How old is Sam Zell? Where is Sam Zell from?

Real estate investor, Sam Zell was 81 years old at the time of death. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, United States.

He founded the Equity Group Investment in 1968 after trying to be a lawyer for a very brief moment. He was joined by Lurie and went on to grow their business until Lurie passed away in 1990.

The group was in charge of several companies including the Schwinn Bicycle Company, Rev drugstore, Broadway Stores, Santa Fe Energy Resources, mattress company, Sealy, Jacor Communications Inc., and more.

Zell developed interest in real estate at a very young age. While in college, he entered the real estate business and managed a 15-unit apartment building in return for free room-and-board.

He became close with the owner and started managing his other properties, and before he graduated, he was making around $150,000. He was joined by his fraternity brother Robert H. Lurie and won a contract with a large apartment development owner in Ann Arbor.

In 1966, he graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and managed over 4,000 apartments and own 100-200 units outright, with Lurie. However, he sold his interest to Lurie and moved to Chicago shortly after.