Yesodi

Marlon Schwarcz and Rich Caruso

William Lebovics July 3, 2026

Rick Caruso is best known as the founder of Caruso, the real estate company behind major Los Angeles destinations like The Grove and The Americana at Brand. He’s also notable for his philanthropy, including a $50 million gift to Pepperdine Law and leadership roles at USC.

A few standout accomplishments:

Founded one of the largest privately held real estate companies in the U.S..

Developed The Grove, a landmark shopping and entertainment destination in Los Angeles.

Received USC’s Asa V. Call Award, its most distinguished alumni honor.

Served as president of the Los Angeles Police Commission and helped recruit William Bratton, contributing to a major drop in crime.

Ran for mayor of Los Angeles in 2022 and finished as the runner-up.

Rick Caruso is the founder of Caruso, one of the largest privately held real estate companies in the United States. The company has developed major Los Angeles destinations including The Grove, a landmark shopping and entertainment venue, and The Americana at Brand.

Beyond his real estate ventures, Caruso is recognized for significant philanthropic contributions. He donated $50 million to Pepperdine Law and has held leadership roles at USC, where he received the Asa V. Call Award, the university's most distinguished alumni honor.

Caruso served as president of the Los Angeles Police Commission, where he played a role in recruiting William Bratton. During this period, the city experienced a major drop in crime. In 2022, Caruso ran for mayor of Los Angeles and finished as the runner-up in the race.