Early Life and Education
Stanley Kroenke was born on July 29, 1947, in Mora, Missouri. His father owned a lumber company, and Stan's first job was working there. He attended Cole Camp High School, where he excelled academically and played basketball. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics in 1969 and a Master of Business Administration in 1973 from the University of Missouri.
Rise to Success
Kroenke founded The Kroenke Group, a real estate development firm, in 1983. He also founded THF Realty in 1991. His marriage to Ann Walton, a Walmart heiress, further increased his wealth. His involvement in sports began with a stake in the St. Louis Rams in 1995 and expanded with the full ownership of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche in 2000. Kroenke's sports empire, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, was founded in 1999.
Key Business Strategies
Kroenke's business strategy has been marked by strategic real estate investments, often near Walmart stores, and the acquisition and management of major sports franchises. He focused on building a portfolio of valuable assets, including land and sports teams. His move to relocate the St. Louis Rams to Los Angeles and the construction of SoFi Stadium demonstrate his approach of increasing asset value through infrastructure development.
Philanthropy
While specific amounts are difficult to ascertain, Kroenke has made political donations, including $100,000 to the Hillary Victory Fund and $1 million to Donald Trump's inaugural committee. He and his wife Ann support various causes through their personal and family foundations, but the specifics are not readily available through search.