STEVEN CRAIG
Founder, Chief Executive
Craig Realty Group
Newport Beach
Born in St. Joseph, Missouri
Age: 63
Lives in Newport Coast
WHY: In 1995, founded firm that owns, operates and manages nearly 5 million square feet of existing retail development that includes 15 centers in eight states across the U.S., including Outlets at San Clemente and Outlets at Barstow. Many other business interests. Is also chairman of OC political group, New Majority.
HOW: From 1984 to 1993, was partner in Ginsburg Craig, which developed successful Desert Hills Premium Outlets, located in Cabazon on the (10) Freeway near Palm Springs. In 1993, Craig and his associates merged into another, larger company named Chelsea Property Group, now a subsidiary of Simon Properties, where Craig was chief operating officer and director.
RECENT: Acquired 15th shopping center, Tulare Outlets in the Central Valley of California. “We will put our ‘magic dust’ on this property and make it ‘the place to be!’”
FAST FACT: Outlets at San Clemente annual sales growth has exceeded that of all of our other centers. Since its exterior signage has been installed, sales at the center have grown at a rate that is double the national average.
QUOTABLE: “We envision Outlets at San Clemente to become a community treasure in Orange County, and I’m confident this center will redefine what consumers expect from outlet shopping.”
PERSONAL: Hometown St. Joseph, Missouri. Moved to California to attend Santa Ana College and then transferred to University of Southern California, where he earned a bachelor’s degree. After giving graduation speech at his hometown university, Missouri Western State, became involved in its business education program when he asked department leaders why they didn’t have a full-fledged business school. They said they had been working on it for 13 years but need more money to obtain accreditation. He donated $5.5 million to fund the school, which is now called Craig School of Business at Missouri Western State University. More recently, MWSU named its football field after him.
