Ken Langone - I Love Capitalism!: An American Story

I have enjoyed writing this book because it gave me reason to reflect on all the wonderful memories of my life. Ive been blessed to have so many caring people help me as I traveled lifes roads. Their encouragement, support, and interest in me have been big factors in my life.

First and foremost is the importance of my faith as part of my lifes journey. Whenever I was in tight spots or facing difficult circumstances with little or no chance for a good outcome, my faith kept me going. I know I am more sensitive to the plight and needs of others because of my faithmy spiritual beliefs dictate no less than that. I would be a shadow of myself without my faith in God.

The luckiest day of my life was that Monday evening in early June 1954 when I first set eyes on the love of my life, Elaine. Counting a two-year courtship, we have been together for sixty-three yearsWOW. When things went well Elaine cheered me on and when things werent so good she was there to encourage me to stay the course and to let me know she would always be there for mewin, lose, or draw. She has been my life partner, my soul mate, and my best friendmy love for her grows with each passing day. One of the great blessings God bestowed on me was bringing Elaine into my life. Most of what I write about probably never would have happened had Elaine not been with me. I am forever hers.

My parents, John and Angie Langone, were the very best parents a child could have. They gave my late brother Michael and me the one thing that matters most to a childunconditional love, and lots of it! My brother died much too young but not before he taught me my prayers and helped me do all my Cub Scout projects. My lasting memory of him is as my protectorI wish Our Lord had given us more time with him. Mom and Dad worked hard so that we could have a better life. They taught values by living them and they stressed the importance of hard work and education. While they struggled financially they made personal sacrifices to make certain we had plenty to eat, a warm and comfortable home, and happy things to look forward to. Every day that goes by I miss them more and more.

Elaine and I are blessed to have had Our Lord send us three fine men, Kenny, Bruce, and Stephen. I know I am a better person because they are my sonstheir love and respect for me is a source of great strength. They have always encouraged me in all my endeavors and have not allowed our accomplishments to diminish their humility or their caring for others. My one regret is that my career kept me away from home more than I would have liked, but thank God, Elaine made up the difference. Every time the boys and I are together, the first thing we do is kiss and hug, and we end every phone call with an expression of love for each otherit doesnt get any better than that! We are also blessed with loving and caring daughters-in-law, Jessica and Nhung, and two grandchildren, Manny and Sophia. I hope and pray the examples we set for them will lead them to happy and productive lives.

My parents-in-law, Marion and Dick Abbe, and my sister-in-law, Janet Rider, accepted me into their family as a son and brother rather than as an in-law. Their kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity knew no limits and my father-in-law enjoyed a special place in my career, especially as he helped me get started on Wall Street. His wise counsel and insights saved me from many mistakes I might otherwise have made. No one could have had kinder or more loving in-laws than I did.

Reflecting on the early years of my life, I remember the love and support of all my extended familymy grandparents, my aunts and uncles, my cousins. I remember the family gatherings every Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at Grandma and Grandpa Laucellas in Port Washington; the aroma of the gravy (not sauce!), the meat balls and sausages, the braciole, the fresh bread from Frappaolos bakery down the street; the table that, no matter how many were there, always had room for one more. And after lunch, each of the grandchildren performing in the family rendition of Ted Macks Amateur Hour. Most of all I remember the love, respect, and affection we held for each other. How kind God was to send me to such a warm and loving family.

There are many people in my professional life that have been so important to what Ive accomplished, none more so than my assistant and friend, Pam Goldman. There cant possibly be anyone more challenging to work with than me, and Pam pulls it off virtually flawlesslyas shes done for twenty-five years! I have a bad habit of saying yes to too many things and Pam always makes sure things work out. She can keep more balls in the air than anyone I know and she does it always with a smile and good cheer. I am grateful to her beyond what any words can describe. And then there is my friend and driver, Alvaro Gallego. Alvaro has been with me for twenty-six years, and no matter what the demands of my crazy schedule are, hes always there. Alvaro is one of the best examples of what a hardworking, dedicated person can accomplish if he applies himself and takes advantage of everything our great nation offers. Alvaro es mi amigo!

Although in the beginning I had great trepidation about writing this book, the experience turned out to be special in every way possible. My collaborator, Jim Kaplan, was a kind and thoughtful partner. Every suggestion he madeevery one!improved the book. His commitment to clarity and meaning always brought my thoughts to the points I wanted to make or the story I wanted to tell. In addition to that, he is a superb writer who has an incredible command of the kings English. We started on a purely professional basis and we ended enjoying each other, having fun, and becoming good friends.