Family Ties and Early Life
Howard Simon Maier first entered public view on February 20, 1994, when he married Dr. Margaret Cuomo, radiologist, author and daughter of Governor Mario Cuomo and Matilda Cuomo. Their union produced one daughter, Marianna Cuomo Maier, born in the mid‑1990s. Since then, Maier has enjoyed an 30‑year marriage marked by relative media silence—he keeps personal details under wraps tighter than a collector’s VHS tape collection.
| Family Member | Relation | Notable Detail | Date/Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Margaret Cuomo Maier | Spouse | Radiologist & public health author | Married: February 20, 1994 |
| Marianna Cuomo Maier | Daughter | Private individual | Born: circa 1996 (exact date undisclosed) |
| Mario Cuomo | Father‑in‑law | Governor of New York (1983–1994) | Served 4 terms (12 years) |
| Matilda Cuomo | Mother‑in‑law | First Lady of New York | Served 1983–1994 |
Career Highlights and Fitness Video Legacy
Before becoming a Cuomo in-law, Maier had a successful home fitness business in the 1980s and 1990s. He produced groundbreaking workouts that were VHS bestsellers. His most notable contributions are:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Abs of Steel | Producer | Certified hit, sold over 500,000 units |
| 1987 | Buns of Steel | Producer | Spawned several follow‑up editions |
| 1990 | Cardio Blast | Associate Producer | One of the first aerobics tapes with music licensing |
| 1992 | Strength Workout | Executive Producer | Rare guest appearances by Hollywood trainers |
Between 1986 and 1992, Maier oversaw at least 4 major titles that collectively sold well into the seven‑figure range. His videos combined clear instruction, high‑energy soundtracks and iconic cover imagery—often featuring neon leotards and leg warmers.
Timeline of Major Milestones
Below is a brief timeline of Howard Simon Maier’s public life:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1986 | Produced Abs of Steel |
| 1987 | Produced Buns of Steel |
| 1990 | Executive role on Cardio Blast |
| February 20 1994 | Married Dr. Margaret Cuomo |
| Mid‑1990s | Birth of daughter Marianna Cuomo Maier |
| 2000s–Present | Maintains low public profile; philanthropy |
By June 2025, Maier is approaching 65 years of age and continues to stay largely out of the spotlight—preferring to support his wife’s public‑health advocacy behind the scenes.
Business Ventures and HowardSimon Mystery
A Midwestern retirement administration and HR services firm named HowardSimon (established 1978) shares his personal branding but lacks any documented link to him. Key details of that company include:
- Founded: 1978
- Headquarters: Indianapolis, Indiana
- Services: Retirement plan administration, HR outsourcing
No SEC filings, press releases, or professional biography link Maier to HowardSimon’s daily operations, despite their common name. His professional career peaked during the home-fitness boom, with no public efforts since.
| Firm Name | Founded | Location | Industry | Maier Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HowardSimon | 1978 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Retirement/Human Resources | Unverified |
Philanthropy and Public Life
Despite not seeking attention, Maier and Dr. Margaret Cuomo have co-hosted charity events and fundraisers in New York City. Notable appearances include:
- 1998: Benefit for the Alzheimer’s Association featuring pianist André Watts.
- 2005: Gala for the New York Women’s Foundation with keynote by Jessye Norman.
- 2017: Private dinner in Manhattan raising funds for frontotemporal dementia research.
In each event, Maier serves as co-host or patron, remaining unobtrusive. Although he has no solo speaking credits, his presence at these events demonstrates his devotion to his wife’s public health efforts.
Private Persona and Public Appearances
Over 30 years of marriage, Maier’s public appearances number fewer than 10 widely reported events. When he does appear, he’s described simply as “a man of few words, comfortable in a tuxedo.” He once quipped at a 2005 fundraiser, “I’m only here for the canapés,” eliciting genuine laughter and cementing his reputation for deadpan humor.
- Appearances: <10
- Quotes: Known for one‑liners only
- Media Profile: Minimal; no personal interviews since 1995
Despite his early success in VHS creation, Maier now desires anonymity, letting his wife and daughter shine. He appears satisfied to let the Cuomo family name open doors while quietly supporting from behind curtains.
Net Worth and Business Speculation
No public estimations of Maier’s net worth exist. However, given:
- VHS Boom Revenues: Estimated $1M–$2M total producer’s cut across titles in late 1980s.
- Marriage into Cuomo Family: Access to high‑profile investment circles.
- Possible Private Investments: Unverified but likely diversified in real estate or retirement services.
A rough, speculative calculation might place his current net worth between $5M and $15M, assuming prudent reinvestment and the absence of high‑risk ventures. Yet Maier’s true financial standing remains concealed behind trust structures or private holdings—much like the contents of a sealed stationery drawer.
| Asset Category | Estimated Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Fitness Video Royalties | $1M–$2M | 4 titles × producer share |
| Cuomo Family Trusts | $2M–$5M | Gift/inheritance speculation |
| Private Investments | $2M–$8M | Real estate, retirement funds |
FAQ
Who is Howard Simon Maier?
Howard Simon Maier is a video‑production pioneer best known for marrying into the Cuomo political dynasty in 1994.
Which fitness videos did he produce?
He produced Abs of Steel, Buns of Steel and several aerobics tapes between 1986 and 1992.
Who is his spouse and daughter?
He is married to Dr. Margaret Cuomo and has a daughter, Marianna Cuomo Maier.
What is his net worth?
Precise figures are undisclosed, but estimates range from $5M to $15M based on VHS royalties and private investments.
