In the summer of 1991, an event took place that would lay the foundation for one of the most remarkable friendships in the world of business. Mary Gates, the determined mother of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, managed to persuade her notoriously work-focused son, then 35 years old, to take a break from his busy schedule. She encouraged him to join the family for a holiday getaway at Hood Canal, a picturesque spot known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, located just two hours from Seattle. The Fourth of July celebration was set to be special, with none other than the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffett, among the guests.
However, when Mrs. Gates attempted to introduce her son to Mr. Buffett, Bill initially dismissed the idea, referring to Buffett as a mere “stockbroker.” Little did he know that this encounter would change his life. Once they finally connected, it was as if the universe had conspired to bring these two brilliant minds together. Settling into a cozy, patterned couch, Mr. Buffett, dressed casually in a red polo shirt and dark trousers, with one foot propped up on the coffee table, engaged in an animated conversation with Bill, who was sporting a tennis outfit complete with shorts and a white shirt, his mid-calf white socks and tousled hair giving him a relaxed appearance.
What followed was a marathon discussion that lasted an astonishing 11 hours. As the other guests mingled and chatted, they found themselves drawn to the magnetic exchange between Buffett and Gates, but they soon realized they needed to pull the two apart. Bill was taken aback by the penetrating and insightful questions Warren posed about the software industry. To his surprise, he found himself drawn to the warm and fatherly demeanor of the Midwestern billionaire.
Since that day, the two have maintained a close and meaningful friendship. During a later talk at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Bill recounted the story of their initial meeting, describing it as an “unbelievable friendship.” In his typical humorous fashion, Warren chimed in, saying, “The moral of that is, listen to your mother.”
This friendship is indeed unusual. Warren Buffett is known for his folksy charm and outgoing personality, never missing an opportunity to share a joke or a clever quip. He has a unique talent for distilling complex investing principles into simple, digestible nuggets that anyone can grasp. When meeting new people, Buffett’s genuine curiosity shines through; he engages them with thoughtful questions and listens intently, his eyebrows furrowing in concentration as they speak. His gift for banter and easy conversation makes him a beloved figure among friends and colleagues alike.
At the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders’ meeting held in Omaha, Nebraska, attendees have often been treated to delightful displays of camaraderie between Mr. Buffett and Mr. Gates, showcasing the deep-rooted bond they have developed over the years.
