Mario Gabelli, CBA ’65, chairman and CEO of Gabelli Asset Management, Inc., shared secrets to success in the investment world during a guest lecture at the Graduate School of Business Administration.
“Figure out what you want to do, then find out everything you can about it,” said Gabelli, who is a member of Fordham’s prestigious President’s Council and an active participant in the Executive-in-Residence program. “Focus on an industry, learn the language, then find something out about the different companies. It is not complicated, in fact, it is very simple.”
The Fordham College of Business Administration alumnus ultimately found his way and has become one of the most successful and powerful mutual fund managers in the U.S. He founded Gabelli Asset Management in 1977 and is currently managing assets worth more than $25 billion.
According to Gabelli, once you have developed a wealth of information about a particular industry, it is time to find a “catalyst” that could fuel a surge in the value of a prospective investment. The catalyst could take on the form of new ownership, a change in government regulations or new management. It is anything that could elevate the market value of a company.
He encouraged the students to cultivate their interests and incorporate them into their career path.
“It’s not just about developing academically, but developing your personal pedigree in an industry that you can use,” said Gabelli.
