The Untold Story of Marty Lagina: Engineer, Entrepreneur, and Oak Island’s Secret Billionaire

Marty Lagina, an American engineer and television personality, has become a household name thanks to his captivating role in the reality TV series The Curse of Oak Island.

Born on August 26, 1955, in Kingsford, Michigan, Marty has captivated audiences alongside his brother, Rick Lagina, in their relentless pursuit of uncovering the secrets of Oak Island.

While the brothers share a passion for treasure hunting, Marty’s financial success has led many to wonder: what is the untold truth behind his wealth?

Marty Lagina is the second child of Anne C.Lagina and George Jacob Lagina.

Though not much is known about his childhood, it is noted that his family has Italian roots.

Marty attended Michigan Technological University, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1977.

He furthered his education by earning a Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan in 1982.

While studying law, Marty worked as a petroleum engineer at Amoco Production Company, a job that helped him finance his education.

His career took off when he founded Terra Energy Limited in 1990, a company specializing in natural gas extraction.

Under his leadership, Terra Energy quickly became one of the largest operations in Michigan.

In 1995, Marty sold Terra Energy to CMS Energy for an impressive $60 million.

This lucrative deal provided him with the capital to invest in various ventures, including real estate.

He purchased shares in Chartwell Properties LLC, establishing a solid foundation for his future investments.

In 2004, Marty co-founded Heritage Sustainable Energy, a company focused on providing clean and renewable energy to homes across the United States.

The company has made significant strides in its mission, aiming to power approximately 57,000 homes annually with locally sourced energy.

Marty’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there.

His passion for winemaking led him to establish Mari Vineyards in 1999.

Located in Michigan, the vineyard was born out of Marty’s desire to produce world-class wines using rare grape varieties like Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.

Although the vineyard initially struggled to create a suitable product, it eventually found success with its flagship wine, Row 7, released in 2006.

Today, Mari Vineyards spans 60 acres and offers guided tours, attracting wine enthusiasts from all over.

Marty’s fascination with Oak Island began in 1965 when he and Rick read about the mysterious Money Pit in a Reader’s Digest article.

The story, centered around a strange opening discovered by Daniel McGinnis in 1795, fueled their lifelong obsession with treasure hunting.

The legend claims that a hidden treasure lies beneath the island, attracting explorers for over two centuries.

Despite numerous attempts by various treasure hunters, the main treasure remains elusive, leading to a tragic legend that states seven men must die before the riches are uncovered.

Marty and Rick Lagina, along with their partners, purchased shares in Oak Island Tours in 2007, although the association eventually dissolved, and they now own a significant portion of the island.

Although they have not yet found any major treasure, various artifacts, including Spanish coins and human bones, have been unearthed.

Marty has expressed his interest in solving the mystery rather than simply seeking treasure, stating, “I really don’t have a theory…we don’t know what we’re searching for.”

The Curse of Oak Island premiered in 2014 on the History Channel, captivating viewers with the brothers’ efforts to uncover the island’s mysteries.

The show has garnered a dedicated following, with fans intrigued by the alleged curse and the Lagina brothers’ relentless pursuit of treasure.

Despite facing skepticism from some detractors, Marty and Rick maintain that their interest stems from genuine curiosity rather than ambition.

Marty’s wealth has been significantly boosted by the success of the show, with estimates placing his net worth at over $100 million as of late 2020.

His appearances on The Curse of Oak Island, along with its spin-off series Drilling Down and the mystery-related series The Curse of Civil War Gold, have further solidified his status as a prominent figure in the treasure hunting community.

In his personal life, Marty Lagina is married to Margaret Olivia Lagina, a mechanical engineer.

Together, they have two children, Alex and Maddie.

Alex has joined his father and uncle in their explorations on Oak Island, describing it as a unique opportunity to bond with family while pursuing their shared passion for adventure.

Marty Lagina’s journey from a mechanical engineer to a television star and successful entrepreneur is a testament to his determination and passion for discovery.

While the treasure of Oak Island remains hidden, Marty’s financial success and commitment to unraveling the island’s mysteries have made him a notable figure in popular culture.

As the Lagina brothers continue their quest on The Curse of Oak Island, viewers remain captivated by their adventures, hoping that one day, the secrets of the island will finally be revealed.

Marty’s story serves as a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge and adventure can lead to incredible opportunities and lasting legacies.