Entrepreneur. He gained recognition as a Jewish American businessman who was successful as a sports franchise owner, an insurance and entertainment business CEO, a racehorse owner, as well as a car dealership owner. During World War II, he served with the U.S. military as a bomber pilot before becoming a successful used car salesman in Southern California. He eventually helped to launch the sales of new Volvo automobiles from Sweden in the United States. After that success, Klein became the CEO of National General Corporation and American Financial Group. He later became an owner of the Seattle Supersonics of the NBA and was the principal owner of the NFL's San Diego Chargers from 1966 to 1984. He sold the team for about $80 million in 1984. In his later years, Klein became a very successful thoroughbred racehorse owner. He owned 146 horses, including Winning Colors who in 1988 became only the third filly to ever win the Kentucky Derby in the 114-year history of America's most important Thoroughbred race. In addition, his horses won seven Breeders' Cup World Championship races and earned eight Eclipse Awards plus another three that were personal when he was voted the U.S. industry's "Outstanding Owner" in 1985, 1986, and 1987.
Entrepreneur. He gained recognition as a Jewish American businessman who was successful as a sports franchise owner, an insurance and entertainment business CEO, a racehorse owner, as well as a car dealership owner. During World War II, he served with the U.S. military as a bomber pilot before becoming a successful used car salesman in Southern California. He eventually helped to launch the sales of new Volvo automobiles from Sweden in the United States. After that success, Klein became the CEO of National General Corporation and American Financial Group. He later became an owner of the Seattle Supersonics of the NBA and was the principal owner of the NFL's San Diego Chargers from 1966 to 1984. He sold the team for about $80 million in 1984. In his later years, Klein became a very successful thoroughbred racehorse owner. He owned 146 horses, including Winning Colors who in 1988 became only the third filly to ever win the Kentucky Derby in the 114-year history of America's most important Thoroughbred race. In addition, his horses won seven Breeders' Cup World Championship races and earned eight Eclipse Awards plus another three that were personal when he was voted the U.S. industry's "Outstanding Owner" in 1985, 1986, and 1987.
Bio by: David W. Coleman
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