George Kaiser

Early Life

George Bruce Kaiser was born on July 29, 1942, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His parents were Jewish refugees who fled Nazi Germany and settled in Tulsa. Kaiser attended Central High School in Tulsa and went on to earn a B.A. from Harvard College in 1964 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1966.

Rise to Success

Kaiser's career began in 1966 when he returned to Tulsa to work for his father. In 1969, he took control of Kaiser-Francis Oil Company. Under his leadership, the company grew to become a significant player in the energy sector. In 1990, Kaiser purchased the Bank of Oklahoma (BOK) out of receivership and expanded it significantly. He currently owns 53% of BOK Financial.

Key Business Strategies

Kaiser's business strategies include expanding his business interests, strategic acquisitions, and philanthropic ventures. He transformed Kaiser-Francis Oil into a major energy exploration company and BOK Financial into a major financial institution with operations across multiple states. His ownership of BOK Financial has been a key factor in his financial success.

Philanthropy

Kaiser is known for his significant philanthropic endeavors. He founded the George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF) in 1999, which focuses on early childhood education, community development, and addressing intergenerational poverty. He is also a signatory of the Giving Pledge, committing to donate a significant portion of his wealth to charitable causes. The GKFF has played a crucial role in the creation of Tulsa's "A Gathering Place," the largest privately funded park project in the United States. Kaiser has also been a major benefactor to the Jewish community in Oklahoma.