Buffett “retiring”

[gfp]

29 minutes ago, DooDiligence said:

Does anyone have a link to more on Harry Bottle? I can't find anything on him pre or post Dempster.

 

The only detail I have seen is that he had worked at a Transformer company that Charlie was involved with in the 50's in Southern California and had that reputation as a turnaround specialist.  Charlie introduced him to Warren.

 

From a 2003 interview when he was in his 80's:

 

Between 1959 and early 1962, I worked as a consultant for a very successful turnaround specialist here in Los Angeles, and in so doing gained considerable expertise in assisting companies in distress. 

Charlie introduced me to Warren in early April 1962 and after some discussing regarding his need for an operating manager for a farm machining company he owned in Nebraska, we very quickly came to a mutual employment agreement and I departed for Beatrice two days later.

 

More stuff here on their idea to raise the price of replacement parts that were proprietary (could only be bought from them) and turn $300k worth of inventory into $2m of revenue

https://www.gurufocus.com/news/369605/warren-buffett-harry-bottle-and-the-story-of-dempster-mill?utm_source=chatgpt.com

[schin]

6 hours ago, DooDiligence said:

 

We also never would've heard about Harry Bottle and the investment philosophies he inspired in Uncle Warren.

 

https://www.kingswell.io/p/the-lessons-of-a-lousy-business

 

Does anyone have a link to more on Harry Bottle? I can't find anything on him pre or post Dempster.

 

I feel there are certain "fixers" that Warren Buffett ran into. There's only a few transformational managers that you can run into in one's life. Harry Bottle seems to be one of them. Elon Musk has a fixer/fixer team. 

 

Dempster seemed like a quick turnaround and he eventually sold..but, eventually got into BRK, which he didn't use Harry Bottle, but Ken Chase. You would think Harry Bottle would be his fixer and show up again. 

 

Two, Buffett ran into similar issues with Buffalo News, which again hurt him...But, this time, he brought in another fixer, Stanford Lipsey....

 

What is also interesting... when he bought See's Candies, it wasn't broken, but he promoted Chuck Huggins. Seems like he brings in a fixer or his guy that is promoted within.

[schin]

5 hours ago, gfp said:

 

The only detail I have seen is that he had worked at a Transformer company that Charlie was involved with in the 50's in Southern California and had that reputation as a turnaround specialist.  Charlie introduced him to Warren.

 

From a 2003 interview when he was in his 80's:

 

 

Between 1959 and early 1962, I worked as a consultant for a very successful turnaround specialist here in Los Angeles, and in so doing gained considerable expertise in assisting companies in distress. 

Charlie introduced me to Warren in early April 1962 and after some discussing regarding his need for an operating manager for a farm machining company he owned in Nebraska, we very quickly came to a mutual employment agreement and I departed for Beatrice two days later.

 

More stuff here on their idea to raise the price of replacement parts that were proprietary (could only be bought from them) and turn $300k worth of inventory into $2m of revenue

https://www.gurufocus.com/news/369605/warren-buffett-harry-bottle-and-the-story-of-dempster-mill?utm_source=chatgpt.com

 

Regarding your article, Bottle rationalized price increases. If you didn't know better, Harry Bottle might have been proto-Michael Pearson before Valeant Pharma. lol.

 

1.An item 100% proprietary, not available except from us. Increase up to 500%.

2.An item semi proprietary – Increase 200-300%.

3.Nonproprietary – Increase 0 to 100%.

 

[schin]

Last thought about Buffett's retirement.... and the big shoes that Greg Abel needs to fill... essentially... Greg Abel has his Mid-American job... but, also, the large shoes of Warren Buffett... and to a certain extent Charlie Munger... that's a lot of talent that Greg has to make up for.

 

Also, he still has Ajit's insurance prowess to replace.

 

Again, I hope Greg does well, but that's a huge talent drain to make up for. He needs to start promoting or identifying his next Charlie, Ajit... and trusting if Ted would be the next Warren/Todd Combs/investment guru.

[Buckeye]

On 1/1/2026 at 5:17 PM, Gregmal said:

Name calling? Ouch!

I am sorry for calling you a name @Gregmal. It was a low blow and really small of me. I bet if we met in person I’d probably really like you. 
 

Sincerely,

 

Brady 

[Xerxes]

Is there a Buffett interview that was filmed in May but not posted by CNBC 
 

———-

Gemini: 

 

Yes, there is. CNBC filmed a significant interview with Warren Buffett in May 2025 that was not released at the time.

According to reports, Becky Quick interviewed Buffett just days after the 2024–2025 transition period began (specifically following his announcement at the May 2025 annual meeting that he would step down as CEO).  

Why was it held back?

CNBC intentionally "banked" the full interview to coincide with his formal retirement. While they aired short clips and snippets of the conversation in early January 2026 to mark his final day as CEO (January 1, 2026), the full, unedited footage was reserved for a commemorative special. 
 

Key Details of the Interview:

• The Content: In the clips released so far, Buffett gives a "huge endorsement" to his successor, Greg Abel, calling him "the decider" and stating he would rather have Abel manage his money than any other CEO in America. 

• The "100-Year" Quote: This interview contains the now-famous line where Buffett claims Berkshire has a "better chance of being here 100 years from now than any company I can think of." 

• Broadcast Date: The full interview is scheduled to air as part of a special titled "Warren Buffett: A Life and Legacy." 

When can you watch it?

The special program featuring the entire interview is scheduled to air on CNBC on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET. 

Would you like me to find a list of the specific topics or "lessons" CNBC has teased from this upcoming special?

[Paulene]

On 1/1/2026 at 7:23 PM, Parsad said:

It's the beginning of a sad era for me...and probably many on here and outside of here!  Forget about things like "The GOAT", etc.  

 

This guy was just the best fucking teacher I ever had!  Outside of my father, no one has influenced me or my behavior as much...Prem and Francis come close.  

 

He had a direct effect on saving my somewhat worthless life at the time, redirecting my career choices and gave me the opportunity to do something that I was exceptionally good at...for the most part!  

 

Forget the fact that my financial independence and what I've been able to do for my family was a direct result of his teachings and influence.  From the first word of the BRK 1998 Letter to Shareholders when it first became available online, he has shaped my thought process and given me opportunities I would never have been able to achieve on my own.

 

He's not an idol to me as some are suggesting that is being worshipped...just the best teacher I've ever had...and he didn't even know me!  Cheers!

 

[Paulene]

I had no real father figures in my life to look up to. Warren and Charlie were that to me.
 I met Warren in 1994 and met Charlie when I attended a WESTCO meeting at Clifton’s early the next year.   I knew I could trust them and that was one of the greatest gifts I ever received from strangers.
It changed my life.  I went from being a punk filmmaker to learning that there are many ways to be an artist. Buffett often talked about Berkshire as his “painting.”   He was an artist and a teacher who happened to know how to make a ton of money. But unlike many artists, doctors, actors, business men and women, he brought a lot of people with him. 
Charlie and Warren, if they worshipped anything, it was reality and they practiced their skills with joy like any master practices.  I was lucky to have been anywhere near them for so many years. They humbled me and made me want to be a better person. They were/are human and fallible—and, sadly, mortal. Here’s to Warren, and his friend, Charlie!  And to Berkshire Hathaway, their masterpiece — and all those  they inspired. 

[jbwent63]

I often think about Mr. Stanton and that missing 1/8 of a dollar. Warren may have still gotten into insurance in a big way (he was well versed on GEICO at that point), but he may have done it privately and we would have probably never heard of him, nor had the chance to easily invest alongside him. I know we shouldn't have regrets, but I wish I had learned about Buffett and Munger and BH a decade or so before I did (when the B shares were first issued for me).

 

I'm interested to see how BH morphs over the next decade or so. Spin-offs, dividends, buybacks, acquisitions. All possibilities. I am lucky enough to have gotten in early, never sold a share, and BH is partially the reason for my family's financial health. I cannot wait to see what the Abel era brings. Thanks Warren (and Charlie, who still has nothing to add) for the teachings, learnings and entertainment along the way.

 

What are people thinking about Omaha this year? Attending or not. Or waiting to see if/how the programming might change?

[Libs]

9 hours ago, Paulene said:

I had no real father figures in my life to look up to. Warren and Charlie were that to me.
 I met Warren in 1994 and met Charlie when I attended a WESTCO meeting at Clifton’s early the next year.   I knew I could trust them and that was one of the greatest gifts I ever received from strangers.
It changed my life.  I went from being a punk filmmaker to learning that there are many ways to be an artist. Buffett often talked about Berkshire as his “painting.”   He was an artist and a teacher who happened to know how to make a ton of money. But unlike many artists, doctors, actors, business men and women, he brought a lot of people with him. 
Charlie and Warren, if they worshipped anything, it was reality and they practiced their skills with joy like any master practices.  I was lucky to have been anywhere near them for so many years. They humbled me and made me want to be a better person. They were/are human and fallible—and, sadly, mortal. Here’s to Warren, and his friend, Charlie!  And to Berkshire Hathaway, their masterpiece — and all those  they inspired. 

 

Thanks for posting this. 

[Spooky]

14 hours ago, Xerxes said:

Is there a Buffett interview that was filmed in May but not posted by CNBC 

 

There was a 4 minute clip that was just released by CNBC which was filmed back at the time of the AGM and Buffett's announcement. Maybe there will be more clips released?

[dcollon]

The full interview is on 1/17 at 7pm eastern on CNBC