Steve Kidd, renowned as the patriarch of Jason Kidd, one of the NBA’s all-time greatest point guards and playmakers, also boasted a prosperous career as an entrepreneur.
His endeavors encompassed ownership and management of a petroleum enterprise, as well as a network of restaurants and gas stations situated in East Texas.
In the following pages, we will delve into Steve Kidd’s life journey, his substantial impact on his son’s illustrious basketball career, and his forays into the realms of podcasting and tour management.
Who Is Jason Kidd’s Father?
Born in 1938 in San Francisco, California, Steve Kidd hailed from a middle-class African-American family.
His parents, Frank and Blanche Kidd, instilled strong values during his upbringing.
Steve’s early career saw him working as a baggage handler and later as a ticket counter supervisor for Trans World Airlines (TWA).
However, his journey took a significant turn when he became an administrator and co-owner of Jerry Kidd Petroleum Industry, Inc., a company that oversaw the operation of Kidd Jones quick-service restaurants and gas stations across East Texas12.
Steve Kidd’s personal life saw him wed Anne Kidd, an individual of Irish-American heritage.
Together, they raised three children: Jason, Kim, and Denise.
Steve’s unwavering support for his son Jason’s basketball dreams was evident as he frequently attended his games.
He played a pivotal role in facilitating Jason’s enrollment at St. Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda, where the young talent led the basketball team to consecutive state championships.
Additionally, he encouraged Jason to pursue higher education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he would eventually shine as a star player for the Golden Bears34.
Regrettably, Steve Kidd passed away in May 1999 at the age of 61, missing the opportunity to witness his son’s remarkable achievement: an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.
Nevertheless, Steve left behind a legacy characterized by love, tireless effort, and unwavering dedication.
This legacy served as an enduring source of inspiration, propelling his son to become one of the most celebrated figures in NBA history, excelling both as a player and coach.
Where Is Steve Kidd From?
Steve Kidd, born in 1938 in San Francisco, California, spent his formative years in the city before relocating to Oakland with his wife Anne and their children.
Later, he made a significant move to East Texas, where he laid the foundation for his business empire through Jerry Kidd Petroleum Industry, Inc.
This company was responsible for the ownership and operation of Kidd Jones quick-service restaurants and gas stations.
Apart from his business ventures, Steve Kidd had a deep passion for travel and exploration, often embarking on adventures with his family.
His journeys took them to numerous countries, including France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Egypt, Israel, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Jamaica, Bahamas, Hawaii, Alaska, and many others.
In addition to his love for travel, Steve was an avid sports enthusiast with a particular fondness for basketball, football, baseball, golf, tennis, boxing, horse racing, and car racing.
His diverse interests made him a well-rounded individual who cherished both family adventures and sporting events.
Steve Kidd Podcast
Steve Kidd, in addition to his prosperous business endeavors, ventured into the world of podcasting as a co-host alongside his son-in-law, Steve Olsher.
Together, they birthed the podcast titled “Thriving Entrepreneur.” This podcast served as a platform for engaging conversations with accomplished entrepreneurs, best-selling authors, and individuals catalyzing global change.
These remarkable individuals shared their personal journeys and profound insights, shedding light on the paths they took to realize their ambitions, all while imparting wisdom on how others could follow suit.
The overarching goal of “Thriving Entrepreneur” was to ignite inspiration within its audience, urging them to actively pursue their passions and dreams, and ultimately surmount their own obstacles and apprehensions.
The podcast was not merely an abstract source of motivation; it provided pragmatic advice and strategies across a spectrum of topics.
These ranged from kick-starting and nurturing a business, to navigating the intricacies of product or service marketing and sales, to effectively managing financial matters.
Furthermore, it extended its guidance to the delicate art of work-life balance, fostering a positive societal influence, and delved into a multitude of other invaluable subjects.
Listeners could access this treasure trove of knowledge across several platforms, including Apple Podcasts, BlogTalkRadio, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, and more.
With a substantial library of over 400 episodes, “Thriving Entrepreneur” garnered commendable acclaim through the enthusiastic ratings and reviews it received from its audience.
These listeners not only appreciated the wealth of valuable information but also the powerful motivation imparted by Steve Kidd and his esteemed guests.
Steve Kidd Basketball
Steve Kidd’s deep passion for basketball was not only evident in his unwavering support for his son, Jason Kidd, but also in his role as a mentor who played a pivotal role in nurturing his son’s skills and love for the game.
Steve’s introduction of basketball to Jason at a young age set the foundation for his remarkable journey.
He carefully curated Jason’s basketball experiences, enrolling him in various teams and tournaments and exposing him to the legends of the sport, including luminaries like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan.
Throughout Jason’s basketball odyssey, from high school to college and eventually the NBA, Steve remained a constant presence.
He was not merely a spectator; he was a source of encouragement, advice, and celebration during Jason’s triumphant moments.
Yet, Steve also bore witness to the challenges that came with the game, including injuries, trades, defeats, and controversies. Through it all, he provided unwavering support, inspiring Jason to persevere, learn, and continually improve.
Steve Kidd took immense pride in his son’s numerous basketball achievements.
From winning two state championships in high school to leading the nation in assists and steals during his college years, Jason’s journey was impressive.
His selection as the second overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1994 NBA Draft, sharing the coveted Rookie of the Year award with Grant Hill, and amassing accolades such as 10 All-Star selections, five All-NBA First Team nods, nine All-Defensive Team honors, five assists leader titles, two Olympic gold medals, an NBA championship in 2011, and ultimately, induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018, were all sources of immense pride and joy for Steve Kidd.
Conclusion
Steve Kidd led an extraordinary life filled with diversity and accomplishment. As the father of a basketball legend, a thriving entrepreneur, a podcasting luminary, and a proficient tour manager, his impact rippled through various facets of life.
His guidance shaped his son’s soaring basketball career, contributed to the growth of his own business empire, ignited the entrepreneurial spirit in his podcast listeners, and elevated the quality of Drake’s musical performances.
Steve embodied love, unwavering diligence, and a profound commitment, serving as an inspiration to countless individuals through his stories and wisdom.
His enduring legacy resonates through the continued success of his family, the flourishing of his business endeavors, the resonance of his podcast, and the enchantment of his tours.
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