Sandy Gottesman: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Sandy Gottesman’s Profile Summary

Company	First Manhattan Co.
Position	Sandy Gottesman was the founder of First Manhattan Co. and served as a senior managing director of the firm during his lifetime.
Source of wealth	Ownership of First Manhattan Co., early investment in Berkshire Hathaway, and management and advisory fees from First Manhattan’s investment services
Also known as	Philanthropist, Warren Buffett’s longtime friend, and board member of Berkshire Hathaway.
Years of life	16.02.1926 - 28.09.2022
Education	Columbia University - Bachelor’s Degree, Harvard Business School - MBA
Citizenship	United States
Residence	Rye, New York, USA
Family	Sandy Gottesman is survived by his wife, Ruth Gottesman, and their three children: Jonathan, Michael, and Elizabeth
Website, Social Media	https://firstmanhattan.com/

Biography

David Sanford "Sandy" Gottesman was born in 1926 in New York City and had an illustrious career as an investor and philanthropist. He attended Columbia University for his undergraduate education and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. In 1964, Gottesman founded First Manhattan Co., an investment advisory firm that became widely respected for its financial services. Gottesman’s most significant business relationship was with Warren Buffett, whom he met in 1962. He became one of the early investors in Berkshire Hathaway and served as a board member of the company starting in 2003. In addition to his business achievements, Gottesman was deeply involved in philanthropy, supporting various causes such as medical research and education, including institutions like Yeshiva University and Mount Sinai Medical Center. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 96, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both finance and philanthropy

How did Sandy Gottesman make money?

Sandy Gottesman makes money in the following areas:

Ownership of First Manhattan Co., early investment in Berkshire Hathaway, and management and advisory fees from First Manhattan’s investment services
What is Sandy Gottesman net worth?

As of 2026, there is no publicly available and reliable information regarding Sandy Gottesman’s net worth.

What is Sandy Gottesman also known as?

Sandy Gottesman was not only a successful investor but also a notable philanthropist, contributing to various causes, particularly in education and medical research. He was a significant supporter of institutions like Yeshiva University and Mount Sinai Medical Center, among others. His relationship with Warren Buffett spanned decades, starting in 1962, and he became one of the earliest investors in Berkshire Hathaway. His longstanding friendship with Buffett led to his appointment as a member of Berkshire Hathaway’s board in 2003, where he contributed to the company’s strategic decisions. Additionally, Gottesman’s philanthropic endeavors included funding scientific research and education projects.

Prominent achievements

Sandy Gottesman founded First Manhattan Co., was an early investor in Berkshire Hathaway, and served on its board. He and his wife established The Gottesman Fund in 1965, which supported educational, medical, and Jewish causes. His philanthropy has left a lasting impact, particularly in New York City and Jerusalem

What are Sandy Gottesman’s key insights?

Sandy Gottesman believed in building long-term relationships based on trust and integrity. His friendship with Warren Buffett exemplified this principle. His investment strategy focused on patience, value investing, and maintaining high ethical standards. Gottesman was also deeply committed to mentorship, helping others grow personally and professionally

Personal life

Sandy Gottesman and Ruth Gottesman were married for over 60 years. They had three children: Jonathan, who became a prominent attorney; Michael, who pursued a career in finance; and Elizabeth, who became an educator focused on helping students with learning challenges. The family also includes several grandchildren

Useful insights

Decision-making and success

Making the right decisions at the right time is often what sets successful people apart. Drawing on the experience of Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, here are some key lessons for improving your decision-making and achieving long-term success.

Create a decision-making framework

Ray Dalio advocates for a clear, principles-based approach to decision-making. Establish a set of guiding principles that you consistently apply when faced with choices. This will help you stay focused and avoid emotional or impulsive decisions.
Embrace transparency and open feedback

Dalio’s philosophy of radical transparency is about creating an environment where honest feedback is encouraged. Whether in your career or personal life, being open to criticism and maintaining transparency will help you grow and make better decisions.
Prepare for risks and manager them wisely

Success isn’t just about making the right moves—it's also about managing risks effectively. Always consider worst-case scenarios and have a plan in place to navigate them. Risk management is a crucial part of any decision-making process.