Month: April 2025

Categories
Appointments

BHSI Appoints New Leaders in Ireland

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has announced key leadership changes in its Ireland operations, naming Caoimhe Gormley as Country Manager and Ciaran Reddin as Head of Executive & Professional (E&P) Lines.

Alessandro Cerase, Head of Europe at BHSI, praised their contributions, stating, “Caoimhe and Ciaran are proven leaders who embody BHSI’s customer-first values and culture. Their expertise has been instrumental in our growth in Ireland.”

Caoimhe Gormley, with 17 years of industry experience, joined BHSI in 2018 as Head of E&P Lines and later took on the role of Head of Customer & Broker Engagement. She succeeds Louise Kidd and will continue to lead customer and broker relations alongside her new responsibilities.

Ciaran Reddin, who joined BHSI in 2019, previously led Professional Indemnity and Cyber lines. With over a decade of experience, he now steps into his new role overseeing E&P Lines in Ireland.

BHSI continues to expand its presence in Ireland, offering a range of property, casualty, and E&P insurance solutions, as well as multinational programs.

© 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.

Categories
Lessons From Warren Buffett

Lessons From Warren Buffett: The Shorter the Hold, the Greater the Risk

Warren Buffett has long emphasized the relationship between risk and the amount of time you hold a stock, arguing that they are inextricably linked. According to Buffett, the shorter the time horizon for holding an asset, the greater the risk. This is particularly evident in day trading, where the potential for short-term price movements can lead to significant losses.

At the 1994 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Buffett explained that if you plan to buy a stock like XYZ Corporation at 11:30 AM and sell it by the close of the same day, the risk of harm or injury is much higher. He noted that there’s a 50% chance that such a transaction could lead to a loss. On the other hand, if you buy a company with a long-term perspective, such as Coca-Cola, the risk decreases significantly. Buffett pointed out that when you hold an asset for an extended period, the risk of losing money is minimal, even if you bought it at a higher price years ago. However, he warned that buying Coca-Cola this morning and selling it the next day would be a risky move, as short-term fluctuations in stock prices could lead to significant uncertainty.

In essence, Buffett’s philosophy highlights the importance of having a long-term investment strategy to minimize risk and maximize potential returns.

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.

Categories
Appointments

HomeServices of America Announces Leadership Transition

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway company and the nation’s leading provider of homeownership services, has announced a significant leadership change. Gino Blefari, who has served as President and CEO for over five years, will now take on the role of Chairman Emeritus. Chris Kelly, currently Executive Vice President, will step into the role of President and CEO, effective immediately.

Blefari, a respected figure in the real estate industry, will remain involved as a strategic advisor, particularly supporting the growth and development of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise network. Reflecting on his tenure, Blefari said, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as President and CEO. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited to support the new leadership as they take HomeServices into its next chapter.”

Kelly brings over 25 years of experience to his new role, with a background in law and a deep history with HomeServices, including leadership roles at ReeceNichols and the Ebby Halliday Companies.

“I’m humbled to follow in Gino’s footsteps,” said Kelly. “HomeServices’ true strength is our people. Our focus remains on supporting them across all aspects of real estate—brokerage, mortgage, title, insurance, and franchise—as they serve their clients and communities. Together, we will shape the future of real estate.”

© 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.

Categories
BYD

BYD Launches Its Largest Car Carrier, Strengthening Global Shipping Network

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway-backed Chinese automaker BYD has officially launched the BYD XI’AN, the sixth and largest vessel in its growing fleet of roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) car carriers. With a capacity to transport 9,200 vehicles, this advanced ship marks another significant step in the company’s global expansion strategy.

BYD began investing in its own shipping fleet roughly three years ago, making it the only car manufacturer in the world with a dedicated maritime logistics network. This move supports BYD’s ambitious goal of selling 800,000 vehicles overseas in 2025, out of a projected total of 5.5 million. The new vessel further solidifies the company’s control over its international supply chain and underscores its growing influence in the global automotive market.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, 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.

Categories
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

BHSI Announces Key Leadership Changes in North America Casualty Division

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has announced several strategic leadership appointments to strengthen its North America casualty operations.

Matt Hale has been named Head of U.S. Casualty Underwriting Operations, where he will lead BHSI’s regional casualty underwriting teams across the U.S. and collaborate with Galan Riley, Head of Casualty, Canada, to align North American strategies. Hale is based in Chicago.

Marcie Stephan steps into the role of Head of Casualty, U.S. Central Region, overseeing all casualty underwriting teams in the Central U.S., excluding construction. She is also based in Chicago.

John Roe takes on the position of Head of North American Construction, where he will lead underwriting for Construction Casualty, Construction Professional Liability, and Homebuilders Liability. He will also support the expansion of construction casualty operations and align U.S. and Canadian strategies alongside Galan Riley. Roe is based in New York.

“BHSI takes great pride in building long-term relationships with our casualty customers and brokers,” said Kathy Reid, Head of Casualty, North America. “These appointments highlight the strength of our internal talent and our commitment to delivering solutions backed by our ‘CLAIMS IS OUR PRODUCT’ philosophy and financial strength.”

© 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.

Categories
Lessons From Warren Buffett

Lessons From Warren Buffett: More Than One Way to Get Rich

Warren Buffett is often regarded as the ultimate investor, but he doesn’t believe there’s only one way to achieve financial success. His perspective on investing emphasizes that different strategies can work, depending on the investor’s approach and skillset.

At the 1994 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Buffett explained, “I’ve said in investing, in the past, that there’s more than one way to get to heaven. And there isn’t a true religion in this, but there’s some very useful religions.”

This insight highlights that while Buffett’s limited portfolio strategy has been incredibly successful, other methods—such as Peter Lynch’s growth-oriented approach with a much more diversified portfolio—can also yield great results. The key is finding a disciplined, well-researched strategy that aligns with one’s expertise and risk tolerance.

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.

Categories
BNSF

BNSF Collaboration Slashes Transit Time on PNW-Chicago Route

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

BNSF Railway, in partnership with Norfolk Southern (NS) and the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), has launched a redesigned intermodal rail service that reduces transit time by three days for freight moving from the Pacific Northwest (PNW) to Chicago and beyond.

The new Inland Point Intermodal (IPI) service features a more efficient process at the NWSA ports of Seattle and Tacoma, where trains will now be built in under two days. This accelerated turnaround enables seamless transfer via BNSF’s Northern Transcon route, improving speed and consistency for shippers.

“This collaboration is the result of listening to our customers, who want to shift more freight to rail while lowering inventory and transportation costs,” said Jon Gabriel, BNSF Group Vice President, Consumer Products.

Thanks to operational enhancements, NWSA now reports the lowest rail dwell time in the U.S. so far this year. The updated service delivers cargo from ship to Chicago in just six days—the fastest transit time from any PNW port.

Norfolk Southern and BNSF will streamline the journey further by consolidating handoffs at a single Chicago location (NS-Ashland), facilitating quick crew swaps before cargo continues to inland destinations such as Ohio and Pennsylvania.

“This partnership is a great example of how we can innovate to meet the evolving needs of shippers,” added NWSA CEO John Wolfe.

The new service is effective immediately.

© 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.

Categories
Insurance

GEICO Expands in Florida with 1,000 New Jobs at New Tampa Campus

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

GEICO is strengthening its presence in Florida with a new campus in Tampa, bringing over 1,000 new jobs to the region. This expansion supports the company’s commitment to modernizing operations and driving long-term growth while reinforcing its reputation as a customer-focused insurance provider.

“As Florida’s second-largest auto insurer and the third largest in the United States, we are thrilled to expand our footprint in the Sunshine State,” said GEICO Senior Vice President Angela Rinella. “Tampa’s robust talent pool and dynamic business environment make it the ideal location for our newest office, allowing us to better serve our growing customer base while creating significant employment opportunities.”

The new Tampa campus will add to GEICO’s existing Florida workforce of nearly 3,800 employees, primarily based in Jacksonville and Lakeland, with additional legal offices throughout the state. The company will occupy 190,000 square feet across a three-building campus near Tampa International Airport, beginning this summer.

This investment highlights GEICO’s commitment to transforming how it delivers a wide range of insurance products, ensuring a seamless experience from initial quotes to claims settlement. Career opportunities at the new location will include roles in insurance sales, service, and claims, along with leadership development programs for those pursuing management careers.

© 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.

Categories
Lessons From Warren Buffett

Lessons From Warren Buffett: Adversity as a Test of Business Strength

Warren Buffett believes that how a company navigates challenges reveals critical insights about its true resilience and competitive advantage. A business that endures hardship and emerges stronger demonstrates not only its durability but also the strength of its economic moat—the protective advantage that keeps competitors at bay.

At the 2000 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, Buffett explained, “If you see a business take a lot of adversity and still do well, that tells you something about the underlying strength of the business.” He cited Coca-Cola as an example, noting how the company overcame setbacks such as the New Coke failure and issues in Europe, only to rebound stronger each time.

For investors, these moments of adversity serve as valuable tests. Companies that can weather difficulties and maintain their competitive edge often have the resilience and structural advantages necessary for long-term success.

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.

Categories
Lubrizol

Lubrizol Launching Cutting-Edge Technology and Innovation Center in India

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Lubrizol, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, has announced it will establish a state-of-the-art Technology and Innovation Center in Maharashtra, India. This facility, the first of its kind for Lubrizol globally, aims to drive breakthrough innovations, enhance collaboration, and accelerate market delivery for its customers and industries worldwide.

The new center will integrate various lab capabilities, reinforcing Lubrizol’s in-region Centers of Excellence (COE). It will also house a Customer Experience Center, fostering co-development with customers and partners. Equipped with advanced analytical tools, automation, and digital solutions, the center will apply decision science to fast-track next-generation innovations.

Bhavana Bindra, Lubrizol’s Managing Director for India, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasized the company’s legacy of nearly a century in innovation. She highlighted that the new center underscores Lubrizol’s commitment to technological advancement and collaboration in the region. Dr. Rahul Misra, Senior Director of Technology, further noted that the facility’s location in Maharashtra will enhance efficiency and facilitate cutting-edge research and development.

Lubrizol’s President and CEO, Rebecca Liebert, stated that this center will serve as a model for future global innovation hubs, reinforcing the company’s interconnected research strategy. The Indian innovation teams have already garnered global recognition, and this facility is expected to further amplify their impact.

Lubrizol’s commitment to India spans decades, with notable contributions such as introducing CPVC piping 25 years ago, revolutionizing clean water access. The company’s India-based Bar Soap COE has also driven sustainable improvements in soap formulation. Additionally, Lubrizol continues to develop next-generation additive solutions in response to evolving transportation regulations.

This announcement is part of Lubrizol’s broader investment in India, totaling over $350 million in the past 18 months. The company is constructing its second-largest global manufacturing facility, collaborating on the world’s largest CPVC resin plant, and expanding its operations in Pune and Gujarat. The new Technology and Innovation Center marks another milestone in Lubrizol’s growth and commitment to the Indian market.

© 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.