What Is Marty Lagina’s Net Worth?
Marty Lagina, a prominent figure in reality television, entrepreneurship, and engineering, boasts a net worth of approximately $100 million. This substantial net worth is a result of his diverse business ventures and his role as a television personality.
Marty Lagina’s Journey to a $100 Million Net Worth
Marty Lagina’s recognition stems primarily from his involvement in the History Channel’s reality TV series “The Curse of Oak Island,” which debuted in 2014. Beyond being a star of the show, Lagina also holds the title of executive producer. In 2015, he expanded his reality TV presence by starring in “The Curse of Oak Island: Drilling Down.” The series documents the efforts of Marty and his brother, Rick, originally from Kingsford, Michigan, as they pursue the rumored treasure hidden on Oak Island. Their interest in the island was sparked by a 1965 “Reader’s Digest” article that recounted the Restall family’s investigation into the alleged treasure. Currently, Marty and Rick possess a controlling stake in Oak Island Tours, the majority owner of the island. The treasure’s origin is subject to numerous theories, including one suggesting it was left by North African gold merchants in the 1300s.
Beyond his television career, Marty Lagina’s success as a businessman has been instrumental in funding the Oak Island Tours operation and treasure hunt. Before his foray into TV, Lagina made significant strides in the natural gas and wind power sectors. In the 1990s, his company, Terra Energy, was a pioneer in extracting natural gas from shale in the Midwest. He sold Terra Energy to CMS Energy for $58 million. Following this sale, he established Heritage Sustainable, a company focused on wind power. Heritage Sustainable Energy plans to construct 60 wind turbines in Missaukee, Michigan, aiming to become Michigan’s largest wind energy producer and a major player in the Midwest. Lagina hopes to generate 25% of Michigan’s power through wind energy and replicate this model nationwide.
Lagina’s entrepreneurial endeavors extend to the wine industry with Mari Vineyards, which was founded in 1999. Despite initial challenges, the winery achieved success with its flagship bottle, Row 7, in 2006. Today, Mari Vineyards encompasses over 60 acres in Michigan, and Marty’s son, Alex Lagina, manages the winery’s operations.
From Petroleum Engineer to TV Star: The Career of Marty Lagina
Born on August 26, 1955, in Kingsford, Michigan, to George Jacob and Anna Lagina, Martin Lagina’s early life laid the foundation for his diverse career. He graduated from Kingsford High School in 1973 and attended Michigan Tech University. After completing his education at Michigan Tech, he began his career at Amoco as a petroleum engineer. While working in the petroleum consulting business, he pursued a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Michigan.
After earning his Juris Doctor in 1982, Marty Lagina established Terra Energy Ltd. Through this company, he developed over $3 billion worth of natural gas resources and oil. In 1995, he sold Terra Energy to CMS Energy for $58 million, marking a significant milestone in his career. Following the sale of Terra Energy, Lagina shifted his focus to wind-powered energy. He founded Heritage Sustainable Energy, with plans to develop the largest wind farms in Michigan. As the majority owner of Heritage Sustainable Energy, he oversees the company’s business operations.
His role as an executive producer and star of “The Curse of Oak Island: Drilling Down,” which premiered on the History Channel in 2015, has further solidified his presence in the entertainment industry. The show follows Marty and Rick’s quest to uncover the treasure believed to be buried on Oak Island. As of spring 2022, the show has aired its ninth season.
Marty Lagina is married to Margaret Olivia Lagina. They have two children.