Who Is David Siegel?
David Siegel is an American businessman, entrepreneur, and real estate developer best known as the founder and longtime CEO of Westgate Resorts, one of the largest privately owned timeshare companies in the United States. He was born on May 3, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Raised in a Jewish family, Siegel later moved to Florida, where he built a highly successful career in real estate and the hospitality industry.
Siegel founded Westgate Resorts in 1982, starting with a single property in Orlando, Florida. Under his leadership, the company expanded into a nationwide network of luxury timeshare resorts, becoming a major player in the vacation ownership industry. His entrepreneurial vision and business strategy helped him accumulate significant wealth and establish a lasting influence in the real estate sector.
David Siegel also gained international attention through the award-winning documentary The Queen of Versailles (2012), which followed his family and the construction of their enormous Florida mansion, inspired by the Palace of Versailles in France.
In addition to his business success, Siegel has been involved in philanthropy and charitable initiatives, particularly through efforts to raise awareness about drug addiction following the death of his daughter, Victoria Siegel. Today, he is recognized as one of America’s most prominent real estate entrepreneurs and business leaders.
David Siegel Age, Height & Weight
David Siegel was born on May 3, 1935, making him 91 years old as of 2026. He is an American entrepreneur, real estate developer, and businessman best known as the founder of Westgate Resorts, one of the largest privately owned timeshare companies in the United States. Throughout his decades-long career, he has built a successful business empire in the hospitality and vacation ownership industry.
David Siegel stands approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighs around 176 pounds (80 kg). Although he has never officially disclosed his height or weight, these measurements are commonly reported by biographical sources and should be regarded as approximate. He has gray hair and brown eyes and is often recognized for his polished, professional appearance.
Despite his advanced age, Siegel has remained involved in business and philanthropy. In addition to his work with Westgate Resorts, he has supported charitable initiatives through the Victoria’s Voice Foundation, which he and his family established to raise awareness about substance abuse and drug overdose prevention following the death of his daughter, Victoria Siegel.
David Siegel Net Worth (2025 & 2026)
David Siegel built his fortune through real estate development, timeshare resorts, hospitality, and tourism. As the founder of Westgate Resorts, he transformed a small vacation property launched in 1982 into one of the largest privately owned timeshare companies in the United States, with dozens of resort properties across North America.
At the time of his death in April 2025, David Siegel’s personal net worth was widely estimated at around USD $500 million. Although some sources had previously valued his wealth closer to USD $1 billion during the peak of his business career, his net worth was more commonly reported at approximately $500 million in his later years.
For 2025, his estimated net worth is approximately USD $500 million. Since David Siegel passed away in 2025, there is no updated personal net worth for 2026. His estate and business interests continue under his family and the leadership of Westgate Resorts, but any 2026 figure refers to the value of his estate rather than his personal wealth.
Main Sources of David Siegel’s Wealth
- Westgate Resorts timeshare and hospitality business.
- Real estate development and property investments.
- Hotel, resort, and tourism operations.
- Hospitality-related businesses and private investments.
David Siegel is remembered as one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the American timeshare industry. While estimates of his wealth varied over the years, USD $500 million is the figure most commonly cited for his estate at the time of his passing.
David Siegel Early Life
David Siegel was born on May 3, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, United States, into a Jewish family. When he was a child, his family relocated to Miami, Florida, where he spent most of his early years. Growing up during a period of economic change, Siegel developed an early interest in business and entrepreneurship.
He attended Miami Senior High School before enrolling at the University of Miami, where he studied marketing and management. Although he attended college, he left before completing his degree to pursue business opportunities. His decision to enter the business world at a young age proved to be a turning point in his career.
Before founding Westgate Resorts, Siegel worked in several sales and real estate-related ventures, gaining valuable experience in marketing, property development, and customer service. In 1970, he established Central Florida Investments, Inc. (CFI), which later became the parent company of Westgate Resorts.
His entrepreneurial vision and willingness to take risks laid the foundation for one of the largest privately owned timeshare companies in the United States. The lessons he learned during his early years helped shape his success as a real estate developer, businessman, and philanthropist.
David Siegel Biography & Personal Information
| Personal Information | Details |
| Full Name | David Alan Siegel |
| Known As | David Siegel |
| Date of Birth | May 3, 1935 |
| Date of Death | April 5, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 89 years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Birth Sign | Taurus |
| Ethnicity | Jewish-American |
| Religion | Judaism |
| Profession | Businessman, Entrepreneur, Real Estate Developer |
| Famous For | Founder and longtime CEO of Westgate Resorts |
| Education | Miami Senior High School; attended the University of Miami (Marketing and Management) |
| Height | Approximately 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 176 lbs (80 kg) |
| Hair Color | Gray |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Marital Status | Married (at the time of his death) |
| Spouse | Jacqueline “Jackie” Siegel |
| Children | 13 |
| Residence | Windermere, Florida, United States |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | Approximately USD $500 million (estimated at the time of his death) |
| Notable Company | Westgate Resorts |
| Known For | Building one of the largest privately owned timeshare companies in the U.S. and appearing in the documentary The Queen of Versailles |
David Siegel Career & Achievements
David Siegel began his entrepreneurial career in real estate and property development before founding Central Florida Investments, Inc. (CFI) in 1970. In 1982, he launched Westgate Resorts, starting with a single timeshare property in Orlando, Florida. Under his leadership, the company expanded into one of the largest privately owned timeshare resort businesses in the United States, operating dozens of resorts across popular vacation destinations.
As the founder and longtime CEO of Westgate Resorts, Siegel played a major role in shaping the vacation ownership industry. The company grew to serve hundreds of thousands of owners and became a recognized name in hospitality and tourism. His business success made him one of the most prominent real estate entrepreneurs in America.
Siegel also gained international attention through the acclaimed 2012 documentary The Queen of Versailles, which followed his family and the construction of their lavish Florida home. Following the tragic death of his daughter, Victoria Siegel, he and his wife, Jackie Siegel, became strong advocates for drug awareness and overdose prevention through the Victoria’s Voice Foundation.
Key Achievements
- Founded Central Florida Investments, Inc. (CFI) in 1970.
- Established Westgate Resorts in 1982, growing it into one of the largest privately owned timeshare companies in the United States.
- Built a nationwide portfolio of luxury vacation resorts serving hundreds of thousands of owners.
- Became one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the U.S. hospitality and vacation ownership industry.
- Featured in the award-winning documentary The Queen of Versailles (2012), which brought international attention to his business and family.
- Supported charitable initiatives through the Victoria’s Voice Foundation, promoting drug education and overdose prevention.
- Left a lasting legacy in real estate, hospitality, and philanthropy through decades of business leadership and community involvement.
David Siegel Awards & Recognition
David Siegel received numerous honors throughout his career for his achievements in real estate development, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. As the founder of Westgate Resorts, he was recognized as one of the pioneers of the vacation ownership industry in the United States.
Major Awards & Honors
- ARDA Lifetime Achievement Award (2025) – Honored by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) for his lasting contributions to the timeshare and vacation ownership industry.
- ARDA ACE Philanthropy Award (2020) – Recognized for his charitable work through the Victoria’s Voice Foundation, which raises awareness about opioid addiction and overdose prevention.
- Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Florida) – Received this prestigious award for his outstanding leadership and entrepreneurial success in Florida’s real estate and hospitality industries.
- Honorary Doctorate from Florida A&M University – Awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his business accomplishments and community service.
- Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame (2013) – Inducted by the University of Central Florida for his significant impact on Central Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry.
- ARDA National Community Service Award – Honored for his dedication to philanthropy and community service through the Westgate Resorts Foundation and other charitable initiatives.
Career Recognition
- Founded Westgate Resorts, growing it into one of the world’s largest privately owned timeshare companies.
- Recognized as a visionary leader who helped shape the modern vacation ownership industry.
- Supported numerous charitable causes, especially through Victoria’s Voice Foundation, advocating for drug education and overdose prevention.
- Remembered as one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the American hospitality and real estate sectors.
FAQ About David Siegel
Q1: Who was David Siegel?
A: David Siegel was an American businessman, real estate developer, and entrepreneur best known as the founder and longtime CEO of Westgate Resorts.
Q2: When and where was David Siegel born?
A: He was born on May 3, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
Q3: When did David Siegel pass away?
A: David Siegel passed away on April 5, 2025, at the age of 89.
Q4: What was David Siegel famous for?
A: He was famous for building Westgate Resorts into one of the largest privately owned timeshare companies in the United States and for appearing in the documentary The Queen of Versailles.
Q5: What was David Siegel’s estimated net worth?
A: At the time of his death in 2025, his estimated net worth was approximately USD $500 million, although the exact figure was not publicly confirmed.
Q6: Who was David Siegel’s wife?
A: He was married to Jacqueline “Jackie” Siegel, a businesswoman, philanthropist, and television personality.
Q7: How many children did David Siegel have?
A: David Siegel had 13 children.
Q8: What company did David Siegel found?
A: He founded Westgate Resorts, a leading vacation ownership and hospitality company, as well as Central Florida Investments, Inc. (CFI).
Q9: What charitable work was David Siegel involved in?
A: Along with his wife, he co-founded the Victoria’s Voice Foundation, which raises awareness about substance abuse and works to prevent drug overdose deaths.
Q10: What is David Siegel’s legacy?
A: David Siegel is remembered as a pioneering real estate entrepreneur, a leader in the vacation ownership industry, and a philanthropist dedicated to helping families through education and addiction awareness.