Eli Broad’s parents, Rita and Leon Broad, were Lithuanian immigrants who instilled a solid work ethic in their only child. Leon ran a five-and-dime in Detroit, and Rita was a dressmaker.
Eli Broad graduated from high school in 1951 and, after graduating from Michigan State University in 1954, would go on to become the youngest certified public accountant in Michigan history.
Eli Broad proposed to Edythe “Edye” Lawson after only a few dates, promising her a comfortable life.
Eli and Edye Broad celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2004. To mark the occasion, Eli underwrote an opera by Los AngelesOperain Edye’shonor, and Plácido Domingo sang at their anniversary party.
Eli and Edye Broad have two sons, Jeffrey (far right) and Gary (far left).
Eli Broad and Donald Kaufman started a homebuilding company in Detroit in 1957, offering homes without basements and with mortgage payments less than the rent for a two-bedroom apartment.
Eli Broad celebrates a company ...
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