Financial professionals are not as well known as typical entrepreneurs.
While many may know the CEOs of Seosung Electronics and Eunsung Motors, most people are unfamiliar with the CEOs of Hanshin Bank and KYB Securities.
The same goes for foreign companies.
People might recognize the CEOs of NPL and Facenote, but they probably wouldn’t know who the CEOs of City Bank and JP Morgan are. There are likely few who even know the name of the CEO of Golden Gate.
However, I am well acquainted with the name James C. Goldman. Not because he’s a business partner, but because he’s a renowned investor famous enough to be featured in business textbooks.
He has steered Golden Gate long before I was born, commanding not only the U.S. financial sector but also making waves globally, capable of moving billions of dollars with a single word.
While I was surprised, Taekgyu still appeared clueless.
In Korean, I said, “Golden Gate CEO.”
I realized language didn’t matter much at that moment.
“Wow! So our sister’s boss?”
“Exactly.”
The CEO of Golden Gate is known to reside in a mansion near Manhattan. How did he end up here?
Surely he didn’t fly across the continent just to meet us.
Or did he come to see his grandson and coincidentally bump into us?
Was that even possible?
Given that Henry acted as our guide, it might be safe to assume he intended to meet us from the start.
“Since we’re here for dinner, let’s sit and talk.”
James took off his coat and sat down. We followed suit.
I couldn’t believe I was about to have dinner with James C. Goldman! It seems too surreal to be true. If I told others, no one would believe me.
The sudden turn of events was both surprising and ecstatic. Taekgyu, observing my expression, softly asked, “Is this such a big deal?”
“Are you saying that?”
In some ways, it can be said to be even more impressive than dining with Warren Buffett.
Warren Buffett auctions off his annual lunch for charity. James C. Goldman doesn’t even appear in public and only does media interviews in writing.
There isn’t even a single photo of him on the internet. The nickname ‘reclusive investor’ isn’t just for show.
That very figure is now right in front of us!
Well, Taxi probably won’t care much anyway.
“It’s an honor to meet the CEO of Golden Gate. But how did you end up here?”
“I heard you came to the U.S., so I rushed over a month ago to meet you.”
I was surprised by those words.
You came all the way from New York to California just to meet us?
Just then, the steak I ordered arrived.
“It’s a happy day, would you like a glass of wine?”
“Yes, please.”
Henry ordered wine from the waiter. We filled our glasses and toasted.
“From the L6 crisis to venture capital and now Brexit, the venture of OTK Company is truly amazing.”
I modestly said, “It’s nothing compared to the achievements of a reclusive investor.”
James smiled wryly at my words.
“Do you know why I don’t reveal myself to people, avoid the media?”
No one knows the exact reason. They can only guess.
Maybe it’s due to social anxiety, physical disabilities, illness, or being too grotesque in appearance, and so on.
But upon meeting in person, it turned out to be quite the opposite. His personality also seemed lively.
James said in a low voice, “This is a secret only close friends know…”
We naturally leaned in, curious.
Now, what secret could there be? “Actually, I’m not good at investing. I have no eye for the market, let alone an intuition for investments.”
“What?”
What kind of talk is this?
At first, I thought it was a joke. The CEO of Golden Gate not being good at investing is as absurd as a swimmer not being able to get into water. Just the stories of legendary successes I know could fill several books.
Above all, I still don’t understand what ABS, CDO, MBS are. When I was young, the principles of financial products were very simple, but at some point, I started operating in an unknown manner with unexplainable terms.
“Wasn’t Golden Gate the main creator of that?”
I may be saying something unnecessary, but there is also the fact that the massive issuance of MBS (Mortgage-Backed Securities) collateralized by mortgages and CDOs (Collateralized Debt Obligations) collateralized by MBS contributed to the US financial crisis.
“When speaking in front of the public or the media, I don’t know what to say. So, I tried to hide as much as possible, and before I knew it, I began to be referred to as a secretive investor.”
I asked in confusion, “Did you predict the Plaza Accord and bet on the yen?”
“It was Nakamoto’s decision when he was the Japan branch manager.”
“Did you buy Asian real estate at rock-bottom prices after the Asian financial crisis?”
“That was Chase’s idea as the Asian branch manager.”
“Did you sell bonds just before the Ukraine conflict broke out?”
“Dmitri played a role in that.”
James said as he sipped his wine, “The one thing I’m confident about is my ability to read people. When I meet and talk to them, I can somewhat judge whether they are trustworthy enough to be entrusted with something.
In other words, are you excellent at mercenary tactics?
Golden Gate, not only in the US but also worldwide, was able to exert strong influence because regional branch managers operating independently contributed their part. And the person who appointed them was CEO James.
Well, thinking about it, when Quantum Fund attacked the UK foreign exchange market, the one who actually devised the operation was Stanley Druckenmiller.
However, the public only remembers the name George Soros.
James turned his gaze to Taekgyu.
“In that sense, I consider myself a no less exceptional investor than Mr. Kang, no less than Mister Oh’s talent recognized Mr. Kang’s talent for the first time, didn’t it?”
Taekgyu blinked in surprise as he had a piece of steak in his mouth.
“Me, me?”
“Didn’t Mr. Oh recognize Mr. Kang’s talent for the first time?”
I nodded.
“Yes, he did.”
If Taekgyu hadn’t reached out to me first, if he hadn’t removed his stake and yielded the CEO position to me, I wouldn’t have made it to this position.
“Having lived to this age, the only certainty I have is about investing in people.”
Similar words have been heard multiple times.
Words are more important for who said them than their content. Coming from the CEO who led Golden Gate for decades, the weight of his words was different.
Investing in people…
Am I doing well now?
“Chase says that if you meet these two, you’ll gain not just good customers, but good friends. I hope our connection continues in the future.”
“Of course.”
After the meal, we stepped outside.
A Rolls-Royce Phantom was waiting in front of the restaurant. We shook hands in front of the car.
“It was a pleasant meal after a long time. If you need any help while you’re here, feel free to tell Henry anytime.”
“Got it.”
“Take care.”
James got into the car.
Meeting the legendary investor you only read about in books in real life. It doesn’t feel quite real.
At this rate, am I going to meet Warren Buffett later, too?
***
I spread out the materials I received from Hyunjoo noona on the table in the hotel room.
“What we need is a car that can be equipped with the software developed by CarOS.”
CarOS is developing an operating system that can control everything from ignition and battery to autonomous driving. To properly utilize this operating system, an all-electric car that operates on electricity is ideal.
Taekgyu asked, arms crossed, “Acquire an electric car company?”
“They are too expensive.”
The electric car companies already established in the market are too expensive for us to buy with the money we have. If we were to try to acquire them, they would become even more expensive.
“Although the electric car market has seen explosive growth, the annual sales have not yet reached one million units. Considering the current battery production capacity, a significant increase is difficult at the moment.”
Despite being touted as the next generation of cars, internal combustion engine cars will dominate the market for the time being.
“Autonomous driving technology can also be applied to current internal combustion engine cars. There is no need to focus solely on electric cars. Of course, that technology will be needed in the long run as well.”
“For now, are you planning to acquire existing car manufacturers?”
“Yes. Just incorporating perfect autonomous driving technology will give us enough competitiveness in the market.”
“Will you launch in the Korean market right away?”
I shook my head in response to that question.
“That might be difficult.”
“Why?”
“Because the regulations have not been established yet.”
Laws such as road traffic laws differ slightly from country to country. Therefore, cars that can operate perfectly fine in other countries may not be able to drive in the domestic market.
“Autonomous driving is currently illegal in Korea.”
“When will it become legal then?”
“When Eunsung Motors develops it.”
It’s not a joke.
In the past, features like HUD, remote parking, and laser headlights were also illegal. Global car manufacturers that developed such technologies had to export their vehicles without utilizing those technologies in certain markets.
But when Eunsung Motors developed the technology, related regulations quickly followed.
“It’s a form of non-tariff trade barrier.”
Given the significant role of the automotive industry in export and employment creation, the government is diligently protecting it. In addition, Eunsung Motors is likely lobbying the political arena.
This allows them to boast a domestic market share of 70 percent.
“Let’s deal with that issue later.”
I don’t know which company I should acquire.
The automotive companies currently on the market have either already failed, are failing, or are companies with poor technological capabilities.
Well, if they were promising for the future, they wouldn’t have been put up for sale in the first place.
“Don’t you have any foresight?”
“No.”
At times like this, I wish there was an information window right in front of me. It would be convenient.
No, would it be inconvenient instead?
If all sorts of unnecessary information keep popping up all the time, living normally would be impossible. Maybe it’s better if it just comes up occasionally like it does now.
Anyway, it’s frustrating when you need it and it doesn’t come to mind.
Ding Dong!
After contemplating for a while, the bell rang. When I opened the door, Henry was standing there, holding out an envelope.
“My grandfather asked me to give it to you.”
James C. Goldman?
“Thank you.”
After Henry finished his errand and left, I took out the letter from the envelope and unfolded it. There was a short sentence written on it.
“I heard you are interested in the automotive industry. Then you should pay attention to the U.S. presidential election.
-From your friend-”
“Come to think of it…”
It’s the U.S. presidential election season now.
Brexit is also happening, and this year there are many significant global events.
Taekgyu asked in a puzzled expression, “What does that have to do with us?”
“I just said. The automotive industry is closely related to the government.”
If you are eyeing the U.S. market, you cannot ignore the policies of the next government.
“Give me the remote.”
“Here you go.”
I turned on the TV and switched the channel to CNN.
A segment analyzing both Democratic and Republican candidates was airing.
The current Democratic candidate is Diane, and the Republican candidate is Ronald. There are several other candidates, but they are not worth paying attention to.
Suddenly, James’s words came to mind.
He said there’s nothing more certain than investing in people, right?
I thought about it calmly.
What kind of cards am I holding now, and how can I use them well?
“I wish I could meet them in person.”
Taekgyu asked.
“Huh? Who?”
I pointed to the TV.
“Those people.”
“Would they meet you from over there?” A good point.
Both are figures standing at the pinnacle of the Democratic and Republican parties dividing American politics, one of whom will inevitably become the President of the United States in a few months.
Moreover, they are currently busy with campaigning. They will probably be scheduling by the minute, meeting and greeting people.
No matter how much money I have, I cannot compare to the traditional wealthy in America. They won’t just meet me if I show up unannounced.
Is there no good way?
Golden Gate not only has a deep historical background but also exerts a strong influence on American politics. It’s to the extent that they appear in various conspiracy theories without fail.
Perhaps James could connect us, don’t you think?
Semangat