From engineer to treasure hunter: Marty Lagina, leading the charge at Oak Island.
Marty Lagina, a prominent treasure hunter—known for his strategic thinking and dedication—has made a significant impact on the adventure and exploration genre. This article explores his life, including his net worth, bio, family dynamics, pivotal role in “The Curse of Oak Island,” and valuable assets like homes and cars.
What is Marty Lagina’s Net Worth in 2024?
Marty Lagina, renowned for his entrepreneurial spirit and treasure hunting endeavors, has an estimated net worth of $100 million as of February 2024. His wealth stems from various sources, including his ventures in the oil and gas industry, renewable energy, and winemaking.
In addition to his income from media and TV, Marty reportedly makes around $100,000 per episode for appearing in the History reality series, “The Curse of Oak Island.” Considering that each season of the show typically consists of around 20 episodes, this would mean that the Lagina brothers—Rick and Marty—earn approximately $2 million each season. Their involvement in the show has undoubtedly contributed to their impressive net worth. Marty’s ability to balance entrepreneurship, television, and exploration has been key to his financial success.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
- Oil and Gas Industry: Marty’s journey to wealth began in the oil and gas industry during the gas boom of the 1980s. He established Terra Energy, a company specializing in natural gas extraction, which experienced significant growth in extracting natural gas from the Midwest Shale. CMS Energy later acquired Terra Energy for $58 million, providing the foundation for his subsequent investments.
- The Curse of Oak Island: His fame soared as one of the executive producers and masterminds behind the treasure hunt on Oak Island in Nova Scotia. The show revolves around buried pirate treasure worth £2 million, dating back to early settlers in 1863. Marty’s role in this endeavor not only fuels his passion for uncovering mysteries but also contributes to his net worth.
- Renewable Energy: He has diversified his portfolio by investing in renewable energy projects through his company, Heritage Sustainable Energy, focusing on wind power and other sustainable initiatives.
- Wine Making: Wine Making: Combining business acumen with a love for winemaking, Marty owns Mari Vineyards in Traverse City, Michigan—producing a variety of wines and reflecting his commitment to quality and innovation. The company generates approximately $3.2 to $5 million in revenue, highlighting the success of his venture in the wine industry.
- Real Estate: Beyond his other ventures, Marty has explored real estate investments, owning properties that serve both as personal residences and valuable assets, further enhancing his financial standing.
- Television Production: As an executive producer of “The Curse of Oak Island,” Marty’s stake in the show’s success contributes significantly to his net worth. His multifaceted career—from drilling for gas to unearthing historical secrets—has left an indelible mark on both the business and television realms.
What luxurious items does Marty Lagina own?
Marty Lagina accumulated a number of luxurious items throughout his successful career:
- Homes: Marty owns a luxurious estate in Traverse City, Michigan, with a vineyard named after his grandmother, Teresa Mari, and a residence in Nova Scotia, Canada, near the Oak Island treasure site. The Traverse City estate’s value could range from $2 million to $10 million, while his Nova Scotia property’s value could range from $1 million to $5 million or higher.
- Cars: While specific details about Marty’s car collection are not widely publicized, it is safe to assume that he owns several high-end vehicles. In an interview from 2021, Lagina mentions owning an electric car. Given his wealth and status, he likely enjoys the comfort and luxury of premium automobiles.
- Other Luxuries: As a wine enthusiast, Marty has an extensive collection of fine wines. His vineyard, Mari Vineyards, produces world-class wines using an unprecedented selection of grapes. These wines reflect both his passion for winemaking and his commitment to quality.
These luxurious items are a testament to Marty’s success in his various ventures, from oil and gas to treasure hunting and winemaking.
Early Life and Family Background
- Birthday: Born on August 26, 1955, in Kingsford, Michigan, United States. The birthplace is in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
- Education: Marty Lagina graduated with honors in 1977 from Michigan Technological University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi and Pi Tau Sigma. Later, pursued law studies at the University of Michigan, where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 1982.
- Parents: The son of George Lagina (father) and Ann C. Lagina (mother). His mother was an ex-dancer, motorcycle rider, and treasure hunter.
- Siblings: Rick Lagina, his elder brother, shares the dream of solving the Oak Island mystery. Matina Lagina, his sister, is part of the family but has not been as prominently featured in the media.
- Ethnicity: A blend of Irish and English descent, with traces of Scottish and French ancestry.
Personal Life (Relationship & Marital Status)
- Marital Status: Marty Lagina is married to Olivia Lagina. The couple has shared a loving bond for several years.
- Children: They have two children—Alex and Maddie. Alex is actively involved in the family’s treasure hunting endeavors on Oak Island and in the wine business, while Maddie has pursued a career in medicine.
- Residence: Marty resides in Traverse City, Michigan, near his Mari Vineyards. He also has a residence in Nova Scotia, Canada, close to the Oak Island treasure site.
Physical Attributes
- Age: 69 years old as of 2024.
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm).
- Weight: Around 75 kg (165 lbs).
- Eye Color: Dark brown.
- Hair Color: Dark brown with graying.
- Face Shape: Distinctive with a focused expression.
Talent and Abilities
- Treasure Hunting Skills: Marty Lagina is renowned for his strategic thinking and dedication in treasure hunting, particularly showcased in his quest on “The Curse of Oak Island.”
- Engineering Skills: With a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marty has applied his technical knowledge to various ventures, including the exploration on Oak Island and his winemaking business.
- Legal Knowledge: Marty’s legal education, culminating in a Juris Doctorate, has been valuable in navigating the complexities of his business and treasure hunting endeavors.
- Business Acumen: His success in the oil and gas industry, renewable energy, and winemaking demonstrates his strong business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.
- Leadership: As an executive producer and key figure in “The Curse of Oak Island,” his leadership skills are evident in managing the team and the show’s production.
Public Image
- Fashion Sense: His fashion sense is not widely publicized, but he often appears in practical and comfortable attire, suitable for his various outdoor and business endeavors.
- Philanthropy: Marty is known for his contributions to the community, particularly in the areas of education and environmental sustainability. His efforts in renewable energy and support for local initiatives reflect his commitment to giving back.
FAQs
Is Marty Lagina a lawyer?
He holds a Juris Doctorate (a law degree) from the University of Michigan Law School, but he has never practiced law professionally.
How do the Laginas pay for Oak Island?
The Laginas fund their Oak Island treasure hunt through their production company, Prometheus Entertainment, which produces “The Curse of Oak Island” for the History Channel.
Who pays for Oak Island?
The funding for the Oak Island treasure hunt primarily comes from the production company Prometheus Entertainment and the Lagina brothers themselves.
What happened to Craig Tester’s son from Oak Island?
Craig Tester’s son, Drake Tester, tragically passed away in 2017 due to a seizure disorder.
How to contact Marty Lagina?
Contacting him directly is challenging due to his privacy. However, you can try reaching out through the History Channel or Prometheus Entertainment.
Are Rick and Marty Lagina twins?
No, Rick and he are not twins. Rick is the older brother.
Are Rick and Marty Lagina Italian?
The Lagina brothers have Italian ancestry, as their family has roots in Italy.
Rick and Marty Lagina email address?
The email addresses of Rick and him are not publicly available.
What does Marty Lagina do for a living?
He is an engineer, lawyer, and entrepreneur involved in the oil and gas industry, renewable energy, winemaking, and treasure hunting on Oak Island.
Does Marty Lagina have a private jet?
There is no public information available about him owning a private jet.
Does Marty Lagina own Oak Island?
He, along with his brother Rick and other partners, has a significant interest in Oak Island and its treasure hunt but does not own the entire island.
Marty Lagina political affiliation?
His political affiliation is not publicly disclosed.
