Few individuals have had a greater impact on the world of sports, business, and real estate than Jerry Colangelo. From his humble beginnings on the South Side of Chicago to shaping the landscape of professional basketball, baseball, and urban development in Arizona, his journey is one of vision, perseverance, and leadership. Over the decades, Mr. Colangelo has built teams, transformed cities, and inspired countless individuals with his work ethic and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Our one-on-one conversation explores his life, career, and the lessons he has learned along the way.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your incredible journey?
I think I’ve been very blessed. There have been times when I sit back and wondered, “Why me?” There were plenty of people more skilled or available. Yet, I’ve had these incredible opportunities.
When I reflect on my life, I see a combination of timing, hard work, and faith. There were moments where I could have gone a different direction, but something always seemed to guide me to the right path. Whether it was sports, business, or my family, I always felt that I had a responsibility to make the most of what I had been given.
Talk to us about growing up in Chicago.
My upbringing shaped everything I am today. I grew up on the far South Side in an Italian neighborhood. It was a tough but tight-knit community, where everyone knew each other. Hard work and loyalty were ingrained in us. We didn’t have much, but we shared everything. If one family was struggling, the rest of the neighborhood pitched in. I learned the value of community, and that stuck with me throughout my life. I always thought of myself as a representative of that old neighborhood, no matter where life took me.
I remember running around the streets, playing ball, and hustling to make a few bucks. There was no room for entitlement—we worked for everything. Those lessons stayed with me when I entered the world of sports and business.
What was your first job?
Delivering newspapers—morning, afternoon, and even a couple of weeklies. I had multiple routes, and I knew every house and every customer by name. I did a lot of caddying at country clubs too, lugging golf bags for men who seemed to have the world figured out. I listened to their conversations, picked up on how they carried themselves. I stocked shelves at the grocery store and took on any odd job I could.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was that no job was too small. Work was work, and doing it well meant something. I wasn’t afraid to get my hands dirty. That mentality helped me later in life—whether I was negotiating deals for franchises or sitting courtside watching my team play, I treated every moment with the same level of commitment and respect.
How did you meet your wife, Joan?
It was a blind date. I’ll never forget the moment I saw her—she was beautiful, and I knew right then that she was different. That night, I took her to a party on campus, and at one point, I walked away to talk to some friends. She was sitting alone for a bit, and when I finally came back, I asked if she wanted to dance. She said, “Whatever,” with a smile.
It was a slow, romantic song, and I just went for it—I kissed her, right then and there. She was stunned, but I looked at her and said, “Don’t worry, you’ll never be sorry.” And six months later, we decided to spend the rest of our lives together. We’ve been married for over 64 years now.
You moved to Arizona with just $300 in your pocket.
Yes, it was a leap of faith. I had been with the Chicago Bulls for a short time, but when Phoenix was awarded an expansion team, I was offered the GM job. I flew out here, and it was a stark contrast from Chicago—it was 20 below when I left, and 75 degrees when I landed in Phoenix. I smelled the orange blossoms, saw the sunshine, and I just knew. I called Joan that night and said, “Pack your bags, babe. We’re moving to Phoenix.”
Two weeks later, we arrived with nine suitcases, three young kids, and $300 to our name. No house, no guarantees—just a belief that we were making the right move. Looking back, it was the best decision we ever made.
How did you build the Suns into a respected franchise?
When I arrived, Phoenix wasn’t exactly a basketball town. We had to build a fan base from scratch. I remember telling the media at my first press conference, “This community owes us nothing. We have to earn their support.” And that’s what we did. We focused on building the right team and engaging with the community.
We brought in players like Connie Hawkins and Paul Westphal, and later, Charles Barkley. The 1993 Finals run was one of the most electrifying times in the city. That team—Barkley, Kevin Johnson, Dan Majerle—gave everything they had. We came close to a championship, but just fell short.
Why did you leave the Suns?
After nearly 40 years, I sold the team in 2004. It was a business decision—one that was hard to make. But I knew I had built something that would last, and I had other ventures to focus on, like baseball and USA Basketball.
What was your vision for the Diamondbacks?
I didn’t want us to be just another expansion team. I wanted us to compete immediately. We signed Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, Luis Gonzalez—guys who knew how to win. And in just four years, we won the 2001 World Series against the Yankees.
Describe that moment.
When Gonzo hit that walk-off single, it was surreal. I thought, “Did that really just happen?” I worked my whole life for a championship in basketball, and then won one in baseball. I looked up and said, “Lord, you have a funny sense of humor.”
How did you rebuild USA Basketball?
After the disaster in 2004, I was given full control. I told players, “This isn’t a summer gig. It’s a three-year commitment.” Kobe, LeBron, and others bought in. In 2008, the “Redeem Team” won gold in Beijing. We continued in 2012 and 2016. It was about restoring pride in playing for the USA.
What does wearing your USA Basketball ring mean to you?
It represents everything we accomplished—turning the program around, winning multiple gold medals, and proving that USA Basketball was back where it belonged: on top.
Why did you support bringing the WNBA to Phoenix?
When David Stern pitched the idea, I said, “I’m in.” I believed in women’s basketball and the importance of growing the game. The Mercury were one of the first teams in the league, and seeing them win championships has been incredible.
You also helped bring the Coyotes to Phoenix. What are your thoughts on the team now?
It was a challenge from the start. Hockey in the desert was a gamble, and ownership struggles made it tough. I had hoped for long-term success, but there were too many challenges.
You were instrumental in Phoenix’s real estate development. What was your approach?
Downtown Phoenix was underdeveloped when we built the Suns’ arena and Chase Field. I saw an opportunity to transform the city into a sports and business hub. The arena, the ballpark, the revitalization of downtown—it all played a role in making Phoenix what it is today.
Speaking of real estate you're quite the powerhouse. Tell us about JDM and how that partnership came together.
JDM stands for Jerry, David, and Mel. I met Dave Eaton when I first arrived in Phoenix in 1968 through an organization called Young Life, a non-denominational Christian group. My wife, Joan, had been involved in Young Life back in the early ‘50s, and when she mentioned it in a newspaper interview about our move, Young Life members in Phoenix reached out to welcome us. That’s how I met Dave and his family.
A few years later, I met Mel Shultz, who was about ten years younger than me. Dave is four years older than I am, and over time, we built this partnership based on trust. We’ve been together for over 40 years, and here’s the incredible part—we never had anything in writing. No contracts, no legal documents. Just a handshake. It’s all been based on trust and relationships. That’s how we do business.
How did you approach real estate investment in Arizona?
We knew Arizona was going to explode in growth—it wasn’t a matter of if, but when. We positioned ourselves by acquiring property in areas we knew would be in high demand, like the West Valley. We also made strategic partnerships, like our deal with Howard Hughes Corporation, which was the largest master-planned developer in the country. That was the biggest real estate deal in Arizona history.
What’s your advice to young entrepreneurs in real estate?
Relationships are everything. Business is about trust. I’ve built an entire career on handshakes, looking people in the eye, and making sure my word means something. If you don’t have integrity, you have nothing. Listen more than you talk, be a sponge, and never stop learning. Be willing to take calculated risks—don’t let fear stop you from stepping forward.
What are your thoughts on Arizona’s real estate future?
Arizona is in a top-five growth market. The West Valley is booming, industrial real estate is hot, and residential is shifting positively despite economic changes. The big question is water—do we have enough to support the expansion? The answer is yes, but it’s a political issue. I believe Arizona will continue to thrive, and we’ve positioned ourselves for that future.
How does your background in sports align with your success in real estate?
It’s all about competition, building teams, and having a vision. In sports, you have to plan, adapt, and execute. Real estate is no different. You scout opportunities, make calculated moves, and build relationships. The same drive that pushed me in sports drives me in business. It’s about seeing what’s possible before others do and making it happen.
What are you most proud of?
That I helped shape Phoenix. The Suns, Diamondbacks, Mercury, USA Basketball—they all left a lasting mark. I take pride in knowing that I helped build something that will outlast me.
What advice would you give to young people?
Be a sponge. Surround yourself with smart people, listen more than you talk, and work harder than anyone expects. Success isn’t luck—it’s preparation meeting opportunity. And when that opportunity comes, be ready.
"I’ve built an entire career on handshakes, looking people in the eye, and making sure my word means something."
"We moved to Arizona with nine suitcases, three young kids, and $300. No house, no guarantees—just a belief that we were making the right move. Looking back, it was the best decision we ever made."