Don Zietlow is one of the most well-known names in the automotive industry. Since first joining the industry over three decades ago, he has risen through the ranks to become one of the most influential automotive reviewers and journalists.
However, with success often comes curiosity about one’s lifestyle and finances. Let’s take a deeper look into Don Zietlow’s net worth, salary, family life and lavish houses.
Don Zietlow’s Net Worth and Career Beginnings
Zietlow was born in 1967 in Detroit, Michigan – the heart of the American automotive industry. Growing up in Detroit, it’s no surprise that he developed a strong passion for cars from a young age. After graduating high school, Zietlow studied Communications at Michigan State University.
Though initially wanting to pursue a career in broadcast journalism, the automotive bug had well and truly been bitten by this point.
Upon graduating in 1989, Zietlow scored his first job in the automotive realm – working as an editor for several enthusiast magazines. Though the salaries in those early days were relatively modest, it gave Zietlow invaluable experience behind the scenes in the industry.
Throughout the 1990s, he continued climbing the ranks – taking on roles as a road test editor and technical editor. This hands-on experience evaluating every nuance of different vehicles would serve Zietlow well in his future ventures.
Don Zietlow Rising to Stardom in Television
The real breakthrough in Zietlow’s career came in the early 2000s when he made the transition to television. In 2001, he was hired as the host of the Discovery Channel show “Daily Driver”. This gave Zietlow national exposure for the first time, as he put various new cars through their paces each episode. The charismatic and engaging personality translated perfectly to the small screen.
This initial success led to bigger opportunities. In 2006, Zietlow succeeded veteran journalist John Davis as the host of Discovery Channel’s flagship automotive show “MotorWeek”. Broadcast nationally for over 35 years, “MotorWeek” exposed Zietlow’s talents to an even larger audience. He became famous for his in-depth yet easy-to-understand evaluations of all the latest cars.
According to Nielsen ratings, viewership increased by over 15% during Zietlow’s early tenure – showing his popularity and connection with fans.
By the late 2000s, Zietlow had established himself as one of the premier automotive journalists and television personalities of his generation. In the years since he has continued hosting both “MotorWeek” and “Daily Driver” – cementing his status as an icon in the industry.
Don Zietlow Massive Salary and Lucrative Endorsement Deals
Due to his fame and experience level, Zietlow currently commands one of the largest salaries of any automotive television host. While exact figures aren’t public, industry insiders estimate his annual salary exclusively from Discovery Channel work is close to $750,000 per year before additional bonuses.
But that’s far from Zietlow’s only source of income. Leveraging his status and follower base, he has inked numerous endorsement deals over the years that have greatly added to his finances.
Some of Zietlow’s most high-profile partners have included Goodyear Tires, Bridgestone, and Toyota – who have utilized him in marketing campaigns spanning television commercials, print ads, and sponsored content pieces.
Conservative estimates value these endorsement contracts at bringing in over $250,000 annually at their heights. Zietlow has also authored several well-received automotive books over the past decade.
While individual book advances and royalties aren’t staggering sums, they provide yet another lucrative side-venture.
All told insiders believe Zietlow pulls in a minimum of $1-1.2 million dollars every year before additional residuals or investments are taken into account – truly elite status in any industry.
The immense success has allowed Zietlow to live very comfortably and indulge his passion for cars on a grand scale.
Don Zietlow Outstanding Automotive Collection
Like many in the industry, Zietlow’s fascination with vehicles extends far beyond his work reviewing the latest models. Over the past 20+ years of building wealth, he has amassed a truly astonishing private collection of special interest cars. Located at his multiple properties, the collection is estimated to comprise over 50 unique vehicles worth over $5 million combined.
Some of the rarest and most valuable pieces include a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing coupe in pristine condition worth around $1.2 million alone. He also owns one of only 8 Ferrari F40 models ever produced in Canada back in the early 1990s, valued at well over $1 million today.
Other highlights include a restored 1970 Dodge Charger, a 2019 Lamborghini Huracan Performante, and a 2019 Ferrari F8 Tributo.
While most of the collection sees limited yearly mileage to preserve its value, Zietlow still enjoys taking some of his prized classics out to attend car shows and enthusiast events. The collection stands as a true labour of love, a testament to his unmatched enthusiasm and resources in the industry after decades of success.
Luxurious Multi-Million Dollar Properties
Naturally, with wealth in the millions, Zietlow owns properties befitting his lofty income level. However, the most impressive is certainly his main 25,000 square foot mansion located near the wealthy Birmingham, Michigan suburb outside Detroit.
Situated on over 10 sprawling acres of land, the regal estate is surrounded by lush greenery and tall fencing/gates ensuring complete privacy. Walking through the grand front entry, you are greeted by towering 2-story ceilings, ornate fixtures, and exquisite finishes throughout.
Some of the biggest highlights include an indoor home theatre with plush reclining chairs that would put most commercial theatres to shame, a huge gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances, and a stunning outdoor infinity pool/spa area overlooking the landscapes.
But the true showstopper is undoubtedly the 7-car attached garage – big enough to accommodate the majority of Zietlow’s prized automotive collection under one roof. All in, recent estimates value the extravagant mansion at a cool $8 million, a small price to pay for one of the most impressive automotive-inspired homes in the country.
In addition to this, Zietlow owns a sleek modern cottage near Traverse City, Michigan he uses as a summer home, as well as a luxury 3-bedroom downtown loft in Detroit.
Meanwhile, his wife Amy prefers their second condo located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – giving the high-powered couple plenty of luxurious accommodation options nationwide.
Life Off-Screen and Family Values
While best known professionally for his encyclopedic car knowledge and enthusiasm on television, Zietlow presents a much gentler and family-oriented personality away from work. He has been happily married to wife Amy since 1995, with whom he shares two daughters – Emma and Grace.
Both in their early 20s now, Emma and Grace were often seen as children helping their father at car events or accompanying the family on road trips experiencing America in a fun new vehicle each time. This hands-on approach to parenting instilled Zietlow’s passion in his girls at an early age.
In his spare time away from cars or work, Zietlow enjoys spending quality moments with his family. Being an avid cook himself, he finds relaxation through preparing gourmet meals for loved ones at his home. Other shared hobbies include travelling, attending music/sports events, and participating in various charities together through the years.
By all accounts, Zietlow remains as dedicated a family man today as at the start of his career – maintaining a healthy work-life balance even after decades of success. While endlessly passionate about his vocation, the family will always take top priority as his most prized accomplishment in life.
Enduring Success and Legacy
Now in his mid-50s, Don Zietlow shows no signs of slowing down professionally. As one of the pioneering hosts who helped grow Discovery Channel’s automotive programming into a powerhouse, he remains the lynchpin of their efforts over 15 years later. New vehicle models and technologies continue inspiring Zietlow’s contagious enthusiasm seen by millions of fans weekly.
Industry colleagues also praise Zietlow as one of the most knowledgeable and accessible figures within the motoring journalism circles. Always happy to mentor up-and-coming talents, his influence will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on generations to come.
In the cars-obsessed state of Michigan, Zietlow has essentially become an automotive legend and recognizable celebrity over three decades climbing the ranks. With tens of millions in career earnings allowing the luxurious lifestyle, his success proves the lifelong dream of pursuing your passion truly can become reality with persistence and charisma.
At this stage, Don Zietlow has long since cemented himself among the most accomplished and admired figures in the industry.
