Jay Robert Lauer was an American entrepreneur and philanthropist who dedicated his life to helping others. Born on November 8, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Lauer was the youngest of five siblings. He was raised in a middle-class family and was taught the values of hard work, perseverance, and determination from a young age.

Early Life and Education

Lauer's parents were both teachers, and he grew up in a household that emphasized education. He attended public schools in Chicago and graduated from Lane Technical High School in 1973. After high school, he went on to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1977.

While at the University of Illinois, Lauer was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity and was active in student government. He was also involved in various volunteer organizations, including the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.

Career and Business Ventures

After graduating from college, Lauer moved to Los Angeles, California, to pursue a career in business. He worked for several companies in the entertainment industry, including Warner Bros. and MCA/Universal. In 1987, he co-founded a production company called J2 Communications, which produced television shows and commercials for clients such as Nike, Coca-Cola, and McDonald's.

In 1995, Lauer founded his own company, Lauer Enterprises, which focused on real estate development and investment. He also founded several other companies, including Lauer Capital and Lauer Foundation, which focused on philanthropic efforts.

Philanthropy and Community Service

Lauer was a firm believer in giving back to his community, and he devoted much of his time and resources to philanthropic causes. He was a member of the board of directors for several organizations, including the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging, the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, and the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

He also founded the J2 Foundation, which provided funding for various charitable organizations, including the Children's Hospital Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the United Jewish Fund.

Awards and Recognition

Lauer's dedication to philanthropy and community service did not go unnoticed, and he was the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout his life. In 2005, he was awarded the Jewish Federation's highest honor, the Shem Tov Award, for his exceptional leadership and philanthropy.

He was also recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the most influential people in Los Angeles and was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young in 1999.

Personal Life and Legacy

Lauer was a devoted husband and father, and he was married to his wife, Ellen, for over 30 years. They had three children together, and Lauer was known for his unwavering commitment to his family.

Tragically, Lauer passed away on October 17, 2011, at the age of 55, after a long battle with cancer. His legacy, however, lives on through his philanthropic efforts and the impact he made on his community.

Question and Answer About Jay Robert Lauer

Q: What inspired Jay Robert Lauer to become an entrepreneur?

A: Lauer was raised in a family that emphasized education and hard work, and he was inspired by the idea of creating something from nothing. He was also drawn to the idea of being his own boss and having control over his own career.

Response from People Who Knew Jay Robert Lauer

Lauer was known for his generosity, kindness, and dedication to helping others. Those who knew him describe him as a visionary entrepreneur who was always looking for ways to make a difference in his community.

Many of his colleagues and friends have spoken about his inspiring leadership, his unwavering commitment to his family, and his passion for philanthropy. He was truly a remarkable individual who left a lasting impact on those who knew him.

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Conclusion

Jay Robert Lauer was a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist who dedicated his life to helping others. He was a true inspiration to those who knew him, and his legacy lives on through his philanthropic efforts and the impact he made on his community. Lauer's life is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and dedication, and his story serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs and philanthropists around the world.