Joseph Moinian, born on February 25, 1954, in Tehran, Iran, is a prominent American investor, real estate developer, and philanthropist . His early years were influenced by his father, Ayoub Moinian, also a real estate developer , which played a role in shaping Joseph’s future endeavors in the same field. At the age of 17, Moinian moved to the United States by himself, settling in Forest Hills, Queens, and attended Forest Hills High School . Though he started a degree in business administration at The City College of New York, he did not complete it before diving into his professional career . Moinian's first job in America was in the kitchen of the Cozy Corner restaurant in Forest Hills, Queens . He soon pivoted to the textile industry, where he launched "Billy Jack for Her," a successful women’s apparel company named after the 1971 movie "Billy Jack" . Utilizing the profits from this venture, Moinian turned his attention to real estate. In 1982, Moinian founded The Moinian Group, using the earnings from his apparel business to invest in his first property, the 450-460 Park Avenue South building in Manhattan .
Over the years, The Moinian Group has flourished into one of the largest privately-held real estate companies in the United States, boasting a portfolio of over 20 million square feet across major cities including New York, Miami, Dallas, and Los Angeles . The firm is known for developing state-of-the-art properties in various asset categories, such as office, hotel, retail, and residential sectors . Some notable properties developed by The Moinian Group include 3 Columbus Circle, 3 Hudson Boulevard, and Willis Tower . The firm’s continued growth and prominence in the real estate industry are evident in its substantial portfolio and development activities, which were highlighted when The Moinian Group was named Manhattan's fifth most active developer in 2018 by The Real Deal, with 2.6 million square feet of development activity . Joseph Moinian’s contributions extend beyond the realm of business. In 2010, he served as the chairman of the UJA-Federation of New York and remains an active member on its highest committee . He is a co-founder and board member of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, to which he donated approximately $5 million .
Additionally, Moinian supports various philanthropic organizations such as The Special Children's Center in New Jersey, and the Sephardic Heritage Alliance . His leadership and influence in the real estate industry have not gone unrecognized. In 2019, he was ranked 29th in The Commercial Observer's Power 100 list of the most powerful players in commercial real estate . Joseph Moinian’s journey from a young immigrant to a leading real estate mogul underscores his vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to philanthropy. Through The Moinian Group, he has made significant impacts on the landscape of American real estate while contributing to numerous charitable causes.
References:
Moinian.com
The Real Deal