The Remarkable Life & Lessons of Ronald Read

April 26, 2015 9:30am by

 

 

My Sunday Washington Post Business Section column is out. This morning, we look at the remarkable life and lessons of Ronald Read. It is a fascinating tale.

Here’s an excerpt from the column:

“You may have read about the remarkable life and times of Ronald Read. He was the gas station attendant and lifelong resident of Windham County, Vt., who had quietly accumulated a portfolio worth a fortune. As theBrattleboro ­Reformer reported earlier this year, Read died last June at age 92. Despite his relatively modest wages, he left an estate with “stock holdings and property” valued at nearly $8 million. His bequest was to leave most of it to the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and Brooks Memorial Library.

His close friends and family were shocked when they learned the value of his estate.

 There is wisdom to be learned from Read’s investing and life experiences. How a man of modest means accumulated so much wealth contains exemplary lessons for saving that apply to all of us. But there is also a cautionary tale about recognizing the value of your finite time here on earth. Perhaps learning to enjoy life while you can is part of that equation.”

The entire column contains lessons we can all learn from the remarkable Mr. Read.

 

Source:
The remarkable life and lessons of Ronald Read, the $8 million janitor
Barry Ritholtz
Washington Post, Todays April 26 2015
http://wapo.st/1z1VZj2

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Posted Under