Thomas Friedkin

$1.70 B

Ranked #882 in World

About Thomas Friedkin

Thomas Hoyt Friedkin, a pivotal figure in the automotive and aviation industries, passed away on March 14, 2017. Born to Jean and Kenny Friedkin, Thomas inherited his passion for flying and entrepreneurship, eventually founding Gulf States Toyota Distributors (GST) in the 1960s. Under his leadership, GST flourished into a multibillion-dollar entity, significantly contributing to Toyota's US sales. Beyond his business acumen, Friedkin was known for his involvement in motorsports, aviation history preservation, and philanthropy, including establishing the Friedkin Disaster Relief Fund post-Hurricane Katrina. His legacy continues through his family and the Friedkin Group.

Born

August 29, 1935 in San Diego, California, U.S.

Died

March 14, 2017 (aged 81)

Source Of Wealth

Toyota Distribution

Industries

Automotive

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Houston, TX

Spouse

Susan Friedkin (Married: 1963)

Children

4 (including Dan Friedkin)

Parent

Kenny Friedkin and Jean Friedkin

Thomas Hoyt Friedkin, born in 1935, was the son of Jean and Kenny Friedkin. His father, Kenny Friedkin, was a combat pilot and trainer during World War II. In 1949, Kenny Friedkin opened Friedkin Aeronautics flight school and founded Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA). Growing up in this environment, Thomas Friedkin developed a passion for aviation and learned to fly as a youth. He eventually became a pilot for PSA in 1962.

Thomas Friedkin: Family

Thomas Friedkin married Susan Wille Friedkin in 1961, and together they had four children: Dan, Tomisu, Dorothy, and Kenneth. His son Dan Friedkin is currently the chairman of the Friedkin Group, which owns Gulf States Toyota.

Thomas Friedkin: Career Highlights

In the 1960s, Thomas Friedkin founded Gulf States Toyota Distributors (GST) after meeting Toyota through Carroll Shelby. He built GST into a multibillion-dollar franchise, selling Toyota, Scion, and Lexus vehicles in several states. GST accounted for nearly 13% of Toyota sales in the United States and was ranked 53rd on Forbes' list of America's Largest Private Companies.

Thomas Friedkin: Companies

Thomas Friedkin's primary business venture was Gulf States Toyota Distributors (GST), which he founded and built into a highly successful automotive franchise. GST represented Toyota, Scion, and Lexus dealerships in several states and played a significant role in Toyota's overall sales in the United States.

Thomas Friedkin: Major Achievements

One of Thomas Friedkin's major achievements was transforming Gulf States Toyota Distributors (GST) into a multibillion-dollar enterprise. Under his leadership, GST became one of the largest and most successful Toyota dealerships in the United States. Friedkin's contributions to the automotive industry were widely recognized, and he was ranked among the most influential figures in the business.

Thomas Friedkin: Awards & Achievements

Thomas Friedkin received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2007 and was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the automotive industry.

Additionally, he was honored with the Horatio Alger Award in 2010, which recognizes individuals who have achieved remarkable success despite facing adversity.

Thomas Friedkin: Personal Life & Legacy

Thomas Friedkin was known for his adventurous spirit and diverse interests. He was an avid pilot and owned several warbirds, including an F-86F Sabre, MiG-15, P-47D Thunderbolt, and F4F Wildcat, which were used in film and television productions. Friedkin was also passionate about wildlife conservation and big-game hunting, leading to the creation of Tanzania Game Tracker Safaris and the Friedkin Conservation Fund.

Thomas Friedkin passed away on March 14, 2017, after a short illness. He left behind a remarkable legacy as a successful businessman, philanthropist, and aviation enthusiast. His contributions to the automotive industry and his commitment to conservation efforts continue to be remembered and celebrated.

Thomas Friedkin: Trivia

In addition to his business ventures, Thomas Friedkin had a brief stint in the entertainment industry. He served in various roles, including pilot, actor, and stuntman, in several movies and TV shows. Some of his notable credits include "The Cat from Outer Space," "Blue Thunder," "Pale Rider," and "The Rookie."

Wealth History

Timeline

1935

Thomas Hoyt Friedkin is born to Jean and Kenny Friedkin.

1949

Thomas' father opens Friedkin Aeronautics flight school and founds Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA).

1962

Thomas becomes a pilot for PSA.

1960s

Thomas founds Gulf States Toyota Distributors (GST) after meeting Toyota through Carroll Shelby.

1965-1969

Thomas owns Grand National, with drivers like Jim Paschal and Bobby Allison.

1969

Thomas co-owns the Miss Budweiser hydroplane boat, which wins the Gold Cup Race.

1970

Miss Budweiser wins the Gold Cup Race again.

1973

Miss Budweiser wins the Gold Cup Race for the third time.

1961

Thomas marries Susan Wille Friedkin and has four children: Dan, Tomisu, Dorothy, and Kenneth.

2017

Thomas Hoyt Friedkin passes away on March 14 after a short illness.

Thomas Friedkin : FAQs

What is Thomas Friedkin's net worth?

As of 2013, Thomas Friedkin's net worth was $1.70 billion.

What are Thomas Friedkin's main sources of wealth?

Thomas Friedkin's main source of income comes from Toyota Distribution.

In which industry does Thomas Friedkin primarily operate?

Thomas Friedkin is primarily involved in the Automotive industry.

Is Thomas Friedkin dead?

Yes, Thomas Friedkin died on March 14, 2017 (aged 81).

How many children does Thomas Friedkin have?

Thomas Friedkin has 4 children.

Who was Thomas Hoyt Friedkin and what is his connection to the aviation and automotive industries?

Thomas Hoyt Friedkin was a prominent businessman known for founding Gulf States Toyota Distributors in the 1960s and for his early life connection to aviation, being the son of Jean and Kenny Friedkin, a WWII combat pilot who founded Pacific Southwest Airlines. Thomas himself became a pilot for PSA in 1962 before venturing into the automotive industry.

How did Thomas Hoyt Friedkin contribute to Toyota's presence in the United States?

Thomas Hoyt Friedkin significantly contributed to Toyota's presence in the US by founding Gulf States Toyota Distributors (GST) in the 1960s, which grew into a multibillion-dollar franchise selling Toyota, Scion, and Lexus vehicles in several states, accounting for nearly 13% of Toyota's sales in the country.

What were some of Thomas Hoyt Friedkin's hobbies and how did they impact his life?

Thomas Hoyt Friedkin had diverse hobbies including owning race cars and hydroplane boats, collecting warbirds used in film and TV productions, and engaging in wildlife conservation and big-game hunting. He owned the Miss Budweiser hydroplane boat, winning Gold Cup Races, and created Tanzania Game Tracker Safaris alongside the Friedkin Conservation Fund.

Can you detail Thomas Hoyt Friedkin's philanthropic efforts?

Thomas Hoyt Friedkin was actively involved in philanthropy through the establishment of the Friedkin Disaster Relief Fund to aid Hurricane Katrina victims working for Toyota dealerships, and managed his philanthropic activities through the Friedkin Foundation, focusing on various causes including disaster relief and conservation.

What is known about Thomas Hoyt Friedkin's family and personal life?

Thomas Hoyt Friedkin married Susan Wille Friedkin in 1961 and had four children: Dan, Tomisu, Dorothy, and Kenneth. His son Dan later became chairman of the Friedkin Group, which owns Gulf States Toyota. Thomas passed away on March 14, 2017, after a short illness.