Creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship: The case of H. Wayne Huizenga

This case focuses on one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the U.S. during the 1980s and 1990s, H. Wayne Huizenga. Huizenga amassed a fortune of $2.3 billion, but was still seeking out new ventures. Several questions are located at the end of the case. Students are expected to answer these questions based on the content in the case. However, at points, students may have to gather their own information when necessary, outside of the case. The case was written primarily for undergraduate students in entrepreneurship and business strategy. This case can be best used either in the startup or growth stage of entrepreneurship curriculum. The course can be taught in one hour and twenty minutes and students should spend four hours of research preparing for the case. The case begins with the background and personality of H. Wayne Huizenga, the 546th richest man in the world. Huizenga was the only person in history to build three Fortune 1000 companies and the only person to build six NYSE-listed companies. He was also the only person to ever own three professional sports teams in a single market. Huizenga created and grew Waste Management, Inc., Blockbuster Inc., and Republic Industries along with the countless other businesses that he invested in during his career (e.g., security alarms, professional sports franchises, hotels, portable toilets, lawn care, bottled water, pest control, billboards, and machine parts washing service). Students will have the opportunity to learn about Huizenga's background, keys to success, and strategies used to start and grow some of his businesses. Furthermore, students are required to make recommendations to Huizenga based on today's economic environment to expand Huizenga's business empire.