Behind the Berkshire Hathaway Curtain

Warren Buffett is a legend primarily for his investment philosophy. He isn’t concerned about the intricacies of the market, but instead focuses on the quality of the companies Berkshire Hathaway stands behind. Yet we know little about the leaders of the companies that Buffett handpicks.

In Behind the Berkshire Hathaway Curtain: Lessons from Warren Buffett’s Top Business Leaders, author Ronald W. Chan — founder and CEO of Chartwell Capital — offers a behind-the-scenes look into the careers of Berkshire Hathaway executives who have both directly and indirectly contributed to the conglomerate’s success.

Drawing on exclusive interviews from Berkshire leaders, Chan vividly describes how an exceptional group of managers has built a culture of achievement. With a keen eye for detail, he shows how their lessons can be applied for career success and personal fulfillment. Brimming with practical advice, the book will appeal to both executives and employees wanting to improve their leadership skills and work performance.

Covering the career and life decisions of David Sokol of MidAmerican Energy, Cathy Baron-Tamraz of Business Wire, Dennis Knautz of Acme Brick, Randy Watson of Justin Brands, Stan Lipsey of Buffalo News, and many more, the book offers a wide range of business insights, philosophies, and strategies directly from leaders at the top of their fields.

Preface ix

Chapter 1 Exploring Life with Cathy Baron-Tamraz: Business Wire 1

Chapter 2 Teaming Up with Randy Watson: Justin Brands 19

Chapter 3 Taking Action with Stanford Lipsey: Buffalo News 37

Chapter 4 Brainstorming with Barry Tatelman: Jordan's Furniture 53

Chapter 5 Adding Value with Dennis Knautz: Acme Brick Company 69

Chapter 6 Investigating Business with Brad Kinstler: See’s Candies 87

Chapter 7 Looking Forward with Marla Gottschalk: The Pampered Chef 105

Chapter 8 Striving for Excellence with David Sokol: MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company 121

Chapter 9 Learning to Adapt from Walter Scott Jr.: MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company 141

Conclusion Behind the Berkshire Hathaway Curtain 157

Acknowledgments 167

About the Author 171

Index 173

RONALD W. CHAN is the founder and CEO of Chartwell Capital Limited, an investment management company based in Hong Kong. He is a frequent contributor to financial newspapers and magazines in the Asia Pacific region. Ronald received bachelor of science degrees in finance and accounting from New York University.

Behind the Berkshire Hathaway Curtain

Warren Buffett is a legend for his investment philosophy, but few are familiar with the leaders of his companies.

In Behind the Berkshire Hathaway Curtain, author Ronald Chan—the founder and CEO of Chartwell Capital—offers an inside look at the early careers of numerous executives and CEOs who have contributed to Berkshire's success. Page by page, you will learn about the early career decisions these individuals made, what they gained from their jobs, the skill sets they acquired, and how they became part of the world's most dynamic conglomerate.

Filled with in-depth insights and practical advice, this reliable resource:

• Contains lessons that any executive or employee can use to improve their performance
• Provides exclusive interviews with top Berkshire Hathaway executives and CEOs, including David Sokol of MidAmerican Energy, Walter Scott Jr. of Level 3 Communications, Cathy Baron Tamraz of Business Wire, Brad Kinstler of See's Candies, Marla Gottschalk of the Pampered Chef, Stanford Lipsey of the Buffalo News, and many others
• Offers a wide range of approaches to developing a successful business mindset

With Behind the Berkshire Hathaway Curtain, you will quickly discover how an exceptional group of managers have contributed to a culture of achievement and how their lesson can be applied to both your career and life.