Early Life and Education
Earl Gentry "Ken" Kendrick Jr. was born on September 2, 1943, in Princeton, West Virginia. Growing up in a small town, Kendrick developed a strong work ethic, influenced by his father, a World War II veteran and entrepreneur who owned a local gas station. He attended West Virginia University, graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Rise to Success
Kendrick's career began at IBM before he founded Datatel, Inc., in 1968, a software company focused on the higher education sector. Datatel later became Ellucian. In the 1980s, he served as president of a Texas-based financial services technology company. In 1989, Kendrick became the principal investor in Woodforest National Bank, which has grown into a $9 billion entity. Kendrick's passion for baseball led him to invest in the Arizona Diamondbacks, becoming a part-owner in 1995 and the managing general partner in 2004.
Key Business Strategies
Kendrick's business acumen is evident in his diverse investments, including his role at Woodforest National Bank and his leadership with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Kendrick played a key role in securing division championships in 2007 and 2011 for the Diamondbacks. He has also focused on restructuring team debt, reducing it by over $350 million. His approach blends entrepreneurial ventures with a deep understanding of finance and sports management.
Philanthropy
Kendrick is actively involved in philanthropy. He serves as Chairman of the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, which has donated over $80 million since its inception. He also serves on boards for various charities, including Barrow Neurological Institute, Dignity Health, TGen Foundation, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and Phoenix Children's Hospital. In 2022, he pledged $20 million to West Virginia University to expand economics education.
