Dan Friedkin

Early Life

Thomas Dan Friedkin was born on February 27, 1965, in San Diego, California. He is the son of Thomas H. Friedkin, the founder of Gulf States Toyota Distributors, and grandson of Kenny Friedkin, founder of Pacific Southwest Airlines. Friedkin received a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University and a master's degree from Rice University.

Rise to Success

Friedkin's career is defined by his leadership of The Friedkin Group, a privately held consortium with diverse investments. He became CEO of the Friedkin Group and Gulf States Toyota in 1995. Gulf States Toyota, under his leadership, became one of the largest private auto distributors in the world. The company has exclusive rights to distribute Toyota vehicles in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. In 2024, Gulf States Toyota sold $11.4 billion worth of vehicles.

Key Business Strategies

Friedkin's business strategy involves diversifying the Friedkin Group's investments. This includes luxury hospitality through Auberge Resorts Collection, which he has chaired since 2013. He also owns the Italian football club AS Roma, which he acquired in 2020. In December 2024, The Friedkin Group acquired the English football club Everton. Friedkin's film production studio produced "Flowers Of The Killer Moon," a 2023 Martin Scorsese drama.

Philanthropy

Friedkin is involved in conservation efforts, including the Friedkin Conservation Fund, which supports wildlife preservation and community development in East Africa. He is also the founder and chairman of the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation.