Early Life and Education
Blase Thomas Golisano, born on November 14, 1941, in Irondequoit, New York, grew up in a working-class family. He graduated from Irondequoit High School in 1962 and earned an associate's degree in general business management from the State University of New York at Alfred (Alfred State) in 1964. He prioritized hands-on experience over extended formal education.
Rise to Success
Golisano launched Paychex in 1971 with $3,000 in savings and a credit card. He served as its president and CEO from 1971 to October 2004. Under his leadership, Paychex grew to become a major player in the payroll and human resources industry. Paychex went public in 1983.
Key Business Strategies
Golisano's vision was to simplify payroll services for small businesses. He focused on providing accurate and affordable services, building a strong customer base, and expanding through franchises and partnerships. He also focused on acquisitions to increase the company's offerings and market share. The company now serves hundreds of thousands of clients nationwide.
Philanthropy
Golisano is a dedicated philanthropist. He established the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation in 1985, focusing on supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2024, he gifted $360 million to 82 nonprofits in upstate New York. His philanthropic contributions to hospitals and educational institutions now exceed $775 million.
