[1][2][3] Hauptman co-founded the investment firm Andell Holdings which he has helmed since its inception in 1998 and has grown into one of the leading family office entities in the nation.
Brown & Sons in New York City and later, as an executive with Universal Studios in London, where he played a key role in the oversight of its international operations.
In his youth, he was a competitive soccer and tennis player and participated in social service programs in Latin America (Belize) and Sub-Saharan Africa (Lesotho).
[25] Under Hauptman, the Fire made extensive investments in the first team – regularly ranking in the top five in the league in salary outlay – as well as community programming and resources, working to build excitement for the sport from the ground up.
[30][34][35][36] Mayor Rahm Emanuel praised the "key long-term investments" of the Fire and their ability to "drive tourism and bolster Chicago's future by encouraging our youth to engage in sports and spurring economic development across neighborhoods.
[41][42] According to Forbes, the deal to move the team to Bridgeview, IL which pre-dated Hauptman's purchase of the team, meant the Fire were "saddled with one of the worst stadium deals and restrictive leases in American pro sports" due to a lack of public transportation and contextual economic issues which had historically limited the municipality’s investment.
[21] Hauptman led a complex and successful multi-year effort to leave Bridgeview and move the team to downtown Chicago and Soldier Field.
[43] In September 2019, after securing the relocation of the team downtown, Hauptman sold his controlling interest in the Fire to Joe Mansueto, founder of Morningstar, Inc., who had purchased a minority stake a year earlier.
The scale of our operations, along with strong management, a great local owner in Joe ... and, importantly for me and my family, an ethos of giving to the community that’s become a core part of the Fire’s culture has set the stage for success as we move downtown.
[52] In 2013, Hauptman backed the launch of Toronto-based Altas Partners, Canada’s largest independent private equity firm, managing more than $9 billion in capital.
[66] Hauptman is also on the advisory board of the Los Angeles Coalition for the Economy and Jobs[16] and the Leadership Council of International Medical Corps.
[33] He co-founded and serves as director of the Bronfman Hauptman Foundation, dedicated to social justice, advancements in education, environmental protection, and other philanthropic and civic causes.
[68] He is a co-founder and Trustee of the Charles Bronfman Prize, which recognizes young humanitarians whose work is "grounded in their Jewish values and is of universal benefit to all people".
[78][79][80] Hauptman previously developed and produced several feature films including State of Play, starring Russell Crowe in 2009, Millions directed by Danny Boyle in 2004, and John Hamburg's directorial debut, Safe Men, which premiered at Sundance in 1998.