Edmond Trump

In some South Florida circles, they are known as “the Other Trumps.” Brothers Jules and Eddie, the sons of a South African tailor known as “Willie,” have no financial, philosophical or even familial ties to Donald Trump. However, the Brothers Trump have quietly built an empire on luxury real estate development, one which includes Williams Island (named after their dad), an 82-acre posh preserve for the rich in Aventura; the 51-story Acqualina Resort & Spa in Sunny Isles; and Luxuria in Boca Raton, seaside condos that include flat-screen televisions in the bathrooms. Over the course of more than 30 years in business, the Other Trumps’ financial holdings have included a men’s clothing chain, a chain of discount stores called Pay n’ Save, bowling alleys, a huge auto supply company and the Manhattan branch of the Elite Modeling agency, which spawned supermodels Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer. The duo have also invested in Giftcertificates.com, which sells gifts certificates to a wide range of stores, and Beliefnet.com, a multifaith religion and spirituality site. In 1988, Donald Trump sued to stop the brothers from using the name Trump. For more than 10 years, Donald Trump had used his name to promote office towers, hotels and casinos. He contended that the Trump brothers benefited from the publicity he generated. First, Trump sued in New York State court and lost. Then, he petitioned the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to revoke the federal registration of the group’s name — and won. The Brothers Trump had to relinquish the trademark but can still use the name “The Trump Group.” Eddie is known as the bachelor brother who focuses on finances. Jules (whose wife, Stephanie, also works in the family business) concentrates on marketing and design.