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Brooks

Brooks Signs Three Global Athlete Ambassadors

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Brooks Running, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has added three professional athletes to its global athlete ambassador roster: NFL wide receiver Cooper Kupp, WNBA forward Maddy Westbeld, and Premier League footballer Oscar Bobb.

Representing three of the world’s most popular sports, the athletes will partner with Brooks to highlight the essential role running plays in athletic performance and inspire runners to pursue what makes them feel most alive.

Although Kupp, Westbeld, and Bobb compete on different stages, they share a belief that running is fundamental to their success. Whether through training, recovery, or explosive moments during competition, running remains at the heart of their athletic performance.

“Cooper, Maddy and Oscar each bring an authentic connection to running through their sport,” said Melanie Allen, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Brooks. “They inspire us all to celebrate running as part of what makes us human.”

The partnerships will see the athletes featured in Brooks’ global storytelling and content campaigns, while also engaging with runners and contributing their personal perspectives to the brand’s products and initiatives over the coming year.

For Kupp, running is deeply connected to his career and recovery from injury. Westbeld sees running as central to both her basketball training and personal athletic identity, while Bobb describes it as a major part of his game and a natural fit with Brooks.

The new ambassadors are part of Brooks’ broader strategy to strengthen its presence across professional sports. In its Seattle hometown, the company has partnerships with the Seattle Kraken, Seattle Mariners, and Seattle Seahawks, while internationally it serves as Principal Partner and front-of-shirt sponsor of Cambridge United Football Club.

Brooks is also continuing to expand globally. The brand reported 14% growth in the first half of 2026, driven by international expansion and continued demand for its performance running footwear and apparel. Through partnerships with athletes and professional teams, Brooks aims to reinforce running’s role not only in sport, but also in culture and everyday life.

©2026 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

BHSI Launches Venture Capital Liability Policy in Australia

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Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has launched its Professional First Venture Capital Liability Insurance Policy in Australia, providing tailored protection for venture capital managers and funds as the country’s VC sector continues to evolve.

The policy offers broad, customisable coverage for professional services provided by venture capital firms, along with directors and officers (D&O) protection for claims arising from wrongful acts in the management of companies or funds.

Coverage highlights include reinstatement of Side A protection, lifetime run-off cover for retired directors and officers, and comprehensive crime coverage. The policy also provides automatic coverage for new funds, mitigation cover, protection for costs associated with correcting accidental errors in net asset value calculations, optional entity investigations coverage, and outside director cover for insured individuals serving on the boards of portfolio companies.

Andrew Boosey, Manager, Financial Institutions, Executive & Professional Lines, BHSI Australia, said the launch reflects the growing maturity of Australia’s venture capital market and the increasingly complex risks facing fund managers.

The new offering further strengthens BHSI’s position in Australia’s investment management sector and reinforces its commitment to delivering tailored insurance solutions for venture capital funds.

©2026 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Lubrizol

Lubrizol and Brenntag Strengthen Partnership with Collaboration Day in Vietnam

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In August, Lubrizol, a Berkshire Hathaway company, and Brenntag hosted a Collaboration Day in Vietnam, reinforcing their long-standing partnership and shared commitment to supporting customers in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets.

The event brought together customers and leadership from both companies to exchange market insights, discuss evolving customer needs, and showcase innovative solutions for Vietnam’s coatings, construction, and inks industries. The collaboration highlighted the value of combining technical expertise, reliable supply capabilities, application knowledge, and innovation to help customers respond to changing market demands.

“Vietnam continues to be one of the most dynamic and promising markets in Southeast Asia,” said Henry Liu, Vice President, Asia-Pacific, Lubrizol. “Our relationship with Brenntag extends far beyond distribution. We share a common vision of delivering innovation, reliability, and exceptional service to customers. Through stronger collaboration, we can provide faster responses, deeper technical engagement and greater market support to help customers succeed.”

Customers participated in solution-focused presentations and technology showcases covering wood and metal coating applications. The program also featured live demonstrations, sample displays, and a tour of Brenntag Vietnam’s laboratory facilities, providing an opportunity to explore the companies’ combined technical and application capabilities.

“Our strong and valued partnership with Lubrizol continues to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and deliver customer-focused sustainable solutions for the coatings, construction, and inks markets in Vietnam,” said Sanjay Karkhanis, Regional President of Brenntag Material Science APAC. “This Collaboration Day underscores our shared commitment to surpassing customer expectations through innovation and delivering sustainable, high-performance solutions that create greater and lasting value for our customers.”

The Collaboration Day reflects a shared focus on helping customers navigate evolving industry requirements through local expertise, technical support, and market knowledge. By combining Lubrizol’s specialty chemistry and innovation capabilities with Brenntag’s application expertise, laboratory network, and supply chain strengths, the partnership aims to create greater value for customers and support sustainable growth across Vietnam.

Lubrizol develops specialty chemistry solutions for industries including mobility, well-being, coatings, construction, and inks, with a global presence spanning more than 100 manufacturing facilities and over 7,000 employees.

Brenntag is a global chemicals and ingredients distributor with more than 17,000 employees and around 600 sites across more than 70 countries. Through its Brenntag Essentials and Brenntag Specialties divisions, the company provides chemical and ingredient solutions alongside application, technical, regulatory, and supply chain expertise.

©2026 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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HomeServices of America

HomeServices of America Adds Mortgage Servicing to Its Integrated Real Estate Platform

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HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is expanding its integrated real estate offering with the addition of mortgage servicing through its wholly owned subsidiary, Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC.

The move extends HomeServices’ relationship with consumers beyond the home purchase and closing process, allowing the company to support homeowners throughout the life of their mortgage. Prosperity Home Mortgage is a leading full-service retail lender focused primarily on purchase transactions, originating nearly $9 billion in loans annually across approximately 21,000 transactions.

The new mortgage servicing capability represents the latest expansion of HomeServices’ OnePoint, The Complete Real Estate Experience. The platform brings together residential brokerage, mortgage origination, title and escrow, property and casualty insurance, and now mortgage servicing within a connected network.

HomeServices says the goal is to reduce the fragmentation traditionally associated with buying and owning a home. Rather than consumers being passed between unrelated providers during and after a transaction, the company aims to provide continuity through a network of professionals and services.

“Buying a home may be one transaction, but homeownership is a journey that lasts for years,” said Chris Kelly, President and CEO of HomeServices of America. He added that mortgage servicing will help strengthen the long-term relationships between homeowners and their real estate professionals.

Prosperity President and CEO Justin Messer said the addition of servicing will allow the company to remain connected with customers after closing, whether they have questions about their mortgage, are considering refinancing or are preparing to purchase another home.

The expansion also reflects HomeServices’ focus on combining technology with human expertise. The company says research shows nearly 75% of recent buyers prefer a people-led home-buying experience supported by integrated technology.

By adding mortgage servicing, HomeServices aims to extend its OnePoint model from the initial home search through the mortgage lifecycle, creating a more connected experience for consumers while supporting the professionals who guide them through homeownership.

©2026 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Lessons From Warren Buffett

Lessons From Warren Buffett: Holding Forever—But Not at Any Cost

Warren Buffett is widely known for his “forever” approach to stock investing—buying high-quality businesses with the intent to hold them indefinitely. Yet, this doesn’t mean he never sells. In fact, Buffett has repeatedly emphasized that while his preference is to hold long-term, he isn’t afraid to let go when the situation changes.

While iconic holdings like Coca-Cola and American Express remain in Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio after decades, Buffett has also made high-profile exits. One notable example came in 2020, when he sold off airline stocks—including American, Delta, United, and Southwest—amid uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Buffett himself has clarified this approach, saying, “It’s not their inclination to sell,” referring to him and his partner Charlie Munger. Still, he admits they do sell, particularly when a company’s long-term competitive advantage erodes.

At the 2002 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Buffett reflected on how changing business conditions can alter investment theses: “We probably had one view of the long-term competitive advantage of the company at the time we bought it, and we may have modified that.” He cited the newspaper industry, once considered a fortress of profitability, as an example of shifting fortunes that necessitated a reevaluation.

For companies that continue to show strong fundamentals, Buffett believes in holding on “for dear life.” But when the outlook deteriorates, he doesn’t hesitate to cut ties. His evolving strategy highlights a key lesson for investors: staying committed doesn’t mean being inflexible.

Hear Buffett’s full explanation

See the complete Lessons From Warren Buffett series

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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McLane

McLane Engage 2026 Highlights Innovation and Growth in Convenience Retail

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Berkshire Hathaway’s McLane Company, Inc. brought retailers, suppliers and industry partners together at McLane Engage 2026 for three days focused on innovation, collaboration and new opportunities for convenience retailers to grow their businesses.

A key highlight was the launch of McLane360, the company’s new digital customer platform. The unified system brings promotion ordering, delivery tracking and business insights together in one place, giving retailers greater visibility and helping them make faster, more informed decisions.

“McLane Engage is about moving our industry forward, and this year we put new, innovative tools into our partners’ hands,” said Vito Maurici, chief customer experience officer for McLane. “Whether it’s better technology, expanded foodservice offerings or stronger industry relationships, our focus is on helping our customers grow and operate with ease.”

Attendees also previewed new products across McLane’s portfolio, including Prendisimo Duo Slice Pizza, HiBird Dippin’ Sauce and a HiBird Sandwich with Mike’s Hot Honey, Central Eats PB&J Crunch and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, new Roller Grill brat offerings from Johnsonville®, and Consumer Value Products’ Mini Crisp Cookies.

For the first time, McLane also hosted a Supplier Summit, featuring programming focused on collaboration, operational excellence, technology and shared growth. The event concluded with the McLane Supplier Awards, recognizing companies for achievements in areas including operations, category growth, philanthropy, logistics, digital leadership and emerging growth.

Technology and artificial intelligence were also prominent themes. Keynote speaker Sol Rashidi, a former Amazon executive and recognized AI leader, discussed practical ways businesses can move beyond AI hype and apply the technology to everyday operations and growth.

Additional sessions explored merchandising strategies, data-driven decision-making, customer experience and emerging convenience retail trends.

McLane Engage has become McLane’s premier annual industry event, providing a forum for retailers and suppliers to discover new products, share insights and explore solutions designed to strengthen the convenience retail industry.

©2026 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Lubrizol

Lubrizol Expands African Distribution Network Through Solevo Partnership

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Lubrizol’s Lubrizol Fluid Engineering (LFE) business is expanding its distribution network across Africa through a new partnership with the Solevo Group. The agreement will broaden access to Lubrizol’s Emkarate® Refrigeration Lubricants, Paratherm™ Heat Transfer Fluids and Lubrizol® Industrial Compressor Lubricants across key markets on the continent.

With Africa poised for significant industrial growth and modernization, the partnership combines Lubrizol’s fluid engineering technology and product expertise with Solevo’s established regional presence. Solevo operates across major African markets, supported by an experienced sales force, more than 60 warehouses and local technical teams.

The agreement provides Solevo with distribution coverage across 16 countries spanning North, West, East and Southern Africa, significantly increasing customer access to Lubrizol Fluid Engineering solutions.

“By combining Lubrizol’s technology expertise and innovative solutions with Solevo Group’s extensive market presence, distribution capabilities and local technical expertise, we are well positioned to deliver greater value to our customers,” said Matthieu Van Bree, Business Line Director at Solevo Group.

Keerthy Pethaiyan, Regional Director, LFE – IMEA, added that Solevo’s strong presence and commercial and technical capabilities make it well positioned to support Lubrizol’s growth ambitions across Africa.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting industrial development, improving operational performance and delivering reliable technical solutions to customers across the continent.

©2026 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Real Estate

Taylor Morrison Recognized as a Best Company to Work For

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Taylor Morrison, the recently acquired Berkshire Hathaway homebuilder, has earned a spot on U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Companies to Work For list, marking the fourth consecutive year the homebuilder has received the recognition.

The Scottsdale, Arizona-based company was recognized across three categories: Real Estate and Facilities Management, Overall, and West-located headquarters. The honor highlights Taylor Morrison’s people-first workplace culture and its focus on supporting employees.

“I’ve always believed that when we put our people first, strong business results follow,” said Taylor Morrison Chairman and CEO Sheryl Palmer. “Our people are the heart of our business, and together we have built an organization where team members feel welcomed, supported, and empowered.”

U.S. News evaluated nearly 3,900 public and privately held companies across 14 industries using six key workplace metrics. Taylor Morrison received top scores of 5 out of 5 for work-life balance, comfort, belongingness and professional development. The company earned scores of 4 for quality of pay and stability.

The recognition adds to a growing list of national workplace and corporate honors for Taylor Morrison, including recognition from Fortune, Forbes, TIME, Great Place to Work and Newsweek. The company has also been named America’s Most Trusted® Home Builder by Lifestory Research since 2016 and has appeared on the Fortune 500 list since 2021.

Taylor Morrison is one of the nation’s leading homebuilders and community developers, serving entry-level, move-up and resort-lifestyle buyers and renters through brands including Taylor Morrison, Esplanade and Yardly. The company is headquartered in Scottsdale and continues to emphasize employee engagement as a central part of its business strategy.

©2026 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Lessons From Warren Buffett

Lessons From Warren Buffett: Why Macroeconomic Noise Shouldn’t Guide Your Investments

In a world where negative economic headlines dominate the news cycle, investors often wonder: Should macroeconomic trends guide investment decisions? Warren Buffett’s answer is a clear and confident no.

At the 2004 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Buffett reaffirmed that his investment strategy doesn’t rely on reacting to economic forecasts or dire predictions. “We don’t really pay attention to that sort of thing,” he said, stressing that long-term value outweighs short-term noise.

To illustrate his point, Buffett recalled 1974 — a year marked by economic turmoil and pessimism. Despite widespread fear, stocks were deeply undervalued. “You could’ve sat down in 1974… and you could’ve written down all kinds of things that would have caused you to say, you know, the future is going to be terrible,” he explained. Yet those who looked past the gloom and invested wisely were rewarded.

Buffett’s broader message is clear: economic challenges are constant, but so are opportunities. Over the 20th century, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose from just 66 points to over 10,000 — despite wars, recessions, and global crises. “There’s always problems in the future, [and] there’s always opportunities in the future,” Buffett said, noting that in America, opportunity has historically had the upper hand.

For today’s investors, the lesson is to resist the urge to let macroeconomic fears drive investment choices. Instead, focus on the fundamentals of individual businesses and their long-term potential. As Buffett reminds us, a disciplined, long-term approach beats panic-driven decision-making — even in the face of unsettling headlines.

Hear Buffett’s full explanation

See the complete Lessons From Warren Buffett series

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Jazwares

Jazwares and Pretty Ugly Announce New UGLYDOLL Partnership

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Jazwares and Pretty Ugly, LLC, owner of the beloved UGLYDOLL® brand, have announced a long-term strategic partnership to bring the iconic characters to a new generation of fans.

The partnership will see Jazwares design, manufacture, and distribute a new global collection inspired by UGLYDOLL’s original artwork and distinctive mix of humor, individuality, and charm. The lineup is expected to include plush, figures and accessories, collectible vinyls, role-play toys and costumes, construction sets, novelties, and more. The first products are slated to arrive at retailers worldwide in Fall 2027.

Since its launch in 2001, UGLYDOLL has grown from an independent designer plush brand into a global franchise known for celebrating imperfections, self-expression, and the idea that being different is something to embrace. Characters including Wage, Ox, Babo, Ice-Bat, Moxy, and Tray have become fan favorites among multiple generations.

“UGLYDOLL is one of those rare brands that has built a passionate, multigenerational fan community,” said Judd Karofsky, Chief Business Development Officer at Jazwares. He added that the partnership will honor the brand’s legacy while introducing its characters to a new generation.

Drew Matilsky, co-founder and managing partner of Pretty Ugly, said the brand has always focused on creating characters that fans can connect with personally. He noted that seeing longtime fans share UGLYDOLL with their children has made the brand’s legacy especially meaningful.

The collaboration expands Jazwares’ portfolio of globally recognized properties while giving UGLYDOLL a new platform across toys and collectibles. Drawing from the brand’s classic artwork, the upcoming collection aims to preserve the personality and spirit that have made UGLYDOLL a fan favorite for more than two decades.

©2026 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.