This is Stephen A. Schwarzman’s story. A year ago Steve was named the fifty third most well-to-do person in the United States of America by Forbes Magazine, even so it is his significant success in the business and finance world as well as his donations to education and the arts which make his tale fascinating. All this illustrate that the most crucial character traits in enjoying success in life are work plus dedication.

Steve Schwarzman and Peter Peterson established the private-equity and financial advisory firm Blackstone Group in the mid-eighties. Nowadays, it has set the pace in mergers and acquisitions; but be aware that he didn’t start out leading his own company immediately. Spending many of his adolescent years in Pennsylvania, Steve got his early education in suburban Philadelphia. When he finished high school he opted for an undergraduate degree course at Yale University. He chose to further his education at the well-known Harvard Business School, getting his Master’s degree in Business Administration in 1972. Eventually he became part of the team at the well-known investment bank Lehman Brothers. Stephen was appointed to the boards at the early age of 31.

Steve Schwarzman offered his time as an ancillary professor at the acclaimed Yale School of Management as well as offering his patronage to a number of charitable organizations, education, and the liberal arts. He serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the JFK Center for the Performing Arts in New York. In addition, to give back even more, he announced on March 11th, 2008 that he had presented $100 million to the New York Public Library to fund their building plans. He also serves them as a trustee. Steve is an inspiration to successful business people — he was named amongst Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People on earth in recognition of his many achievements. His domination of the business and financial world has been miraculous, and coupled with his willingness to give back to the community as illustrated by his liberal contributions to the arts and education galvanizes those individuals who see him as a role model. It seems that at present, Steve Schwarzman can do no wrong. Stephen A. Schwarzman is doubtless a captivating businessman whose influence can certainly be viewed in the United States and in the world at large.