85 Years Young and Still Deal-Making: Retail Legend Gilbert Harrison on Entrepreneurs, E-Commerce, and What’s Next
Tue Dec 23 2025
Video of this episode is here
Takeaways
Gilbert Harrison reflects on his 60th wedding anniversary and 85th birthday.
He founded Financo after realizing the potential in investment banking.
Retail fascinated Gilbert due to its growth potential and dynamics.
Successful CEOs possess unique vision and entrepreneurial spirit.
Investment banking requires understanding both numbers and people.
E-commerce has drastically changed consumer shopping habits.
The discount retail sector has evolved significantly over the years.
Mergers and acquisitions often fail due to lack of understanding of motivations.
Brand aggregators are reshaping the retail landscape but may lack entrepreneurial spirit.
Gilbert emphasizes the importance of mentorship and giving back to the community.
Chapters
00:00 The Genesis of Financo
02:24 Navigating the Retail Landscape
05:01 Investment Banking Insights
07:27 The Evolution of Discount Retail
09:45 The Impact of E-commerce
12:10 The Art of Deal-Making
14:35 Reflections on Leadership and People
16:57 The Future of Retail and Investment Banking
24:15 The Sad Fate of Stewart's Company
26:23 The Changing Landscape of Investment Banking
29:57 Confidentiality in Deal-Making
33:44 The Future of Retail and Consumer Preferences
35:35 The Rise of Brand Aggregators
37:39 The Impact of Brand Aggregators on Competition
39:57 Advice for Young Professionals
42:43 Building Confidence and Resilience
45:39 The Importance of Giving Back
More
Video of this episode is here Takeaways Gilbert Harrison reflects on his 60th wedding anniversary and 85th birthday. He founded Financo after realizing the potential in investment banking. Retail fascinated Gilbert due to its growth potential and dynamics. Successful CEOs possess unique vision and entrepreneurial spirit. Investment banking requires understanding both numbers and people. E-commerce has drastically changed consumer shopping habits. The discount retail sector has evolved significantly over the years. Mergers and acquisitions often fail due to lack of understanding of motivations. Brand aggregators are reshaping the retail landscape but may lack entrepreneurial spirit. Gilbert emphasizes the importance of mentorship and giving back to the community. Chapters 00:00 The Genesis of Financo 02:24 Navigating the Retail Landscape 05:01 Investment Banking Insights 07:27 The Evolution of Discount Retail 09:45 The Impact of E-commerce 12:10 The Art of Deal-Making 14:35 Reflections on Leadership and People 16:57 The Future of Retail and Investment Banking 24:15 The Sad Fate of Stewart's Company 26:23 The Changing Landscape of Investment Banking 29:57 Confidentiality in Deal-Making 33:44 The Future of Retail and Consumer Preferences 35:35 The Rise of Brand Aggregators 37:39 The Impact of Brand Aggregators on Competition 39:57 Advice for Young Professionals 42:43 Building Confidence and Resilience 45:39 The Importance of Giving Back