Carlos Slim Helu is not just another name on the list of the world’s richest individuals; his journey from a young investor to a global business magnate is remarkable. Slim’s business acumen emerged early; he bought his first stock at age 12 and became a shareholder in Mexico’s largest bank by age 15.

Early Investment and Business Ventures

Carlos Slim’s career began with stock investments, leading to the establishment of his own brokerage firm. His ventures spanned a broad spectrum, including manufacturing, transportation, real estate, hospitality, entertainment, mass media, energy, high technology, retail, sports, and tobacco. His extensive business portfolio earned him the title of Mexico’s richest man, drawing comparisons to Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. Notably, Slim avoids using computers and prefers not to engage with email.

Background and Education

Born into a Lebanese-Christian immigrant family, Slim inherited a keen business sense from his father, who thrived in real estate. Slim’s formal education includes a degree in engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, where he also taught algebra and linear programming. This educational foundation in economics and linear programming significantly contributed to his business prowess.

Building a Business Empire

Slim’s entrepreneurial journey took off when he inherited his father’s business at 13. By age 25, he had amassed a net worth of $3.6 million in present-day value. He founded Inversora Bursátil, a stock brokerage firm, marking the beginning of his ascent to becoming the wealthiest Hispanic in the world.

Expansion and Diversification

In the 1970s, Slim diversified his business interests, initially focusing on industries like construction, soft drinks, real estate, bottling, printing, and mining. He later expanded into aluminum, airlines, chemicals, cable and wire manufacturing, tobacco, paper and packaging, cement, copper, mineral extraction, tires, and retail. Grupo Galas, a conglomerate, was formed to manage these diverse ventures.

Strategic Acquisitions

During the economic downturn of the 1980s, Slim capitalized on distressed flagship businesses in Mexico, acquiring and retaining them for future profit. Notable acquisitions included Sanborn Hermanos, a food retail and gift shop chain, and significant stakes in British American Tobacco and The Hershey Company. This period significantly boosted his wealth.

Telemax and Telecommunications

The 1990s privatization of Mexico’s telecom industry presented another golden opportunity. Slim acquired Teléfonos de México (Telemax) with French and American partners through Grupo Carso. Telemax, now under América Móvil, dominates the Mexican telecom market, providing top-tier communication services nationwide.

The New York Times and Media Influence

Slim’s business empire, through Grupo Galas, extends to holding a 17% stake in The New York Times, making him the largest shareholder as of 2016. His net worth represents about 6% of Mexico’s GDP.

Philanthropy and Personal Life

While not following the Giving Pledge like Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, Slim has donated $4 billion to charity, earning recognition as one of the most generous philanthropists outside America. He married Soumaya Domit at 24, and they had six children. After Soumaya’s death in 1999, Slim never remarried and entrusted substantial business responsibilities to his sons.

Carlos Slim Helu’s journey from a young investor to one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential businessmen is a testament to his strategic vision, diversified investments, and deep-rooted business acumen.