The exterior of Shaw Industries’ Plant 20.SHAW INDUSTRIES AT A GLANCEEarnings:2005 — $485 million2006 — $594 million2007 — $486 million2008 — $205 million2009 — $144 millionRevenue:2005 — $5.7 billion2006 — $5.8 billion2007 — $5.3 billion2008 — $5.0 billion2009 — $4.0 billionEmployees — 22,650 workers in 2011Employees — 31,469 workers in 2006Source: Berkshire Hathaway
Most business owners would have questions for their top executives during a major economic crisis.
That’s especially true if that company were a manufacturer of carpet — a product that depends heavily on new housing to make a profit.
But not Warren Buffett.
Vance Bell, CEO of Buffett-owned Shaw Industries, said he “can go months without talking to him.”