the Atlantic.

Source: virtualglobetrotting.com