Warren Buffett Disciple Tracy Britt Cool’s Resilience Amid Rejection

**Tracy Britt Cool: Taking Risks and Reaping Rewards in the Business World**

In the world of business, risk and reward often go hand in hand. Here we explore the story of Tracy Britt Cool, protege of the famous investor Warren Buffett, and how her first leap of faith has paid off.

**From “The Fireman” to Right Hand of Warren Buffett**
Before becoming known as the “fireman” for her ability to rescue failing companies while working with Warren Buffett at Berkshire Hathaway, Tracy Britt Cool had to start from the bottom like many other graduates.

**The Letter Writing Project**
In 2009, fresh off graduation from Harvard Business School, Britt Cool embarked on a unique project. She sent letters to top executives at companies she admired, asking for a meeting. She was well aware that rejection was a likely outcome, but she believed that the potential opportunities far outweighed the risk of a “no.”

**Growing a Thick Skin**
It’s no surprise that the majority of Britt Cool’s letters went unanswered or received rejections. However, this was not new territory for her. Having worked on her family’s farm stand in Manhattan, Kansas, from a young age, she was accustomed to being rebuffed. Selling produce and talking to people required her to develop a thick skin and handle rejection with ease.

**A Different Approach**
Britt Cool did not enter these meetings with high-profile individuals with a specific agenda or a goal of securing a job. Her intention was to become more thoughtful and engage in meaningful conversations. Eventually, her approach evolved, leading to her role as a financial assistant at Berkshire Hathaway.

**Finally Receiving a “Yes”**
Despite facing numerous refusals, Britt Cool managed to secure meetings with major players such as Morgan Stanley and Bear Stearns. Her productivity, proactive nature, and respectful approach in initial interactions played a pivotal role in her success.

**Drawing Parallels to Other Entrepreneurs**
Tracy Britt Cool’s letter-writing approach to seek help from business titans is not uncommon. Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, famously cold-called Bill Hewlett, the co-founder of Hewlett-Packard, when he was just 12 years old. This bold move led to an internship opportunity with Hewlett-Packard later on. Similarly, in high school, Britt Cool wrote letters to organizations she was interested in, seeking information and often receiving no response.

**The Process of Persistence**
Her dedicated approach of seeking face time with key individuals in the business world is reminiscent of applying for college. Just as she meticulously researched scholarships and applied for those she qualified for, this process requires discipline, time, and energy.

Through her persistence and willingness to take risks, Tracy Britt Cool has carved out a successful career and continues to make her mark in the business world.