Skinner graduated Dartmouth College in 1942 and served aboard a destroyer during World War II.
When it went into decline ultimately closing in 1971 he branched into real estate with the Skinner Corporation owning the Skinner Building and 5th Avenue Theatre, Pepsi Bottling, and NC Machinery.
[1] During preparation for the Century 21 Seattle World’s Fair in 1960, Skinner joined the Pentagram Corporation to build the Space Needle.
He sold his interest in 1977 to Howard S. Wright whose company still controls the Seattle skyline's icon.
After the NFL awarded the franchise to Seattle the group formed a partnership with the Nordstrom family having controlling interest.