Early Life and Education
Herbert "Herbie" Wertheim was born in Philadelphia on May 23, 1939, to Jewish parents. His early life was marked by challenges, including a diagnosis of dyslexia. At the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Navy after facing truancy charges, where he studied physics and chemistry, marking a turning point in his life. He attended Brevard Community College and the University of Florida, studying electrical engineering, and later earned degrees from the Southern College of Optometry.
Rise to Success
Wertheim's entrepreneurial spirit took flight when he founded Brain Power Inc. (BPI), a manufacturer of optical tints for eyeglasses. BPI holds over 100 patents and copyrights. Since 1970, he has invested profits from Brain Power into the stock market, becoming the largest individual shareholder in aerospace firm Heico. Wertheim's investment strategy is characterized by a buy-and-hold approach, with a preference for industry and technology companies.
Key Business Strategies
Wertheim's approach to investing is centered on understanding the companies he invests in and a long-term perspective. He focuses on buying and holding stocks, often purchasing shares during IPOs or when a stock price declines, believing in the companies' fundamentals. His investment choices have included major companies like Apple, Microsoft, IBM, and Heico, among others.
Philanthropy
Wertheim is a dedicated philanthropist, committed to giving back to the community. The Dr. Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Family Foundation has supported educational, cultural, and healthcare organizations. He has donated over $100 million to Florida's public universities, including significant contributions to the University of Florida and Florida International University. These donations have led to the naming of several colleges and facilities in his honor.
