Who do you think is the greatest entrepreneur of all time, and why?

[Smith1776]

Who, in your mind, is the greatest entrepreneur of all time? I've made a poll so we can chat about it. Many of the big names in history are there. Obviously not all can be included with a selection limit of 10, so I included an "Other" option that people can choose.

My personal choice is Warren Buffett. To me, Buffett sets himself apart from other entrepreneurs because I think his holding company approach to building wealth gives his empire more flexibility and resilience than other business behemoths. Berkshire is not in any specific industry per se. Rather, the company engages its capital wherever the opportunity happens to be. It's a diversified empire that isn't tied to a specific sector that could get blindsided by a rogue wave. This, I think, gives the company staying power that I think others likely don't have or won't have over time.

As an example, if I were forced to pick which business would still be around 100 years from now - Berkshire or, say, Microsoft - I would certainly pick Berkshire.

[vnatale]

Who, in your mind, is the greatest entrepreneur of all time? I've made a poll so we can chat about it. Many of the big names in history are there. Obviously not all can be included with a selection limit of 10, so I included an "Other" option that people can choose.

My personal choice is Warren Buffett. To me, Buffett sets himself apart from other entrepreneurs because I think his holding company approach to building wealth gives his empire more flexibility and resilience than other business behemoths. Berkshire is not in any specific industry per se. Rather, the company engages its capital wherever the opportunity happens to be. It's a diversified empire that isn't tied to a specific sector that could get blindsided by a rogue wave. This, I think, gives the company staying power that I think others likely don't have or won't have over time.

As an example, if I were forced to pick which business would still be around 100 years from now - Berkshire or, say, Microsoft - I would certainly pick Berkshire.

Aren't entrepreneurs generally associated with starting something far smaller than how Buffet started? And, starting something from nothing?

[Smith1776]

Aren't entrepreneurs generally associated with starting something far smaller than how Buffet started? And, starting something from nothing?

I would say Buffett qualifies, no?

[Xan]

Aren't entrepreneurs generally associated with starting something far smaller than how Buffet started? And, starting something from nothing?

I would say Buffett qualifies, no?

I had never thought of him as an entrepreneur before, and so far I'm unconvinced.

[vnatale]

One definition:



What is the true meaning of an entrepreneur?
The most common definition is that an entrepreneur is a person who creates a new business venture with all the possible risks. He is the person who brings an idea to the table for a new business. Then he acquires resources, labor, and capital to set up the business, produce goods and services.

[glennds]

I would have voted Steve Jobs if he had been an option.

There is a difference between an investor and an entrepreneur. Investors invest in entrepreneurs. I think of Buffett as an investor.

[Mountaineer]

I would have voted Steve Jobs if he had been an option.

There is a difference between an investor and an entrepreneur. Investors invest in entrepreneurs. I think of Buffett as an investor.

Agree.