Early Life
Ronald Stephen Baron was born in 1943 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Growing up, he developed an early interest in business and the stock market, reading financial magazines and studying companies. He worked various part-time jobs to fund his education, including as a cabana boy, lifeguard, and ice cream truck driver. Baron graduated from Bucknell University in 1965 with a B.A. in Chemistry. He attended George Washington University Law School at night while working at the U.S. Patent Office.
Rise to Success
Baron began his career as a securities analyst in the 1970s. In 1982, he founded Baron Capital Management with the focus on long-term growth equity investments. His flagship fund, the Baron Growth Fund, was launched in 1994 and has delivered annualized returns of 20.15%. Baron's investment philosophy centers on identifying and investing in fast-growing, well-managed businesses for the long term. His firm has grown to manage approximately $45 billion in assets under management. He is known for his patient, research-driven style, often keeping positions for 10 to 20 years or more.
Key Business Strategies
Baron's strategy involves a buy-and-hold approach, focusing on companies with strong management teams, competitive advantages, and significant growth potential. He invests in companies with the belief that they will become much larger in the future and will be difficult for others to compete with. His focus on identifying undervalued companies and holding them long-term has been a key factor in his success.
Philanthropy
Ron Baron is involved in various philanthropic endeavors, focusing on education, healthcare, and the arts. He has donated millions to institutions like Bucknell University, Mount Sinai Medical Center, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He is also the founder of the Baron Capital Foundation, which supports a range of charitable initiatives. Baron hosts the annual Baron Investment Conference, combining investment discussions with live performances by major entertainers.