28 Famous Celebrities & Entrepreneurs Who Live in Naples, and Southwest Florida

Nestled in sunny Florida, Southwest Florida has long been popular for those looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle. In recent years, however, it has also become a magnet for some of the biggest household names, which is hardly surprising considering the abundance of luxury homes and golf courses. Let’s look closer at the celebrities and entrepreneurs who call Naples home… Naples’s famous people!

If you are also looking to call Naples or Southwest Florida home, Matt Brown stands as a distinguished Naples specialist at William Raveis Real Estate, the #1 real estate brokerage firm in the United States. With over two decades of experience, Matt’s expertise in luxury home sales, waterfront homes and condos, golf communities, and unique residences places him in the top 1% of real estate agents nationwide.

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Tom Golisano founded Paychex, a leading payroll and human resource service provider for small to medium-sized businesses. He is also known for his philanthropy, establishing the Golisano Children’s Museum and Children’s Hospitals. As of 4/2023, Tom Golisano had an estimated net worth of $4.9 billion. Golisano resides in a luxurious waterfront home on 2 acres in the prestigious Port Royal neighborhood, considered the most expensive zip code in the United States.

Shahid Khan is a Pakistani-American entrepreneur and the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, a professional American football team in the National Football League (NFL). Khan made his fortune as the founder of Flex-N-Gate, a global automotive parts supplier, and is now among the wealthiest people in the world. He purchased the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012 and has invested heavily in the team, including renovating their stadium and signing high-profile players.

In addition to his ownership of the Jaguars, Khan is also involved in various philanthropic endeavours, including donating millions of dollars to support education and healthcare initiatives in his hometown of Lahore, Pakistan. In 2023, he ranked 144th in the Forbes Billionaires list of wealthiest Americans and Khan’s net worth is $12.1 billion.  Mr Khan resides in Park Shore, on Gulf Shore Blvd, in a luxury Naples condo.

John Legere is an American businessman who is best known for his tenure as the CEO of T-Mobile US from 2012 to 2020. He is known for his unconventional approach to leadership and for turning around the struggling mobile carrier, increasing its customer base and market value. He is also recognized for his distinctively personal style, including his iconic magenta wardrobe and outspoken personality. John recently sold his Galleon Drive Port Royal home for $46.8 million.

Scott Kapnick is an American investment banker and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Highbridge Capital Management, a global alternative investment firm that manages hedge funds, private equity, and credit funds. Kapnick has had an extensive career in finance, having served as the global head of Mergers & Acquisitions at Goldman Sachs.

He is also known for his philanthropy, having donated to several organizations, including the Robin Hood Foundation, which fights poverty in New York City. As of 2023, his net worth is $1.9B.  Scott Kapnick lives in, you guessed it, the elite Naples neighborhood of Port Royal, on Rum Row and owns 2 properties on Keewaydin Island.

Reinhold Schmieding is a German-American businessman and the founder of Arthrex, a medical device company specializing in orthopedic surgery. He owns a 95% stake in the company, headquartered in North Naples, Florida. Schmieding started Arthrex in 1981 to develop innovative products to improve surgical outcomes and patient care.

Today, Arthrex is a leading manufacturer of surgical instruments, implants, and technologies used in orthopedic surgeries, with operations in over 100 countries worldwide. Schmieding’s leadership and entrepreneurial spirit have earned him numerous accolades, including being named Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010. As of 2022, his approximate net worth is $7.7 billion as of 4/2023.  Mr. Schmieding’s lives on 1.42 acres in Pine Ridge Estates.

Richard Schulze is an American entrepreneur and businessman. He is best known as the founder of Best Buy, a multinational consumer electronics retailer. Schulze started the company in 1966 as a single store in St. Paul, Minnesota, and grew it into one of the largest electronics retailers in the world. He served as the CEO of Best Buy until 2002 and remained chairman until 2012.

Schulze has also dove into other ventures, including forming the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, which supports education, health, and human services initiatives. Additionally, he is a philanthropist who has donated millions of dollars to charitable causes, including the University of St. Thomas, where he sits on the Board of Trustees. His estimated net worth is $3.7 billion as of 4/2023.  Richard Schulze sold his lavish Bonita Bay mansion in 2020 in Bonita Springs and is believed to be building a Naples oceanfront home on Gordon Drive in Port Royal.

Peter Gilgan is a Canadian billionaire and founder of Mattamy Homes, the largest privately owned homebuilder in North America, with a net worth of $3.4 billion as of April 2023. He has built more than 100,000 houses since then Gilgan turned Mattamy Homes into the largest closely held home-construction company in North America over four decades and is currently working as a Mattamy Asset Management Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Mattamy Homes. In 2018, Peter bought a 5.5-acre Port Royal beachfront estate on Gordon Drive for $48.8 million, levelled everything to the dirt, and is now building an impressive net-zero energy mega-mansion.

William Stone is an American entrepreneur and financial technology innovator. He is the founder and CEO of SS&C Technologies, a global investment management software and services provider. Stone started the company in 1986 with a vision of revolutionizing the investment management industry through technology. Under his leadership, SS&C has grown into a publicly traded company with over 22,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

Stone is recognized for his entrepreneurship and contributions to the financial technology industry. He received numerous accolades and awards, including being named one of Forbes’ Top 25 Most Innovative Growth Companies in 2011. He is also a philanthropist who has supported various charitable organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project. As of 4/2023, William Stone’s estimated net worth is $2.2 billion.  He resides in a magnificent beachfront home in Old Naples, neighboring Aqualane Shores and Coquina Sands.

Larry Bird is a retired American professional basketball player, coach, and executive. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, having won three NBA championships, three MVP awards, and two Finals MVP awards during his career with the Boston Celtics. After retiring as a player, Bird became a coach and led the Indiana Pacers to the NBA Finals in 2000. He then transitioned to a role as an executive, serving as the president of basketball operations for the Pacers and later the general manager of the Orlando Magic. Bird has been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player and coach, cementing his legacy as one of the most successful figures in basketball history.  The basketball legend lives in Park Shore in the center of Naples.

Neal Boortz is an American author, radio host, and political commentator. He is best known for hosting “The Neal Boortz Show,” a nationally syndicated talk radio program from 1993 to 2013. He has authored several books, including “The FairTax Book,” which advocates replacing the federal income tax with a national sales tax. Boortz received numerous accolades throughout his career, including induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2009.  Neal Boortz owns a stunning Bay Colony, Pelican Bay beachfront condo overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

Mary Carillo is an American sports broadcaster and former professional tennis player. She is best known for her work as a tennis analyst for NBC Sports and the Tennis Channel, providing insightful commentary and analysis of major tennis tournaments, including the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Carillo began her tennis career in the late 1970s, retired from professional tennis in 1980, and transitioned to a career in broadcasting. Carillo has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality in 2010.  Mary Carillo currently resides in Old Naples.

Mike Ditka is a retired NFL coach and player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in league history. He served as an assistant coach with the Dallas Cowboys for several years before being named head coach of the Bears in 1982. Under his leadership, the Bears became one of the most dominant teams in the NFL, winning Super Bowl in 1985.  Mike resides in North Naples in a gated community.

Newt Gingrich is a prominent American politician, historian, and author, best known for his role as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 1999. He began his political career in 1978 and quickly rose to prominence within the Republican Party. Despite his many accomplishments, Gingrich’s career has been marked by controversy, including allegations of ethics violations and infidelity. Mr Gingrich acquired a golf community home in Quail West home in 2021.

Sean Hannity is an American television and radio host, author, and political commentator, best known for hosting the talk show “Hannity” on Fox News. He began his career in radio broadcasting in the 1980s and became a prominent figure in conservative media, hosting his TV show on Fox News since 1996. In addition to his media career, Hannity is also an accomplished author. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Marconi Award for Excellence in Radio Broadcasting and the Freedom of Speech Award from Talkers Magazine.  His home is in Moraya Bay, a modern high-rise development in Vanderbilt Beach.

John Kruk is a former American professional baseball player who played for the San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago White Sox from 1986 to 1995. He played as a first baseman and outfielder, was a three-time All-Star, and won a Silver Slugger Award in 1993. After retirement, Kruk became a television analyst for ESPN and has been a popular personality for over two decades. He owns Kruk’s Philly Steaks in North Naples as well.  John Kruk lives in midtown Naples near Kensington Golf & Country Club.

Alex Lifeson is a Canadian musician and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist of the progressive rock band Rush. Lifeson’s distinctive guitar playing style, which blends intricate arpeggios, power chords, and complex time signatures, has become a hallmark of Rush’s music. Throughout his career, Lifeson has been recognized as one of the greatest rock music guitarists and inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Alex reportedly lives in the Bay Colony neighborhood of Pelican Bay.

Rocco Mediate is a retired American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour for over 25 years. During his career, Mediate won six PGA Tour events, including the prestigious Players Championship in 1991. He is also known for his memorable duel with Tiger Woods in the 2008 US Open, which he eventually lost on the first sudden-death playoff hole. In addition to his success on the course, Mediate is admired for his friendly and engaging personality and was considered one of the most well-liked players on tour.

Dr Perlmutter is known for being a six-time New York Times bestselling author and for having a holistic private Neurology practice in Naples, Florida. His books have been published in 32 languages, and include Grain Brain, The Surprising Truth About Wheat, Carbs and Sugar, (with over 1 million copies in print) as well as Brain Maker The Grain Brain Cookbook, The Grain Brain Whole Life Plan, Brain Wash, and most recently Drop Acid. Dr. Perlmutter has received numerous prestigious awards and has been pivotal in reshaping nutrition and medicine. The local doctor celebrity has a waterfront home in Moorings.

John Schnatter is an American entrepreneur and the founder of the pizza chain Papa John’s. He started the company in 1984 by selling pizzas from the back of his father’s tavern in Indiana. Schnatter remains a prominent figure in the business world, even after stepping down from the company, and has continued to invest in various ventures.  Schnatter has lived in Bay Colony, a Pelican Bay exclusive neighborhood, for over 20 years.

Rick Scott is an American businessman and politician serving as a United States Florida Senator. Before his political career, Scott co-founded Columbia Hospital Corporation, which grew into the largest for-profit hospital company in the United States. He later founded Solantic Corporation, a chain of urgent care clinics, before being elected as the 45th Governor of Florida in 2010. As Governor, Scott focused on creating jobs and cutting taxes, earning a reputation as a fiscal conservative. He was re-elected in 2014 before being elected to the United States Senate in 2018.  Senator Scott lives in Port Royal in an oceanfront estate home.

Bob Seger is an American rock musician, singer, and songwriter, known for his distinctive raspy voice and hits such as “Night Moves,” “Old Time Rock and Roll,” and “Like a Rock.” He began his music career in the 1960s. Seger achieved commercial success in the 1970s and 1980s, releasing many successful albums and singles. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has sold over 75 million records worldwide. Seger’s music is a blend of rock, folk, and country, with lyrics that often touch on nostalgia and working-class life themes. He is regarded as one of his generation’s most influential and successful musicians.

Jane Seymour is an English-American actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows. Seymour’s breakout role came in 1973 when she played Bond girl Solitaire in the James Bond film “Live and Let Die.” She has since starred in various movies and TV shows, including the popular 1990s TV series “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” for which she earned a Golden Globe award. Seymour is also known for her philanthropic work, including supporting various charities focused on children’s health and welfare. She has been honored with numerous awards for her humanitarian efforts.

Judge Judy Sheindlin is a retired American judge and television personality best known for her long-running syndicated TV show, “Judge Judy.” She served as a judge in New York City’s family court system for over 20 years before retiring in 1996. After her retirement, Sheindlin began hosting “Judge Judy,” a courtroom reality show in which she presided over real small claims cases with a no-nonsense approach. The show became a rating hit and has been on the air for over 25 years, making Sheindlin one of the most recognizable faces on television. Sheindlin has also authored several books and is involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting educational initiatives and advocating for animal welfare.  She has been spotted around town and rumored to have a home in Bay Colony, Pelican Bay.

Dave Wannstedt is a former NFL head coach who achieved success with both the Miami Dolphins and the Chicago Bears. Wannstedt first rose to prominence as a defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s before taking over as head coach of the Bears in 1993. He led the team to the playoffs in his first year and to a division title in 1994.  He has a home in Aqualane Shores on Gordon Drive, the iconic Port Royal drive crawling with multi-million dollar homes.

Fuzzy Zoeller is a retired American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour from 1975 to 2002. Zoeller won ten PGA Tour events, including the 1979 Masters Tournament and the 1984 US Open. In addition to his golf career, Zoeller is involved in various charitable endeavors, including his Fuzzy’s Charities foundation, which benefits underprivileged children and military veterans.  Fuzzy lives in the prominent Talis Park golf community in North Naples near Mediterra.

Mary Kay Ash founded Mary Kay Cosmetics, one of the world’s largest and most successful direct-selling companies. Ash launched her business in 1963, and Mary Kay Cosmetics quickly became a massive success with its innovative business model focusing on empowering women.

Today, Mary Kay Cosmetics is a global company with millions of independent beauty consultants worldwide. Ash’s legacy as a pioneer in the direct selling industry continues to inspire women worldwide.  While alive, Mary Kay had an iconic pink waterfront mansion in Port Royal.

Donna Summer was an American singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the 1970s as the “Queen of Disco.” She started her music career as a backup vocalist for various artists. Summer was also known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence and is considered one of the most influential artists in the disco genre. In her later years, Summer was diagnosed with lung cancer, which she believed was caused by inhaling toxic particles during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City. In 2013. When alive, Donna Summer resided at the distinguished Ritz-Carlton Tiburón Golf Resort, one of Naples’s finest golf communities. Interested in Tiburón golf community homes?  We have a beauty currently for sale, 2581 Escada Drive.

Southwest Florida has become a popular destination for many famous people seeking a luxurious, under-the-sun lifestyle. The area offers many luxury homes and amenities, from stunning waterfront homes to exclusive golf communities. Whether it’s the pristine beaches, world-class shopping, or vibrant cultural scene, Naples and Southwest Florida have something to offer everyone. While it’s exciting to catch a glimpse of a celebrity out and about, it’s also a testament to the beauty and allure of this remarkable region. If you want to join the fun and are unsure which neighborhood is right for you, please check out our top Naples neighborhoods blog post.

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If you would like to search for Naples luxury homes for sale, we invite you to check out these three key defined property searches.