Herman Sarkowsky: The Visionary Behind Pacific Northwest's Sports Franchises

A Pioneer in Business and Sports

Herman Sarkowsky is renowned for co-founding two prominent Pacific Northwest sports franchises: the Portland Trail Blazers and the Seattle Seahawks. As a shrewd businessman, philanthropist, and thoroughbred breeder, Sarkowsky left an indelible mark on the world of sports and beyond.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 9, 1925, in Gera, Thuringia, Germany, Sarkowsky was raised in a Jewish family. In 1934, his family immigrated to New York City, fleeing the Nazi regime, and later settled in Seattle, Washington, in 1937. Sarkowsky served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II and graduated from the University of Washington in 1949.

Career Highlights

Sarkowsky's business acumen led him to found United Homes Corporation, which became the largest homebuilding company in the Northwest. He developed the iconic Key Tower (now Seattle Municipal Tower) in Seattle and was a partner in the Frederick and Nelson department store chain. As of 2007, he operated a private investment firm and held prominent positions on various boards, including the National Association of Home Builders, HLTH Corporation, and WebMD.

The Birth of the Portland Trail Blazers

In 1970, Sarkowsky, along with investors Larry Weinberg and Robert Schmertz, paid $3.7 million for an expansion NBA franchise in Portland, Oregon. The team, later named the Portland Trail Blazers, began play in November 1970, with Sarkowsky as president and managing partner. Over the years, he increased his stake in the team, eventually selling his remaining shares to Weinberg in 1975.

The Seattle Seahawks Era

Coinciding with his involvement in the Trail Blazers, Sarkowsky co-founded the Seattle Seahawks in 1974, alongside Lloyd W. Nordstrom and several other investors. Although his tenure with the Seahawks was shorter than with the Trail Blazers, his contribution to bringing professional football to Seattle was instrumental.

Philanthropic Efforts and Legacy

Sarkowsky's philanthropic endeavors have had a lasting impact on the Pacific Northwest community. His dedication to charity and community development has inspired numerous initiatives, including support for education, healthcare, and arts programs.

Awards and Honors

• Lifetime Board Member of the National Association of Home Builders
• Recipient of the University of Washington's Distinguished Alumnus Award
• Inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame (2007)
• Inducted into the Seattle Sports Hall of Fame (2013)

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

• Immigrated to the United States in 1934, fleeing Nazi Germany
• Served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II
• Graduated from the University of Washington in 1949
• Co-founded the Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle Seahawks in the 1970s
• Passed away on November 2, 2014, at the age of 89

Sarkowsky's remarkable journey, marked by determination, innovation, and generosity, has left an enduring legacy in the world of sports, business, and philanthropy.