Stephen 'Steve' M. Ross is an American businessman, the self-made billionaire Founder and Chairman of The Related Companies, a massive real estate development and property management firm specializing in luxury, large-scale urban projects. His career is rooted in law, finance, and entrepreneurial audacity.

Ross holds a B.A. from The University of Michigan, a J.D. Law degree from Wayne State University Law School, and an LL.M. in Taxation from NYU Law School. His philosophical approach centers on scale, vertical integration (controlling everything from construction to management), and long-term asset hold in prime urban real estate (pioneering mega-development projects). He is the Controlling Owner of the Miami Dolphins (NFL).

• The Related Companies (Founder & Chairman): The core private asset, a major developer of luxury residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties (e.g., Hudson Yards in New York City).
• Miami Dolphins (NFL) (Controlling Owner): The National Football League franchise he acquired a controlling stake in 2009.
• Real Estate Apex: His success is built on scale development and dominating the market for high-end, complex urban renewal projects (a major structural contribution to city skylines).
• Philanthropy: He is a major donor to The University of Michigan (committing $300 million).

Stephen Ross's strategic genius was his commitment to high-density, complex urban development. He founded The Related Companies in 1972, successfully building it into a global powerhouse by specializing in large-scale, transformative urban projects. His structural contribution is immense: pioneering the mega-development model in New York City (e.g., Hudson Yards, the largest private real estate development in U.S. history).

His public focus shifted to sports ownership in 2009 when he acquired a controlling stake in the Miami Dolphins (NFL). His structural contribution is tied to providing foundational stability to the franchise and driving urban revitalization in cities where he builds. His wealth is secured by the colossal, long-term, stable appreciation and cash flow generated by his vast global real estate portfolio.

Stephen Ross's social impact stems from The Related Companies' role in providing essential housing and commercial infrastructure in major U.S. cities, most notably the transformative Hudson Yards project in NYC. He is a major donor to The University of Michigan (funding the Ross School of Business) and supports educational and cultural initiatives, demonstrating a significant commitment to higher education.

His personal philanthropy supports various community and educational initiatives.

Stephen Ross maintains the professional, composed style of a corporate executive. His attire is consistently formal and high-quality, favoring tailored suits. His aesthetic reflects serious authority and stability, typical of a leader in the high-stakes real estate sector.

Residing in New York City and Palm Beach, Florida, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to real estate development, strategic planning, and sports management.