Early Life
Ken Langone was born in Roslyn Heights, New York, in 1935, to Italian-American parents. His father was a plumber, and his mother worked in a cafeteria. Growing up, Langone experienced financial struggles. He began working at a young age to contribute to his family's income, taking on various jobs.
Rise to Success
Langone's career began on Wall Street. He gained experience at R.W. Pressprich & Co. He later played a key role in taking Electronic Data Systems (EDS) public. In 1974, Langone founded Invemed Associates, an investment bank focused on healthcare and high-technology companies. A pivotal moment in his career came when he co-founded The Home Depot with Bernard Marcus and Arthur Blank in 1978. He served on the board of directors of General Electric from 1999 to 2005.
Key Business Strategies
Langone's success is attributed to his knack for recognizing opportunities. He invested in businesses and took an active role in their development. His ability to connect with people and build strong relationships has been essential to his achievements.
Philanthropy
Langone is a generous philanthropist. He and his wife, Elaine, have contributed to various causes. They were early signatories to The Giving Pledge. He has donated over $300 million to NYU School of Medicine and NYU Medical Center (now NYU Langone Health). He has also supported Bucknell University and other charitable organizations.