“The Queen Of Versailles”: Through The Entrepreneur’s Lens – Forbes

Analysis of Westgate Resorts and Associated Ventures Through the Lens of Sustainable Development Goals

H3: Introduction

This report examines the business and philanthropic activities associated with David and Jackie Siegel, founders of Westgate Resorts, as presented in the 2012 documentary “The Queen of Versailles.” The analysis re-contextualizes their story within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on contributions to economic growth, community well-being, and responsible consumption.

Contribution to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

H3: Enterprise Development and Job Creation

The growth of Westgate Resorts from a small operation founded in 1970 to the world’s largest timeshare company exemplifies significant contributions to SDG 8. The company’s expansion created sustained economic activity and employment opportunities.

• Employment: Westgate Resorts became one of Florida’s largest private employers, with a workforce exceeding 3,500 individuals in sales, construction, and operations.
• Economic Stimulation: The development of resorts in multiple locations, including Orlando, Las Vegas, and Park City, fostered local economic growth and infrastructure development.

H3: Economic Resilience and Job Preservation

The company’s response to the 2008 financial crisis highlights a commitment to economic resilience, a key target of SDG 8. Faced with the potential collapse of the heavily leveraged business, management undertook significant measures to ensure its survival.

1. David Siegel initiated a multi-year effort to secure new financing and investors, preventing the company’s dissolution.
2. This successful revival preserved thousands of jobs that were at risk, safeguarding livelihoods and contributing to economic stability in the communities where Westgate operates.
3. The effort demonstrates a model of entrepreneurial resilience that supports the long-term objective of decent work and economic growth.

Alignment with Social and Community-Focused SDGs

H3: Philanthropy and Community Support Initiatives

Jackie Siegel’s entrepreneurial and philanthropic ventures align with several key social SDGs, addressing health, poverty, and inequality at the local level.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The establishment of the Victoria’s Voice foundation directly addresses substance abuse disorders, contributing to public health and well-being.
• SDG 1: No Poverty & SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The creation of the Ocoee Thrift Mart and the “Locals Helping Locals” charity provides direct support to community members, offering affordable goods and a mutual support network.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The thrift store model promotes the reuse of goods, contributing to a circular economy and more sustainable consumption patterns.

H3: Infrastructure and Sustainable Communities (SDG 9 & SDG 11)

The construction of the 90,000-square-foot “Versailles” residence, while a private endeavor, represents a significant infrastructure project with broader economic implications. The project stimulated the local economy by creating jobs for construction workers, artisans, and designers, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). The potential for the property’s eventual conversion to a form of public or commercial use could further contribute to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by repurposing private infrastructure for broader community benefit.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article discusses issues and actions that connect to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Based on the content, the following SDGs are most relevant:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: This goal is addressed through the family’s response to a personal tragedy related to substance abuse.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The article heavily focuses on entrepreneurship, business growth, job creation, and economic resilience, which are central themes of this SDG.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: This goal is highlighted through the depiction of excessive consumption patterns, but also through an initiative that promotes reuse.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Within the identified SDGs, specific targets can be linked to the actions and themes described in the article:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
     
     The article explicitly mentions that after a family tragedy, Jackie Siegel “establishes Victoria’s Voice, a foundation to address substance abuse disorders.” This action directly aligns with the goal of strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.
     
     David Siegel’s story is a clear example of entrepreneurship. He started his company “in his garage” and built it into the “largest time share business in the world.” His “entrepreneurial drive” and efforts to “take risks and build resorts” directly support productive activities and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
     
     The article highlights Westgate Resorts’ role as a major employer, noting it “came to be one of Florida’s largest private employers, with over 3500 employees.” David Siegel’s efforts to save the company during the 2008 financial crisis were crucial for preserving and creating jobs for “thousands of operations and construction workers,” contributing to local economies and employment.

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
     
     The article portrays Jackie Siegel as a “shopaholic” whose “house is filled with clothes and toys and furniture that are hardly used,” illustrating a pattern of unsustainable consumption. However, it also notes that she “establishes a thrift store, Ocoee Thrift Mart,” which is an initiative that directly promotes the principle of reuse, a key component of reducing waste generation.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article provides several explicit and implicit indicators that can measure progress or action towards the identified targets:

• Indicator for SDG 3, Target 3.5: The establishment of a dedicated organization. The article states the creation of “Victoria’s Voice, a foundation to address substance abuse disorders.” The existence and operation of this foundation serve as a qualitative indicator of action being taken to strengthen prevention and treatment.
• Indicators for SDG 8, Targets 8.3 & 8.5:
  • Number of jobs created: The article provides a specific figure, stating the company has “over 3500 employees” and employs “thousands of operations and construction workers.” This is a direct quantitative indicator of employment.
  • Business growth and scale: The growth from a “16-unit Westgate Vacation Villas” to “14 resorts” and becoming the “largest time share business in the world” serves as an indicator of economic growth and successful entrepreneurship.
• Indicator for SDG 12, Target 12.5: The creation of initiatives promoting reuse. The article mentions the establishment of the “Ocoee Thrift Mart,” a thrift store selling discounted goods. This serves as a concrete example and indicator of an initiative aimed at waste reduction through reuse.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: forbes.com