Here We Go: An Introduction to Lonesome Ridge
So you've found my introduction letter... (this feels weird because I am writing to precisely nobody right now). These letters are something I've considered for a bit of time now, but I've gone back and forth on whether I was going to get on with it or not. Quite frankly, I have never enjoyed writing. No subject in school made me want to bang my head on a desk more. But here I am.
I have a passion for investing and I envision these letters will consist of related material. Over the last couple of years as my enthusiasm for investing has grown I have consumed as much information as I could get my hands, eyes, and ears on. Multiple books, shareholder letters, annual reports, podcasts, news articles... you name it. Time and time again though, I finish a book or podcast packed so full of useful information just to have trouble remembering it all a few months later. Of course, my knowledge base is far larger than it was when I first started. I am still left wondering how I can retain what I consume more efficiently.
That leads me to the driving force behind this project. It's pretty selfish in nature if I'm being completely honest. The idea is that putting my thoughts and observations down on paper (or screen) will help what I write about stick. An added plus is that maybe I can bring some others along for the same ride. My hope is to share ideas and observations that help both me and my readers grow personally and financially.
So who am I and why in the world would it be worth reading what I put out? That's a great question, really. I'm not a professional investor. I work full time as a firefighter which may put a smile on your face because if you know a firefighter or two you'd know we aren't really a breeding ground of financially successful individuals. I never went to college, at least not in the traditional sense. I'm a dad. I'm a husband. I read for fun. I'm just an average Joe.
When I learn about all these prolific investors out there it can be discouraging to imagine that I could find even a fraction of the success they have. Many of them went to the Whartons, Harvards, and Columbias. A good chunk of them graduated to working on Wall Street or for hedge funds. I don't have the pedigree...
To hell with that. I believe my wife and I can become financially free through prudent decision making and intelligent investments. Each of these letters will be inspired by a variety of sources. Many of them will be books. Some of them will be derived from random observations or connections I make. Interviews and podcasts. Anything that strikes me as beneficial to talk about.
As for my approach, I have gravitated to the value investing universe. There will be a lot of references to the Buffetts and Mungers of the world. Their style speaks to me. I am attracted to the patience, rationality, and life philosophy they practiced. I'm not interested in making quick money. Slow and methodical suits my personality far better. Some of my favorite books to this point should set the scene for the type of content these letters will deliver: Poor Charlie's Almanack, The Intelligent Investor, Titan, and The Davis Dynasty. I am also a big fan of Sleep and Zakaria's partnership letters and, of course, Warren's shareholder letters.
I want to experience growth as an individual, as a father and husband, and as an aspiring investor. Maybe there are a few of you out there who can relate. And maybe, just maybe, I can contribute to your journey as I navigate my own.
Welcome to Lonesome Ridge!
-Austin