Howard’s trajectory reminds me of Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings. He’s the loyal, grounded friend who never wanted the spotlight, but when he takes the lead, he’s unshakable. In one scene, Sam carries Frodo up a volcano—Howard is now carrying Berkshire up a mountain of legacy.
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He also looks suspiciously like a 1950s soda jerk in some photos. It’s the silver hair. It says, “I will help you with your portfolio and then fix your lawnmower.” That’s Berkshire’s new vibe.
Another fun fact: Howard owns a farm in Illinois that he works himself. He once said the only difference between him and his dad is that Warren is “more comfortable in an office,” while Howard prefers “a muddy field.”
Practical Tips From Howard’s Playbook
Tip 1: Stay curious. At 68, Howard is still learning about regenerative agriculture. Take a class this month on something you know nothing about—like bee keeping or vintage tractors.
Meet Howard Howie Buffett,, Warren Buffett's Middle Child And Heir
Tip 2: Embrace humility. When asked about becoming chairman, Howard said, “I’m just the steward.” He doesn’t need to be the loudest voice in the room. Next time you lead a project, try his approach: listen more, talk less.
Tip 3: Keep a physical hobby. Howard spends hours on his combine harvester. It’s meditation with gears. If you’re stuck at a desk, schedule 15 minutes of movement every two hours. Your brain will thank you.