From the Padres to the promotional products industry, Peter Seidler’s positive influence radiated throughout his lifetime – and will continue to, those close to him say, following his passing at age 63 on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

Seidler was the owner of Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres – and a much beloved one at that, given his investment of hundreds of millions of dollars over about a decade to bring in big-name stars in pursuit of a World Series win that, sadly, did not happen.

“His impact on the city of San Diego and the baseball world will be felt for generations,” says Padres CEO Erik Greupner. “His generous spirit is now firmly embedded in the fabric of the Padres.”

Promo executives are mourning Seidler, too.

They include Jim Hagan, Seidler’s brother-in-law and former CEO of Sweda, a Top 40 supplier prior to being acquired by current Top 40 firm SnugZ USA (asi/88060) in 2022. Seidler was the owner of Sweda for a time.

With profound sadness, the Padres announce that their Chairman and Owner Peter Seidler passed away today in San Diego. He will be dearly missed.

Please see the attached press release for further detail: https://t.co/aCzmP690G9 pic.twitter.com/hWOxwRbLFq

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) November 14, 2023

Hagan describes Seidler as a remarkable person – a leader blessed with incredible business acumen and also a good, empathetic heart. He was someone, says Hagan, filled with love for family and friends who would be there for you in both joyful and challenging times.

“I was blessed to have Peter as my brother-in-law,” Hagan tells ASI Media. “He was like a great coach, trusting and pushing others to succeed and contribute to the team effort, but acting decisively when needed. Peter had high expectations but never sought the glorification of his own ego. He was amazingly humble and smart, and I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor.” 

Bill Korowitz, CEO of Top 40 supplier The Magnet Group (asi/68507) and a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people, tells ASI Media that Seidler did nothing short of change the trajectory of his life.

As Korowitz shares, Seidler purchased Magnet in the early 1990s. In 1996, after interviewing with headhunters for a position at the firm, Korowitz flew into West Hollywood, CA, to meet with Seidler at a restaurant at 1 p.m. Seidler, that day, was late … in what turned into the memorable beginning of a fantastic business relationship.

“I was blessed to have Peter as my brother-in-law. He was like a great coach, trusting and pushing others to succeed.” Jim Hagan

“At 1:35, Peter bursts in the door of the restaurant,” Korowitz recalls with a smile. “He has on tennis shoes and shorts, cut-off sweatshirt, and his hair is everywhere but combed. After he apologizes profusely for being late, he says, ‘I just live down the street, make yourself at home, I’ll shower and be right back.’ I said, ‘Please sit and forget about changing; let’s talk.’ He then explained to me he was playing tennis and wasn’t going to lose today – and similarly, that he wasn’t going to lose at the Magnet business, either. My kind of guy. He hired me that day, 27 years ago, and I remember it fondly.”

Korowitz says he and Seidler grew the business from $18 million and one facility to a firm with 11 facilities and roughly $100 million in revenue. In 2010, Seidler offered Korowitz a controlling interest in The Magnet Group and became a minority owner.

“We loved doing business together, which came from a place of mutual trust,” says Korowitz. “Having him in my corner was a gift.”

Korowitz continues: “Peter Seidler was my mentor, friend and brother. He was always looking for the good in things and people; it was hard not to become a disciple.”

“We loved doing business together, which came from a place of mutual trust. Having [Peter] in my corner was a gift.” Bill Korowitz, The Magnet Group (asi/68507)

Born in California in 1960, Seidler worked in the lending wing of Bank of America before co-founding private equity firm Seidler Equity Partners in 1992. Through the firm, which reportedly manages $5 billion in assets, Seidler made a fortune. Despite struggling with health issues, having twice undergone treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Seidler never lost his zest for life or compassion for others, those close to him say.

The latter point was evidenced by his extensive philanthropy, which included supporting charities like The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and The American Cancer Society, and founding the “Tuesday Group,” which brought together political, business and civic leaders to help San Diego’s homeless population.

“He will be dearly missed,” says Greupner.

Seidler is survived by his wife, Sheel, mother, Terry, three children and nine siblings.