William J. Pulte
William J Pulte | |
|---|---|
| Born | William John Pulte May 16, 1932 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | March 7, 2018 Naples, Florida, U.S. |
| Known for | Founder of PulteGroup |
| Height | 5'8 |
| Spouse |
Karen Koppal (m. 1993) |
| Children | 14 |
William John Pulte was the founder and chairman of PulteGroup, one of the largest home construction and real estate development companies in the United States.
Biography
Early life and education
Pulte attended De La Salle Collegiate High School in Detroit. He was a three sport varsity athlete in football, track and basketball.[1]
Career
In 1950, just after graduating high school, Pulte and 5 friends built a 5-room bungalow near Detroit City Airport, which they sold for $10,000.[2]
In 1956, he founded William J. Pulte Inc.[3] In 1959, he built his first subdivision.[2][3]
In 2016, after Richard Dugas Jr., the former chief executive officer of the company, moved the headquarters of the company from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan to Atlanta and initiated a change in direction for the company, Bill Pulte, who owned 9% of the company, and his grandson, also named Bill Pulte, pressured Dugas to resign. Dugas resigned, and the stock price went up.[4]
Death
Pulte had 14 children (and was predeceased by one). He divorced his first wife, and married Karen Koppal in 1993.[citation needed] Pulte died at his home in Naples, Florida, on March 7, 2018, at the age of 85.[5][3][2]
References
- ^ Schuler, Joe (2006). Building a Legacy (The Bill Pulte Story). SangFroid Press. ISBN 978-0917939129.
- ^ a b c PINHO, KIRK (March 7, 2018). "PulteGroup founder William Pulte dies at age 85". Crain Communications.
- ^ PINHO, KIRK (April 4, 2016). "PulteGroup chairman, CEO Dugas to retire under pressure". Crain Communications.
- ^ Kirkham, Chris (March 7, 2018). "Bill Pulte, Who Made Home-Building a Big Business, Dies at 85". The Wall Street Journal.