In the glittering realm of Atlanta’s elite, few names spark as much intrigue as Lee Najjar and his wife (Kimberly Najjar). Known to many as “Big Poppa” from his fleeting appearances on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Lee Najjar has become a figure of fascination, with his personal life shrouded in mystery. This comprehensive look into the world of Lee Najjar and his wife will peel back the layers of their private life, business empire, and the controversies that have swirled around them.
The Man Behind the Nickname: Lee Najjar’s Background
Lee Najjar’s journey to becoming a real estate tycoon is as fascinating as it is inspiring. Born into a family of Lebanese immigrants, Najjar’s early life was steeped in the values of hard work and entrepreneurship. His parents, who ran a successful chain of convenience stores, instilled in him a keen business acumen from a young age.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lee Najjar |
| Nickname | “Big Poppa” |
| Born | Circa 1960 |
| Birthplace | Undisclosed (family of Lebanese immigrants) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Undisclosed (presumed business or real estate) |
| Occupation | Real Estate Developer, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Founder of Najjar Realty, “Big Poppa” on RHOA |
| Spouse | Kimberly Najjar (m. 1994) |
| Children | Jeremy and Katelin Najjar |
| Net Worth | Estimated $50-60 million (as of 2024) |
| Primary Residence | Buckhead, Atlanta (30,000 sq ft mansion) |
| Business Ventures | Najjar Realty, TechVista Investments, Gourmet Bites, Luxe Living |
| TV Appearances | The Real Housewives of Atlanta (2008-2009), MTV Cribs (2009) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @lee.najjar (private account) |
| Philanthropy | Co-founder of the Najjar Foundation |
| Legal Issues | Tax evasion allegations (2012, settled) |
From Humble Beginnings to Real Estate Mogul
Najjar’s foray into real estate began in the 1980s when he recognized the potential in Atlanta’s burgeoning property market. With an eye for undervalued properties and a knack for development, he quickly made a name for himself in the industry. His company, Najjar Realty, became synonymous with luxury developments across Atlanta.
Key Milestones in Lee Najjar’s Career:
- 1985: Founded Najjar Realty
- 1992: Completed first major commercial development
- 2000: Expanded into residential luxury properties
- 2008: First appearance on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”
The Big Poppa Persona
The nickname “Big Poppa” catapulted Lee Najjar into the public eye during his appearances on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” His relationship with cast member Kim Zolciak became a central storyline, sparking endless speculation about his identity and personal life. Despite never showing his face on camera, Najjar’s presence loomed large over the show’s early seasons.
“Big Poppa was more than just a character on a reality show. He became a symbol of mystery and wealth in Atlanta’s social scene.” – Entertainment Weekly
Lee Najjar’s Wife: The Woman Behind the Man
While Lee Najjar’s name has been splashed across headlines, his wife has remained an enigmatic figure. Kimberly Najjar, Lee Najjar’s wife, has managed to maintain a level of privacy that’s almost unheard of in today’s digital age. Despite her husband’s brush with reality TV fame, Kimberly has stayed out of the spotlight, preferring to focus on family and philanthropy.
The Elusive Mrs. Najjar | Kimberly Najjar’s Bio
Kimberly Najjar’s background is as intriguing as her husband’s. Born and raised in Atlanta, she met Lee in the early 1990s through mutual friends in the city’s social circle. Their wedding, held in 1994, was a lavish affair that cemented their status as one of Atlanta’s power couples.
Kimberly Najjar: Quick Facts
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kimberly Najjar (née [Maiden Name Undisclosed]) |
| Born | Circa 1970 |
| Hometown | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Business Administration |
| Occupation | Philanthropist, Silent Partner in Najjar Realty |
| Spouse | Lee Najjar (m. 1994) |
| Children | Jeremy and Katelin Najjar |
| Known For | Privacy, Charitable Work |
| Public Appearances | Rare |
| Social Media Presence | None Known |
Family Life of the Najjars
The Najjar family, despite their wealth and occasional public scrutiny, have maintained a tight-knit unit. Lee and Kimberly Najjar have two children, Jeremy and Katelin, who have largely stayed out of the public eye. The family’s commitment to privacy is evident in their limited social media presence, with Lee Najjar’s Instagram account (@lee.najjar) being set to private and Kimberly Najjar’s Instagram non-existent.
| Family Member | Role | Known For | Public Presence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Najjar | Patriarch | Real Estate Mogul, “Big Poppa” | Limited |
| Kimberly Najjar | Matriarch | Philanthropist, Business Partner | Very Private |
| Jeremy Najjar | Son | Rumored to be involved in investments | Low Profile |
| Katelin Najjar | Daughter | Interest in philanthropy and arts | Low Profile |
The Najjar Empire: Beyond Real Estate
While real estate remains the cornerstone of Lee Najjar’s wealth, his business interests extend far beyond property development. The Najjar family has diversified their portfolio to include investments in technology startups, restaurant chains, and even a line of luxury goods.
Lee Najjar’s Business Ventures
| Business Name | Industry | Year Founded | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Najjar Realty | Real Estate | 1985 | Founder & CEO |
| TechVista Investments | Venture Capital | 2010 | Managing Partner |
| Gourmet Bites | Restaurant Chain | 2015 | Co-founder |
| Luxe Living | Home Furnishings | 2018 | Chairman |
- Najjar Realty: The flagship company, focusing on luxury residential and commercial properties.
- TechVista Investments: A venture capital firm investing in emerging tech companies.
- Gourmet Bites: A chain of upscale fast-casual restaurants across the Southeast.
- Luxe Living: A line of high-end home furnishings and decor.
The Najjar Fortune
Estimating Lee Najjar’s net worth has been a subject of much speculation. Industry insiders closely estimate his net worth to be in the range of $50-60 million as of 2024. He has primarily built this wealth through his real estate holdings and successful business ventures.
Controversies and Legal Battles
The path to success is rarely smooth, and the Najjars have faced their share of challenges and controversies over the years. From tax disputes to property litigation, Lee Najjar has found himself in the legal spotlight on several occasions.
The Tax Evasion Allegations
In 2012, Lee Najjar made headlines when he was accused of failing to pay over $1.9 million in property taxes. This led to a highly publicized legal battle that eventually resulted in a settlement with Fulton County authorities.
Timeline of Tax Controversy:
- 2010: Initial tax discrepancies noted
- 2012: Formal accusations of tax evasion
- 2013: Legal proceedings begin
- 2014: Settlement reached with county officials
Property Disputes and Tenant Issues
Lee Najjar’s real estate empire has not been without its challenges. Several high-profile disputes with tenants and contractors have made their way into public records, shedding light on the complexities of managing such a vast property portfolio.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Despite the controversies, the Najjars have been significant contributors to various charitable causes in Atlanta. Kimberly Najjar, in particular, has taken a leading role in the family’s philanthropic efforts.
The Najjar Foundation
Established in 2005, the Najjar Foundation focuses on supporting education and healthcare initiatives in underserved communities. The foundation has donated millions to local schools, hospitals, and youth programs.
Major Donations by the Najjar Foundation:
- $2 million to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
- $1.5 million to Atlanta Public Schools for STEM programs
- $500,000 to local food banks during the COVID-19 pandemic
Life Beyond the Cameras: The Najjar Lifestyle
While Lee Najjar’s brief stint on reality TV brought him into the public eye, the family has since retreated to a more private lifestyle. Their Atlanta mansion, featured on MTV’s “Cribs” in 2009, offered a rare glimpse into their lavish way of life.
The Najjar Residence
Located in the exclusive Buckhead neighborhood, the Najjar house is a testament to Lee’s success in the real estate world. The 30,000 square foot mansion boasts:
- 8 bedrooms
- 12 bathrooms
- Indoor basketball court
- Home theater
- Wine cellar
- Olympic-sized swimming pool
“The Najjar residence is more than just a home; it’s a statement of their success and taste.” – Architectural Digest
The Future of the Najjar Legacy
As Lee Najjar approaches his 60s, questions about the future of his empire have begun to surface. With their children coming of age, there’s speculation about whether Jeremy or Katelin will take up the mantle of the family business.
Passing the Torch
While neither Jeremy nor Katelin has officially joined Najjar Realty, sources close to the family suggest that both have shown interest in various aspects of the business. People rumor that Jeremy, with his background in finance, is more involved in the investment side, while Katelin has expressed interest in the philanthropic arm of the family’s endeavors.
FAQs About Lee Najjar’s Wife and Him
- Q: Is Lee Najjar still married?
A: Yes, Lee Najjar is still married to Kimberly Najjar as of 2024. - Q: What is Lee Najjar’s connection to “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”?
A: Lee Najjar, known as “Big Poppa,” was romantically linked to cast member Kim Zolciak in early seasons of the show. - Q: Does Lee Najjar own Subway restaurants?
A: While rumors have circulated, there’s no concrete evidence that Lee Najjar owns Subway franchises. His primary business focus remains real estate. - Q: How can I contact Lee Najjar’s business?
A: Najjar Realty can be contacted through their official website or business listings. However, due to privacy concerns, direct contact information is not publicly available. - Q: What is known about Lee Najjar’s children?
A: Lee and Kimberly Najjar have two children, Jeremy and Katelin. Both maintain relatively low public profiles.
Conclusion: Lee Najjar’s Wife And Him
The story of Lee Najjar and his wife Kimberly is one of success, controversy, and above all, privacy. From humble beginnings to real estate mogul, Lee Najjar’s journey embodies the American dream. Yet, it’s the family’s ability to maintain a veil of mystery in an age of oversharing that continues to captivate the public’s imagination.
As Atlanta’s landscape continues to evolve, the Najjar legacy seems poised to endure. Whether through their business ventures, philanthropic efforts, or the next generation’s endeavors, the Najjar name will likely remain a topic of fascination for years to come.
In a world where celebrity often equates to constant exposure, Lee Najjar and his wife have crafted a narrative that proves sometimes, less is indeed more. Their story reminds us that we don’t always measure true success by the spotlight, but by the impact we leave on our community and the strength of our family bonds.
