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About Bill Daniels

A man of compassion, ethics, and integrity, and the single source of our capacity to give

We are inspired by our founder, Bill Daniels, who was the embodiment of the American Dream.

Raised during the Depression, his grit and determination pioneered one of the most transformational industries of his time, cable television. His philanthropic vision was grounded in his core values and an unwavering belief in the power of the individual and their God-given responsibility to help us achieve a “more perfect union.”

We share his unwavering commitment that giving back can change the world. His generous and entrepreneurial spirit lives on through the countless lives impacted by more than 1.7 billion dollars of giving since 2000.

When you put your life into perspective, you realize how little time there is to make something truly significant out of it. To some people, this might mean acquiring a lot of possessions, building a business, or owning property. There’s nothing wrong with these aspirations, but for me they pale in comparison to individuals who want to leave something more consequential as their legacy.

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Bill Daniels
LARGER THAN LIFE

The Life & Legacy of Bill Daniels

Bill Daniels was a born entrepreneur, widely considered one of the great business visionaries of the twentieth century. He built his success on hard work, instinct, integrity, and respect. His word was as solid as a contract, and his compassion matched his business acumen. In many ways, he was truly “larger than life.”

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Early Life

Born in Greeley, Colorado in 1920, Bill grew up in Omaha and Council Bluffs before moving to Hobbs, New Mexico during the Great Depression. His unruly teen years led him to New Mexico Military Institute, where he embraced discipline, became a Golden Gloves champion, and developed leadership skills.

Early Life
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Military Service

As a naval officer and fearless combat pilot in WWII, Bill earned the Bronze Star for heroic rescues aboard the USS Intrepid. He later trained Navy pilots during the transition to jet aircraft and retired as a decorated Commander.

Military Service
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Business Visionary

Bill’s career began in insurance, but a chance encounter with television in 1952 sparked his next venture—building Casper, Wyoming’s first cable system. From there, he became a pioneer in cable television, founding Daniels & Associates and turning Denver into the industry’s capital.

Business Visionary
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Sports and Media

A lifelong sports fan, Bill helped pioneer sports broadcasting and invested in boxing, car racing, and pro teams like the Utah Stars and LA Lakers. He also served as president of the American Basketball Association and co-founded the United States Football League (USFL).

Sports and Media
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Personal Challenges

Bill was candid about his struggles. He battled alcoholism, endured four divorces, and faced business failures on the way to becoming a billionaire. He ran unsuccessfully for Colorado governor in 1974.

Personal Challenges
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Philanthropy and Community

Bill believed in a “hand-up,” not a hand-out. He raised $300,000 for education via a record-setting global flight and opened his home, Cableland, to nonprofits before donating it to the City of Denver.

He founded Young Americans Bank, the world’s only bank for kids, and helped shape ethics education at the University of Denver, which renamed its business school in his honor.

Philanthropy and Community
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Lasting Impact

Bill didn’t just donate. He showed up, listened, and connected. He devoted his final years to establishing the Daniels Fund, guiding its mission and direction. When he passed in 2000, his estate created one of the region’s largest private foundations.

Today, the Daniels Fund carries forward his legacy through grants, scholarships, and its ethics initiative, supporting people and communities across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

Lasting Impact

The Values That Guided Bill Daniels

Ethics and Integrity

Bill Daniels believed firmly in ethics and integrity. An extremely honest and fair businessman, his decisions were always based on what he felt was right, not just what he thought was best for himself or his company. This approach earned him incredible respect and loyalty throughout the business world.

Honesty

Bill was an honest person who always honored his word. He was completely up-front in his dealings with others and required all conflicts to be disclosed and agreed upon before a deal could be closed. His communications were straightforward, using plain and clear language.

Respect for People

Bill was a compassionate person who showed genuine interest in the lives of others. He treated all people with equal respect and dignity, and never considered himself to be “above” anyone. He was a good friend who never hesitated to help those in need.

Bill recognized that people make mistakes and was known for giving second chances. He believed in the power of the individual, inspiring and challenging people to see their potential. He always made a point of offering praise, encouragement, and congratulations.

Loyalty & Reliability

Loyalty was very important to Bill. He was loyal to his friends, employees, business associates, and vendors, and he expected the same in return.

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Entrepreneurial spirit was at the heart of who Bill was. He was the definition of an entrepreneur: a business visionary, risk-taker, and innovator. These characteristics, combined with his belief in the American free enterprise system, led to his success.

Bill did not permit obstacles to stand in the way of an idea he felt strongly about. He saw obstacles as challenges that energized him. He encouraged innovative solutions to difficult problems and learned from both mistakes and failures along the way.

Belief in the Free Enterprise System

Bill was a champion of the American free enterprise system. He believed in the free market and felt business should be governed by the laws of supply and demand, not excessive government interference or regulation.


He believed competition encourages continuous improvement, ensuring the best products and services are delivered to those who want them

Patriotism and Dedication to Community

Bill believed that America is the land of opportunity and cherished the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. He loved his country and the communities where he lived, and worked hard to strengthen them by giving back.

He served his country as a combat pilot in two wars, was actively involved in the political system, and supported businesses and charitable causes in all of the places he called home.

Commitment to Excellence

Bill had a deep commitment to excellence, applying that standard to everything he did. He was an exceptional communicator, highly organized, and dedicated to delivering services and products of the highest quality.

For Bill, both personally and for his companies, it was important to convey quality and professionalism through image and action. He set high standards for the personal appearance of his associates and offices, expected flawless publications and correspondence, and insisted on exceptional customer service.

Etiquette

When Bill was growing up, the teaching of etiquette was a major focus in the Daniels household. The manners he learned as a child stayed with him throughout his life.

For Bill, impeccable manners and proper etiquette were an essential part of doing business. He placed high expectations not only on himself but also on every one of his business associates. He believed in being on time, promptly returning calls and correspondence, sending thank-you notes and RSVPs, and dressing appropriately.

The Life & Legacy of Bill Daniels

The Life & Legacy of Bill Daniels is the definitive account of Bill Daniels’ life, detailing how his values and experiences shaped him and the foundation he established to continue his legacy of generosity.

We invite you to download a free copy of the book, compliments of the Daniels Fund Board of Directors.

Download your free copy
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