Don Kingsborough, a name synonymous with pioneering innovation, was a true catalyst in the payments and retail sectors. Born on March 7, 1947, and passing on September 13, 2025, his life was dedicated to envisioning and actualizing the future of commerce and entertainment. He was among those rare individuals bold enough to perceive upcoming transformations long before they became apparent to others.
Kingsborough's professional journey is marked by a series of significant milestones, each reflecting his uncanny ability to drive change. He played a crucial role in shaping the entertainment landscape as President of Nintendo of America and a driving commercial force behind Atari. His tenure at Worlds of Wonder saw the introduction of iconic toys like Teddy Ruxpin and Lazer Tag, creating cultural sensations that captivated millions. Later, as Vice President and General Manager of Retail at PayPal, he was instrumental in forging the partnerships that integrated PayPal into physical stores and expanded its extensive retail network. Perhaps his most enduring legacy in the financial world came as the founder and CEO of Blackhawk Network, where he conceived and built a prepaid and gift card platform that fundamentally democratized access to payments globally through widespread retail channels. Beyond these corporate achievements, Don also served as a valued investor and advisor, guiding countless founders, helping them establish their ventures, and leveraging his vast expertise and network to facilitate their growth.
Yet, Don’s profound impact extended far beyond the groundbreaking products he launched or the sophisticated platforms he helped construct. His true legacy resides within the individuals he mentored, the budding startups he fervently supported, and the leaders who, often unknowingly, carry forward the invaluable lessons he imparted. Don possessed a unique, almost invisible presence. Once he connected with someone, he frequently acted as an unseen facilitator, orchestrating necessary introductions or ensuring critical deals materialized seamlessly. He operated with quiet efficiency, always driven by a clear purpose, advancing both people and businesses without ever seeking the limelight for himself.
The author’s personal connection with Don began serendipitously in 2005 at The Lydian Roundtable, an annual event hosted by the author’s consulting firm. This gathering brought together thought leaders to discuss platform business development. Although Don wasn't personally known to the author then, his burgeoning Blackhawk Network and his impressive history of innovation had already garnered attention. A speculative cold email invitation, sent without much expectation, surprisingly led to Don’s acceptance and attendance. This initial encounter blossomed into a decades-long relationship, evolving from a professional acquaintance to a trusted industry colleague, then a client, and eventually a close business partner. The profound sense of loss following his passing is a sentiment widely shared across the industry, reflecting the immense number of lives he touched and influenced.
Don Kingsborough was a disruptor who fearlessly challenged the established norms in two monumental industries: retail and payments. He vividly demonstrated how technological advancements could fundamentally alter the movement of money and revolutionize consumer shopping and payment behaviors. In the retail sphere, he possessed an early understanding that the point of sale was not merely a transaction terminal but a dynamic platform poised for significant growth and fostering consumer trust. Bridging technology with commerce, he insisted on an integrated future—one that was smarter, faster, and interconnected, rather than siloed. He relentlessly advocated for change, consistently foreseeing trends and opportunities that remained invisible to others.
What truly distinguished Don was not just his visionary outlook but also his personal approach. In an age increasingly dominated by emails and texts, he was decidedly a "telephone and Zoom" individual, preferring direct conversation. Even better, he loved to meet in person. He had a remarkable ability to ask probing questions that others might hesitate to voice, or perhaps simply didn't wish to hear the answers to, whether across a physical table or a virtual screen. His conviction and extensive experience, cultivated over many years, inspired people to embrace risks. He instilled confidence, reminding them of the superior outcomes that innovation could yield. When engaging with him, one didn't merely listen to his ideas; one felt the profound conviction that these ideas possessed the power to transform everything.
Stories of his ingenious methods for "making things happen" are numerous and insightful. One particularly memorable anecdote involved his struggle to convince a major mass-market retailer to stock Lazer Tag after repeated rejections. Undeterred, he ingeniously set up a tent in the retailer's parking lot, hired college students, and equipped them with Lazer Tag sets to play. Shoppers, naturally drawn to the spectacle, stopped to observe, then proceeded into the store to inquire where they could purchase the product. It wasn't long before Lazer Tag appeared on that store's shelves. This story perfectly encapsulates Don’s character: relentless, resourceful, and utterly unafraid to prove his point, completely undaunted by initial—or even subsequent—rejections.
For many, Don Kingsborough's legacy spans both professional achievements and personal inspiration. He leaves behind an impressive array of systems and technologies that have fundamentally redefined the landscape of commerce. More importantly, he serves as a powerful reminder that genuine change originates from the courage to initiate it, irrespective of how challenging the journey may become. Therefore, whenever lightning flashes across the sky, it might evoke the image of a grand game of Lazer Tag, with Don still playing, still reveling in every moment. Because that is the essence of a true catalyst: to ignite potential that others cannot yet perceive, and to create a momentum that far outlives their physical presence. He leaves not just ideas and inventions, as he undeniably did, but an enduring energy to propel an entire industry, and the dedicated individuals within it, continuously forward.
