Had Lunch With Two Men Worth Over a Billion Each...
 

I was asked to help out a start-up assess a business venture and they brought potential investors. I was an outside, impartial source. After a few hours of pitch and audits and what not we went to lunch. Both men are self made and very cool guys. I can't disclose who they were but many of you prolly know at least one if not both.

Right before we headed out, the older of the two pulls me aside, arm on my shoulder and says "What do you think Mike, think this is a worth while venture? Whats your gut say?"

I stop and turn to him and look him in the eye and say "I don't have a dog in this fight so either way I get paid. The only thing that this is costing me today is time. If I didn't think they were on to something I wouldn't waste my time. My gut says its a good move. My head says its smart for a few reasons."

He looked me in the eye and said "OK, thats good enough for me."

During lunch we talked and I learned much about them. The factors that I took away that set these men apart from most men and women I know is that that guys actually listen when you talk (actually empathetic) and they ask questions that make sense. Other than that they seem like regular guys (save the fact that they have fat bank accounts).

BTW, the start-up picked up the check :-)

Did you ask them any of your poll questions?:):):)

Did you put your pinky up to your mouth and say "one BILLION dollars"?

:) no and no

Do they NEED someone in California?

So... mark Cuban and???

I hope you took notice of this detail! Maybe apply some of that billionaire wisdom when putting up polls? ;)

But never mind, I am sure none of them piss away their time on off topic internet boards either, like us fools.

G

Did they pay for your lunch?

...

You expect him to read the whole thread?

I just went skiing with someone who made over a billion in the last two months. He didn't ask my opinion about anything.

I speed read. Plus it's drinks time here in NZ.

Did they wear nice watches?

Was one of them originally from West Virginia, has lived in South Florida since the 80s, owns a huge road construction company and for the past few years is expanding into oil and gas exploration?

One had a watch that I had never seen before in person, a Patek Philippe with a leather band, gold case, thin, not blingy but looked really nice. The other guy didn't wear a watch or at least I didn't see if he had one on. But had iPhones and seemed to be attached to them. At one point the older of the two had to take a call, turned out to be a CEO of a very vary large company. I can't say who but I did hear a little of the conversation...they were makiong golf plans for the weekend! Talked like you and I would except that they both own a 737! The other guy (younger of the two) liked pretty girls ;) which was a little evident when he suggested we hit a 'mens club' for lunch instead of where we were going. The older of the two shot him a look. Priceless!

i try not to get star-struck by anyone..

if i got hot and bothered by anyone richer or smarter or better looking than me. i'd be worked up in a lather quite often. they put on their pants one leg at a time too. sure their pants are better and they have someone holding them up for him..but one leg at at time.

my friend's mom told me back in college. a jar full of pennies makes alot more noise than a jar full of dollar bills. if your the pennies..dont shake so much :D

My mother met two billionaires once. Her cousin is freinds with "Birdie" Buffett, Warren's sister. Well, my mother found herself at Birdies condo, or house, whatever in the Carmel area. It was a few years back and there was Warren sitting there at the table. I guess he let himself in. She was introduced, all fine a dandy. Then she hears a toilet flush and out walks Bill Gates. He very energetically introduces himself as Bill. They went their from Pebble Beach to beat the heat and play Bridge. Not sure if Bill was pissin' or ****tin', but that is a true story.

Did you ask them how often they plunge their toilets?

so did you get a McBacon or a McChicken?

True story...not naming names..but i had the daughter of a HUGE software company in love with me in college. family was BILLIONAIRES. girl was ..well, she had an AWESOME personality. my friends still talk about it, and tell me i am an idiot. the cash didnt impress me that much..even back then. she was a great friend tho.

i could be on Ferrari chat!