Ewing Kauffman

Ewing Kauffman (September 21, 1916 – August 1, 1993) was an American businessman and philanthropist, best known for founding the pharmaceutical company Marion Laboratories, and owning the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball.

Early life

Ewing Kauffman was born in a modest home in Garden City, Missouri. He was the only child of John S. Kauffman and Effie May Winders. His father was a farmer and his mother was a school teacher.

Career

In 1950, Kauffman started Marion Laboratories in the basement of his home with a $5,000 investment. The company started with a single product, a calcium supplement named Os-Cal. By 1989, Marion Laboratories had grown into a major pharmaceutical company with over $1 billion in sales.

In 1968, Kauffman purchased the expansion franchise that became the Kansas City Royals. He owned the team until his death in 1993. Under his ownership, the Royals won their first World Series in 1985.

Philanthropy

Kauffman was a generous philanthropist. In 1966, he established the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which supports education and entrepreneurship. The foundation has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including the Kauffman Scholars program and the Kauffman Stadium.

Legacy

Kauffman's legacy continues through the work of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. His contributions to the pharmaceutical industry and Major League Baseball have had a lasting impact.

See also

• List of Major League Baseball team owners
• List of philanthropists

External links

• Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation