On September 8, 2024, our club was thrilled to welcome Mr. Tom and Mrs. Susan Gayner, Mr. Tyler Brown, the Markel team, and the UVA community in our inaugural interest meeting for the 2024-2025 year! Throughout the meeting, Mr. Gayner shared several bits of wisdom, which we share below:

1. GFSIF draws inspiration from Benjamin Franklin’s century-long investment initiative, where his wealth was invested for 100 years before being distributed to promote city welfare

2. GFSIF has raised over $160,000 in donations within two years, with last year’s Vintage 2 Fund achieving $140,000 in funding

3. Investors must seek companies that endure the long term. With the club’s 25 year investment horizon, we must seek companies that can thrive amid uncertainty, whether it’s developing a competitive edge, advancing technological innovation, or capitalizing on other trends

4. GFSIF has grown tremendously in popularity, achieving 200+ signups after boasting 64 members in the past year

5. Stocks are not merely pieces of paper that can be traded. Rather, investors should view stocks as an opportunity to acquire an entire business. As a result, investors must exercise caution and prudence in each decision.