Goldman Philanthropic Partners

In the world of investment, no name is larger than Warren Buffett's. Every investor dreams of imitating his remarkable rise to one of the richest men in the world. However, understanding the man and his choices are important before making choices based on his experience.

Warren Buffett, CEO

Born in 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska, Warren Buffett is widely known as one of the most successful investor in world history. After starting out by purchasing a pinball machine at age 15, he became an entrepreneur that led him to receive a masters degree in economics from Columbia University. Through a series of well-planned investments, Buffett established himself as one of the most preeminent businessmen and investors in the world. His fortune peaked at an estimated $62 billion in early 2008, at which time Forbes named him the richest person in the world.

Buffett is best known as the largest shareholder and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, a holding company with a number of subsidiaries. The firm has shown an average of a 20.3 percent increase in value for its shareholders since 1964.