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COPYRIGHT 2001 The Miami Herald
Byline: Barbara DeLollis
Feb. 26--If he were anything like his New York counterpart, you would know the name Jules Trump.
You probably don't because the South Africa-born financier-developer in many respects is the antithesis of Donald Trump, who built his business empire publicizing his name.
Throughout a nearly 30-year U.S. career spanning real estate, retail and Internet ventures in South Florida and across the nation, Trump and his brother Eddie have maintained extraordinarily low profiles.
Unlike The Donald, they don't seek publicity. No major article has been written about them. And you won't find that famous name on any of their buildings.
"I'm not looking to be made out like some rich guy," Trump said in a recent interview at Aventura's Williams Island, the 80-acre enclave named for their father, a one-time tailor affectionately called Willie.
"As long as you do your job and do the best you can, that's what it's all about," said Eddie Trump.
The Trumps earned their reputation in real estate by developing the man-made island on Dumbfoundling Bay into a resort-like high-rise community that's been copied in Hertzlia, Israel, Istanbul and Rio de Janeiro. Among the development's 1,734 unit owners is movie star Sophia Loren, who helped promote the development in its early days.
Jules and Eddie Trump reluctantly agreed to interviews as they tackle their most visible project yet -- the 51-story Acqualina, an ultra-luxury resort for full-time residents and vacationers in Sunny Isles Beach. Why tackle such a large project now when Williams Island is nearly finished and money is not a worry?
"It's the challenge of creating what will be the finest residential tower ever," said Jules Trump, 57, his South African accent still firmly in place.
"It's a challenge and an opportunity. I think...
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