Jack Kent Cooke: Meeting My First Billionaire
HITC/Jake Nichol/Jack Kent Cooke
Back in the late 1980s, I met my first billionaire, Jack Kent Cooke (JKC) -- who was like a real-life Daddy Warbucks. That glimpse into the fascinating world of billionaires planted the seed for my role in the private service industry serving UHNW individuals, which then eventually led to being a headhunter for billionaires and celebrities.
Who was Jack Kent Cooke?
Billionaire businessman Jack Kent Cooke (1912 to 1997) was a titan of industry in professional sports and broadcasting. He owned numerous sports teams, including the Washington Redskins (now called the Washington Commanders), the L.A. Lakers, and the Los Angeles Kings -- among others. Additionally, FedEx Stadium in the state of Maryland was once called Jack Kent Cooke Stadium.
How I came to meet the billionaire and philanthropist
Jack in 1955
Back in the late 1980s, mobile phones were not what they are today. They were very large and weren't so "mobile." People needed to go to niche electronics vendors to have them installed inside of a vehicle, which meant removing the seats and carpeting to run wires.
I worked at one of these boutique establishments, and it was years before large companies like Circuit City or Best Buy were involved in aftermarket installations of high-end stereos like Alpine and Blaupunkt.
I worked at one of these boutique establishments, and it was years before large companies like Circuit City or Best Buy were involved in aftermarket installations of high-end stereos like Alpine and Blaupunkt.
Getting an order from Jack Kent Cooke
In late 1987, I arrived at work after school, and I thought it would be just like any other day. It wasn't. My boss told me the billionaire owner of the Washington Redskins (now the Commanders) purchased a used mobile phone and that we were going to install it in his used limousine (Yes, JKC was thrifty like many billionaires are).
VIDEO: Brian meets Jack Kent Cooke (starts at 31 seconds to 2:05)
Going to Jack Kent Cooke's ranch
Jack Kent Cook's former estate
Because of Jack Kent Cook's billionaire status, he didn't need to drop his limousine off at the shop, which was in Tysons Corner, Virginia.
Instead, we went to his estate in Middleburg, Virginia. Recent research I did uncovered two names for the estate in Middleburg: Kent Farms and Far Acres. I can't be sure if they are one in the same, but the photo I found labeled Kent Farms (pictured left) is the one I recognize being at.
We installed the mobile phone in the dirt driveway you see pictured (yes, a billionaire didn't pay to pave his driveway, and it's a great lesson about being frugal).
Instead, we went to his estate in Middleburg, Virginia. Recent research I did uncovered two names for the estate in Middleburg: Kent Farms and Far Acres. I can't be sure if they are one in the same, but the photo I found labeled Kent Farms (pictured left) is the one I recognize being at.
We installed the mobile phone in the dirt driveway you see pictured (yes, a billionaire didn't pay to pave his driveway, and it's a great lesson about being frugal).
Getting pulled into Jack Kent Cooke's entourage
Earlier when I compared Jack Kent Cooke to Daddy Warbucks, it was for a reason. In the short video below, Daddy Warbucks enters his mansion with his entourage, the domestic staff scatter around, and people get VERY serious. This is EXACTLY what happened when I met JKC.
VIDEO: Daddy Warbucks in "Annie" (1982)
Going to the Super Bowl with Jack Kent Cooke (sort of)
We were about halfway through with the mobile phone installation, and Jack Kent Cooke emerged from his home with a gaggle of people all vying for his attention. It was amazing to watch such a ball of energy. Although he was 75 years old at the time, he had the energy of an 18-year-old. He was shouting commands and giving directives a mile a minute. Cooke arrived at the limousine to see wires and tools strewn everywhere. The scene unfolded like this:
At the top of his Daddy Warbucks-like voice, he said, "Who's in charge here?"
"I am," said my boss, Marty.
"Get this mess out of the way! We're leaving now," said Cooke.
"Sir, I'm sorry, but where not done with the installation yet," Marty said meekly.
"We're leaving," said Cooke.
Mr. Cooke jumped into the car with someone, presumably his personal assistant, and we raced off. The other people who had emerged from the home ran frantically to their own automobiles and chased behind us.
At the top of his Daddy Warbucks-like voice, he said, "Who's in charge here?"
"I am," said my boss, Marty.
"Get this mess out of the way! We're leaving now," said Cooke.
"Sir, I'm sorry, but where not done with the installation yet," Marty said meekly.
"We're leaving," said Cooke.
Mr. Cooke jumped into the car with someone, presumably his personal assistant, and we raced off. The other people who had emerged from the home ran frantically to their own automobiles and chased behind us.
Arriving at the Washington Redskins Training Park
Doug Williams '88 Super Bowl (Darr Beiser-USA TODAY)
I didn't know it at the time, but when we sped off with Jack Kent Cooke in his limousine, we were headed to Redskins Park. Now, that doesn't sound like such a big deal, but it was because just months later, the Washington Redskins would win the 1988 Super Bowl XXII against the Denver Broncos.
When we arrived at Redskins Park during the NFL team's practice time, that's when things really got nuts. There were a lot of people there waiting for JKC, and the reporters were everywhere. The journalists with their TV cameras were clamoring to talk to Jack. Several security guards had to hold them back, and everyone was shouting to get Mr. Cooke's attention (like being on a red carpet during the Academy Awards.
Long story short, we finished the installation, and we were driven back to Jack Kent Cooke's estate in the limo. Wow! What a day. It's not something I will ever forget.
When we arrived at Redskins Park during the NFL team's practice time, that's when things really got nuts. There were a lot of people there waiting for JKC, and the reporters were everywhere. The journalists with their TV cameras were clamoring to talk to Jack. Several security guards had to hold them back, and everyone was shouting to get Mr. Cooke's attention (like being on a red carpet during the Academy Awards.
Long story short, we finished the installation, and we were driven back to Jack Kent Cooke's estate in the limo. Wow! What a day. It's not something I will ever forget.
His legacy: The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation & Scholarship
Jack Kent Cooke lives on through his foundation and scholarships. For decades, the foundation has been awarding needy students with the money to go to college. Upon Jack's death in 1997, his son, John Kent Cooke, was given the 150-acre estate in Middleburg, which produces Boxwood Wines.
