Paychex founder and philanthropist Tom Golisano brought his story of success and entrepreneurship to Roberts Wesleyan College on Friday.
The occasion was the college’s semi-annual Leadership Breakfast.
College President Deana Porterfield says it’s an opportunity for community members to “benefit from Tom’s knowledge and wisdom and network with other professionals."
Golisano started Paychex in 1971 with just $3,000 and an idea…to make payroll outsourcing easy and affordable for small businesses.
Paychex now has more than 12,000 employees serving more than a half-million small and medium sized businesses nationwide and generating over $2.5 billion in revenue last year.
Golisano’s philanthropic contributions have totaled more than $267 million.
The Golisano Foundation is now one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. devoted to supporting programs for people with intellectual disabilities.
During the appearance at Roberts Wesleyan Golisano was asked about having so much of his life known in public.
He said that “99 percent of the time it doesn’t bother me.” Golisano noted that he had a lot of media exposure when he ran for governor and he says for the most part, he enjoys being able to tell his story.
In this video Golisano talked about the early days of starting a business, and borrowing money from his sister:
