Don Peebles Net Worth

What is Don Peebles' Net Worth?

Don Peebles is an American real estate entrepreneur, political activist, and author who has a net worth of $350 million. Don Peebles is best known as the founder, chairman, and CEO of The Peebles Corporation. Over the course of his career, he has built one of the largest Black-owned real estate development firms in the United States, with projects spanning residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors in cities like New York, Miami, Washington, D.C., Boston, and Los Angeles. His company is especially known for luxury developments such as the Royal Palm Hotel in Miami Beach and 108 Leonard in Tribeca, as well as for pursuing public-private partnerships designed to expand opportunities for minority-owned firms. Beyond real estate, Peebles has authored two books—"The Peebles Principles" and "The Peebles Path to Real Estate Wealth"—and has been a frequent media commentator on business and politics. A committed supporter of Democratic candidates and causes, he has also been a prominent advocate for diversity in real estate and finance. His career has made him one of the most influential Black developers in America.

Early Life

Roy Donahue "Don" Peebles Jr. was born on March 2, 1960, in Washington, D.C. Raised by his mother after his parents' divorce, he grew up in modest circumstances but excelled academically. He initially studied pre-med at Rutgers University before deciding to pursue a career in business. Peebles began working as a real estate appraiser in his early twenties, which gave him a foundation in property valuation and sparked his interest in development. By the mid-1980s, he was already pursuing opportunities in Washington, D.C.'s competitive property market.

Rise in Real Estate

Peebles made his first major breakthrough in 1986, when he was awarded a contract to appraise properties for the District of Columbia's Office of Tax and Revenue. Within a few years, he transitioned from appraisals to property development, focusing on projects that combined luxury amenities with public-private partnerships. In 1989, he founded The Peebles Corporation, which would grow into a multibillion-dollar portfolio of developments across the country.

One of his earliest high-profile projects was the Royal Palm Hotel in Miami Beach, a luxury resort developed in the late 1990s as part of the city's effort to include minority developers in large-scale projects. The hotel became a landmark deal, cementing his reputation as a capable developer able to execute complex, large-budget projects.

The Peebles Corporation

Under Peebles' leadership, The Peebles Corporation expanded into multiple U.S. markets, specializing in luxury hotels, high-end condominiums, and mixed-use developments. In New York City, the company has been involved in major projects such as 108 Leonard, a conversion of a historic Tribeca building into luxury residences. In Boston, the company has pursued transformative large-scale projects, while in Los Angeles, it has invested in hospitality and residential developments.

Peebles has consistently emphasized diversity and inclusion in his business model, often partnering with minority- and women-owned firms. He has also been vocal about the need for greater representation of African Americans in real estate development, an industry historically dominated by white-owned companies.

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Author and Media Figure

In addition to his work as a developer, Peebles has built a reputation as a business educator and public speaker. His 2007 book, "The Peebles Principles," outlines his approach to entrepreneurship and leadership in real estate, while his 2008 follow-up, "The Peebles Path to Real Estate Wealth," focuses on guiding aspiring developers through practical steps toward success.

Peebles has been featured frequently in national media, offering commentary on real estate markets, political issues, and diversity in business. He has appeared on outlets ranging from CNBC and Bloomberg to print publications such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Politics and Philanthropy

A longtime supporter of the Democratic Party, Peebles has served as a fundraiser and advisor for numerous candidates, including Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Kamala Harris. He has also considered running for mayor of New York City, though he has not formally pursued elected office. His political involvement has reflected his belief in using economic power to influence policy and expand opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Philanthropically, he has supported education, entrepreneurship, and healthcare initiatives. Through his foundation and personal contributions, Peebles has donated to causes benefiting disadvantaged communities, historically Black colleges and universities, and youth mentorship programs.

Personal Life

Peebles is married to Katrina Peebles, and the couple has two children. The family maintains residences in several cities, including New York and Miami, reflecting both his business interests and personal lifestyle. Despite his wealth and high profile, Peebles has often emphasized the importance of perseverance, discipline, and community engagement in his public statements.

Personal Real Estate

Outside of his corporate projects, Don Peebles has owned and sold several luxury residences in South Florida. He and his wife Katrina lived for years in a sprawling Coral Gables estate known as the "House of Trees," so-named thanks to a canopy of 88 oak trees, which they listed for nearly $15 million and ultimately sold in 2021 for around $13 million. More recently, the couple purchased a home in Wellington's Palm Beach Polo & Country Club, which they sold just six months later for $6.2 million, roughly doubling their initial investment. Here is a video tour of their former "House of Trees" in Coral Gables:

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