Glenn Straub: "we buy companies every six months. One of the companies we own does sporting events. This works on that same basis. For us it's just another job."

South Florida CEO, Sept, 2004

The Player: Palm Beach County entrepreneur Glenn Straub, 56

Latest Play: Straub paid $28 million at auction for the Miami Arena, besting Miami parking magnate Jacob "Hank" Sopher. The one-time home of both the Florida Panthers and the Miami Heat has steadily lost money since the American Airlines Arena opened in downtown Miami four years ago.

Background: Straub made his fortune in mining, manufacturing, oil and gas. He owns the Palm Beach Polo Golf & Country Club, in Wellington, which he says he bought for his wife, and Dania-based Broward Yachts Inc., which, he says, belongs to his kids. "I bought it because it was there and unique and we buy things that need to be turned around," Straub says.

Ambition: Straub plans to run the arena "as is." By hosting 105 events a year it will break even, Straub claims, adding that there are 20 types of events that could be hosted at the venue, including hockey, arena football and horse shows. "We'll give it two years to see if we can turn it around. If not, we'll raze it and build condos, or whatever."