Jesse Itzler is a name that resonates across multiple industries—music, sports, and business. With a net worth of around $200 million, he has built a dynamic career that stretches far beyond his early days as a rapper.
From co-founding companies like Marquis Jet to owning a stake in the Atlanta Hawks, Itzler has proven his prowess in entrepreneurship. His ability to pivot from one field to another, while maintaining a steady stream of success, is nothing short of remarkable.
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Early Life
Jesse Itzler was born on August 22, 1968, in Roslyn, New York, to Daniel and Elese Itzler. His upbringing in a household driven by innovation and leadership had a lasting impact on his outlook. His father was an inventor, while his mother held the prestigious position of president of the Roslyn Board of Education. Growing up in such an environment, Jesse developed a passion for creativity early on, which led him to explore multiple avenues throughout his life.
Itzler attended Roslyn High School, where he started to nurture his interest in music. After high school, he pursued higher education at American University, earning a degree in justice, law, and society in 1990. While at university, he continued to explore his passion for music, eventually setting the foundation for his future endeavors in the music industry. His early years were marked by a drive to blend his creativity with business, a skill that would later help him transition smoothly from one career to another.
Career Journey
Music Career
Jesse Itzler first gained attention in the early 1990s through his music career. Performing under the stage name “Jesse Jaymes,” he made a splash with his hit single Shake It Like A White Girl, which climbed to #74 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1991. His knack for blending pop and rap caught the attention of the sports industry, leading him to write theme songs for major NBA teams. Notably, his anthem Go NY Go for the New York Knicks became an iconic track during the team’s peak era. He continued to collaborate with various artists and even produced sports anthems that became staples in major arenas across the U.S.
But Itzler’s ambitions stretched far beyond music. His ability to pivot and enter new industries became a hallmark of his career. In 1996, he co-founded Alphabet City Sports Records, a company that specialized in sports-themed music. This venture showed his entrepreneurial instincts, laying the groundwork for his later business successes.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In 2001, Itzler co-founded Marquis Jet, a revolutionary private jet card company. The concept allowed individuals to purchase flight hours without the burden of owning a private jet. This idea gained immense popularity, and Marquis Jet became one of the leading companies in the industry. In 2009, it was sold to NetJets, significantly boosting Itzler’s wealth.
After the sale of Marquis Jet, Itzler continued to expand his business empire. He founded The 100 Mile Group, a brand incubator that partnered with companies like ZICO Coconut Water, helping them grow in the market. His 2015 purchase of the Atlanta Hawks NBA team, along with his wife and a group of investors, further added to his portfolio, making him a prominent figure in the sports world.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Jesse Itzler’s net worth stands at an impressive $200 million. His wealth has come from a variety of ventures that span multiple industries, highlighting his diverse talents and business acumen. Initially, his foray into the music industry provided the first wave of income. However, the bulk of his fortune comes from his entrepreneurial activities, particularly his co-founding of Marquis Jet, one of the largest private jet companies in the world. Marquis Jet was eventually sold to NetJets, adding significantly to his financial portfolio.
In addition to his aviation business, Itzler is also a co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks NBA team, a move that further solidified his standing in the sports industry. His role as an author and motivational speaker adds another revenue stream, with his books Living with a SEAL and Living with the Monks becoming bestsellers. His diverse career has allowed him to create multiple income streams, from songwriting royalties to business ventures. Moreover, Itzler’s wife, Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, is also a billionaire, which boosts their combined financial power.
Personal Life
Jesse Itzler’s personal life is just as eventful as his career. He married Sara Blakely, the billionaire founder of Spanx, in 2008. The couple has four children together and lives an active, adventurous lifestyle. Their relationship began in an unconventional manner—meeting at a poker tournament and bonding over their lack of poker knowledge. Itzler later proposed to Blakely with a creative scavenger hunt, leading to their unique engagement.
The couple’s shared passion for business and personal growth has helped them build a thriving family. Despite their busy schedules, they make time for family activities, often involving fitness and travel. Itzler, known for his love of endurance challenges, regularly participates in marathons and ultra-marathons. This dedication to physical challenges extends into his personal life, where he aims to instill similar values in his children.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
How did Jesse Itzler make his fortune?
Jesse Itzler amassed his wealth primarily through entrepreneurship. His most significant business venture was the co-founding of Marquis Jet in 2001, which was later sold to NetJets.
What is Living with a SEAL about?
Itzler’s Living with a SEAL: 31 Days Training with the Toughest Man on the Planet chronicles his month-long journey training with a retired Navy SEAL, who pushes him to extreme physical and mental limits. The book is a mix of humor, life lessons, and motivational insights. It highlights how stepping out of one’s comfort zone can lead to significant personal growth.
Who is Sara Blakely?
Sara Blakely, Jesse Itzler’s wife, is the founder of Spanx, a company specializing in women’s undergarments. Blakely’s entrepreneurial journey has made her one of the wealthiest self-made women in America, with a net worth of over $1 billion.
Wrapping Up
Jesse Itzler’s journey from a music artist to a multimillionaire entrepreneur and author is nothing short of extraordinary. He built his fortune through strategic business moves like co-founding Marquis Jet and later selling it to NetJets. His ownership stake in the Atlanta Hawks further cements his presence in the business world. Additionally, his work as an author and motivational speaker has earned him recognition far beyond his financial successes.
