02-09-2026, 10:21 AM
Everyone has heard of this guy, even if you don't recognize the name.
Quote:Steven Matthew David
Steven Matthew David was the man who put the Top of the Hill on the map.
A ubiquitous presence on TV and the radio during the 60s, 70s and 80s, David founded the first store in the San Francisco Bay Area to sell discount electronics. During its 25 years in business, Matthews approached retail uniquely: the store often had lines around the block while customers waited to be escorted around the store by a salesperson. In addition to campaigns featuring everyone from Davy Jones to Jerry Rice, Matthews became known for offering champagne and popcorn to customers as they waited.
David's legendary bicycle promotion-offering a free bike with the purchase of almost any product costing $150-became part of local lore and his tag line "Top of the Hill, Daly City" still remains known today. Matthews became the largest single store retailer of home electronics in the country and David among the first business owners to personally appear in his own ads.
A high school valedictorian who scored an 800 on his math SAT, David attended Harvard College, where he graduated magna cum laude. Though accepted at Harvard Business School, he opted instead to start and grow Matthews.
After a long illness, Steven Matthew David died peacefully on January 18th. He is survived by his two children, Ned and Anna, brother Anthony David, and sisters Barbara Dali and Linda Williams, as well as the many who remember him as an integral part of Bay Area history.
As a matter of fact, my anger does keep me warm
