Ken Langone

Ken Langone

Kenneth Gerard Langone (born September 16, 1935) is an American billionaire businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He is best known for co-founding The Home Depot, a leading home improvement retailer in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Langone was born in Roslyn Heights, New York, to working-class parents. He attended Bucknell University where he earned a degree in economics. He later received an MBA from the New York University Stern School of Business.

Career

Langone began his career on Wall Street in the early 1960s. He worked for several financial institutions before founding his own investment firm, Invemed Associates, in 1974.

The Home Depot

In 1978, Langone co-founded The Home Depot with Bernard Marcus and Arthur Blank. The company revolutionized the home improvement industry by offering a wide range of products at competitive prices. The Home Depot went public in 1981 and has since grown to become one of the largest retailers in the world.

Philanthropy

Langone is a noted philanthropist, having donated millions to various causes. He has been particularly generous to his alma mater, New York University, where he has funded scholarships and contributed to the construction of the NYU Langone Medical Center. He has also supported educational initiatives at Bucknell University and other institutions.

Personal Life

Langone is married to Elaine Langone, and they have three children. The couple resides in North Shore (Long Island), New York.

Related Pages

• The Home Depot
• Bernard Marcus
• Arthur Blank
• New York University
• NYU Langone Medical Center
• Bucknell University