When Adrian Portelli first appeared on The Block 2022, everyone was asking one thing: who is this bloke?!
The 34-year-old turned heads when he rocked up to the 2022 auctions in a dazzling yellow Lamborghini, earning him the title of “Mr Lambo”.
He was the centre of controversy during the 18th season, especially after fans raised concern he was a “dummy bidder” enlisted by contestants Omar Slaimankhel and Oz Malik to hike up the price of their home, which eventually sold to long-time bidder Danny Wallis.
Adrian later purchased Sharon Johal and Ankur Dogra‘s property that same year before returning to The Block with a vengeance in 2023.
At the November 4 auctions, he snapped up THREE of the renovated homes, spending a total of $12.4 million.
So, how did Adrian get to be so wealthy?
How The Block bidder Adrian Portelli made his millions
While Adrian is a university dropout, he developed his work ethic as an employee at his father’s truck repair business.
He went on to work in tech startups in Los Angeles, where he teamed up with his roommate to develop a number of successful apps, which they later sold for HUGE profits.
In 2018, he founded LMCT+, a promotions and giveaway platform that centres on luxury cars and homes. This is the same platform he raffles off his The Block purchases — the latest being the home renovated by 2023 winners Steph and Gian Ottavio.
According to news.com.au, Adrian is worth a reported $350 million at the time of writing.
The businessman’s asset portfolio includes 20 homes and over 40 cars, estimated to be worth upwards of an eye-watering $1 billion. Sheesh!
Adrian Portelli’s appearance on Highway Patrol
After whispers about Adrian’s pending return to The Block in 2023 did the rounds, a video of his past TV appearance resurfaced on social media.
On Highway Patrol, he was busted for allegedly driving 40km/h over the speed limit in a school zone.
In the clip, he was pulled over for allegedly travelling at a speed of 80km/h in a 40km zone.
Police also learned that Adrian was driving on a disqualified licence.
@adrianportelliclips Adrian Portelli on Highway Patrol. Pulled over in his M3 (part 2) Link in bio to signup to LMCT+ #adrianportelli #lmctplus #highwaypatrol #m3 ♬ original sound – Adrian Portelli Clips
His BMW convertible was impounded for 30 days due to his offences. He was also given a notice to appear in court.
At the time, Adrian told Channel Seven cameramen: “What can you do, I’m in the wrong.
“There’s no point arguing about it.”
Adrian Portelli’s driving offences
His Highway Patrol stint wasn’t his only run-in with the law.
In May, he fronted court on three driving charges following an incident in Diggers Rest, Victoria, in December 2020.
The entrepreneur is currently fighting the charges. They include failing to have proper control of a vehicle on a road and driving in a manner causing one or more wheels of a motor vehicle to lose traction. The case is ongoing.
Is The Block bidder Adrian Portelli in a relationship?
He is! The entrepreneur is dating Karlie Butler, with whom he is expecting his first child — a son.
In November, the couple threw a lavish baby shower with blue decorations and “Baby Portelli” signage around the venue, as seen on Instagram.
Adrian was previously engaged to Anastasia Iliopoulos, who appeared on The Bachelors Australia 2023.
The couple was in a two-year relationship before calling it quits in December 2022.
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