Episode 8: Todd A. Finkle

The eighth episode of Read The Bull is an enlightening conversation about one of the world's greatest investors - Warren Buffet. Todd A. Finkle, Ph.D., is the Pigott Professor of Entrepreneurship at Gonzaga and he's written the insightful book "Warren Buffett: Investor and Entrepreneur."  Todd brings his 33 years of teaching to the book and discusses Buffett's entrepreneurial voyage. Todd talks about his own entrepreneurial approach to getting the book published. He discusses how he took his time writing it and his goal to make it the most important writing of his career. Todd's tireless approach and the fact he's one of the premier professors of entrepreneurship helped get the attention of Columbia University Business Press who ended up publishing the book. Todd discusses Buffett's motivation explaining that he was born in 1930 during the Great Depression and that Buffett's father lost all of his money. He explains that there was chaos in the family during this time as Buffett's mother was dealing with mental health issues. Todd discusses how the "poverty effect" played a part in Buffett's life and likely still influences him even today. "He doesn't stop," Todd says of Buffett who's 92. He talks to Stefan about how Buffett became an entrepreneur at an early age, starting with a lemonade stand and then buying 40 acres of farmland at age 15 and then leasing it out. Stefan and Todd go on and talk about some of Buffett's best and not so great investments. Listeners may be surprised to learn that the Berkshire Hathaway investment is considered one of his worst despite the fact that it became the name of his holding company. And it was all over 12.5-cents! Todd's book is filled with great case studies analyzing Buffett's investments and he discusses some of his favorites including Nebraska Furniture Mart. They also talk about Berkshire Hathaways own succession issues. Stefan tests Todd's knowledge of Warren Buffett quotes and they breakdown a few of the 263 books written about the modern day JP Morgan. Even if you think you know everything about Warren Buffett, you'll come away from this interview with something from this conversation. Go to ReadTheBull.com for more information.

Even if you know everything about Warren Buffett, you'll come away with something from this conversation.