David Sokol: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

David Sokol’s Profile Summary

Company	Teton Capital LLC
Position	Chairman and CEO of Teton Capital LLC, a family-owned investment holding company.
Source of wealth	Corporate leadership and investment management, particularly from his tenure at MidAmerican Energy, various leadership roles at Berkshire Hathaway
Also known as	Author, philanthropist, energy industry leader.
Age	69
Education	University of Nebraska – Bachelor’s degree, Bellevue University – Doctorate
Citizenship	United States
Residence	Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
Family	David Sokol's family includes his wife, Peggy, and their children. Their youngest son, David Jr. (DJ), passed away in 1999 at age 18 after battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Website, Social Media	https://www.tetoncapital.com/

David Sokol’s biography

David L. Sokol is a highly influential businessman and investor, known for his leadership across multiple sectors. Born in 1956 in Omaha, Nebraska, Sokol started his career in the energy industry and eventually became the CEO of MidAmerican Energy Holdings, which he sold to Berkshire Hathaway in 2000. He continued with Berkshire Hathaway until 2011, serving as Chairman and CEO of several subsidiaries, including NetJets and Johns Manville, where he played a key role in their financial turnarounds. Sokol was once considered a potential successor to Warren Buffett, but his unexpected resignation in 2011, amidst controversy surrounding his involvement in Berkshire’s acquisition of Lubrizol, marked a significant point in his career. Since leaving Berkshire, Sokol has focused on managing his family investments through Teton Capital LLC. He has also been actively involved in philanthropic efforts, including his leadership roles in the Horatio Alger Association. Sokol has authored a book titled Pleased But Not Satisfied, where he shares his business philosophy focused on leadership and long-term planning.

How did David Sokol make money?

David Sokol makes money in the following areas:

Corporate leadership and investment management, particularly from his tenure at MidAmerican Energy, various leadership roles at Berkshire Hathaway
What is David Sokol net worth?

As of 2025, there is no publicly available and reliable information regarding David Sokol’s net worth.

What is David Sokol also known as?

David Sokol is not only recognized for his business achievements but also as an author and philanthropist. He published a book titled Pleased But Not Satisfied in 2008, which outlines his business philosophy and leadership principles. Sokol is also deeply involved in philanthropy, particularly through his work with the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, where he serves on the board. This organization provides scholarships and mentorship to students overcoming adversity. Additionally, Sokol's long career in the energy sector, especially his leadership at MidAmerican Energy, has further cemented his reputation as an influential figure in the energy industry

Prominent achievements of David Sokol

Sokol has achieved significant recognition throughout his career, including being named CEO of the Year by Financial Times in 1999. He was also awarded the Individual Achievement Award by The Energy Daily. His leadership was instrumental in turning around companies like Johns Manville and NetJets under Berkshire Hathaway. Sokol’s family philanthropic work, particularly in education and cancer support, has also garnered recognition through the D.J.’s Hero Awards.

What are David Sokol’s key insights?

David Sokol emphasizes long-term planning, operational excellence, and leadership development. His business philosophy, as outlined in his book Pleased But Not Satisfied, focuses on six key operating principles: vision, strategy, leadership development, discipline, respect for employees, and continuous improvement. He believes in maintaining high operational efficiency and empowering future leaders through mentorship.

David Sokol’s personal life

David Sokol and his wife Peggy have faced significant family challenges, most notably the loss of their youngest son, DJ, to Hodgkin's lymphoma. DJ's legacy continues through the family’s philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of the D.J. Sokol Learning for Life Building and various scholarships in his honor. The Sokols have been deeply involved in community work, helping young people overcome adversity. They continue to engage with many of these scholarship recipients through personal connections and mentoring.

Useful insights

Understanding market forces

In my experience, to truly succeed as an investor, it’s essential to understand the driving forces behind market behavior. Market movements aren’t random—they’re influenced by a range of economic theories and dynamics. The following books provide valuable insights into these forces, offering a deeper understanding of how global financial markets operate and what shapes their trends.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb – "The Black Swan"
- Summary:
  
  Taleb explores the concept of rare, unpredictable events—so-called "Black Swans"—that can have massive impacts on markets and society. These events are often overlooked by traditional risk management models, leading to devastating consequences when they occur. Taleb illustrates how these unpredictable shocks shape our world, often more than gradual, expected changes.
- Why read it:
  
  This book challenges conventional thinking about risk and uncertainty, showing that many major historical and financial events were "Black Swans." It's a vital read for investors who want to build resilience in the face of market volatility.
John Maynard Keynes – "The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money"
- Summary:
  
  Keynes revolutionized economics by focusing on total demand within an economy and its effect on output and inflation. His theory suggested that government intervention could stabilize economic cycles through fiscal and monetary policy. The book also explains the consequences of under-consumption and the role of interest rates in managing economic stability.
- Why read it:
  
  For investors interested in macroeconomic trends and policy impacts, Keynes’ work is essential. Understanding the Keynesian framework can help investors predict how government actions might influence market performance.