The Family Room - Ken Langone: Living his Catholic Faith Personally and Professionally

Guest: Ken Langone, venture capitalist, philanthropist, co-founder of The Home DepotThe Home Depot began after a serendipitous firing. When Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank suddenly lost their jobs, venture capitalist and friend Ken Langone stepped in with a vision that would become the “do-it-yourself” store. Ken saw the potential in both men but rather than going down the legal path, he convinced them to start over, creating a new home improvement company that stressed low prices, unparalleled selection, and excellent customer service. Being fired without warning cemented their determination to see the role of employees as valued team members rather than subordinates. Ken’s ability to spot opportunities and build trust brought him great success as a venture capitalist, which he then used to help others succeed. His Italian-Catholic heritage taught Ken that helping others succeed helped him succeed. Often described as a “devout Catholic,” he sees a connection with God in every aspect of his life. His lasting legacy will be his impact on those around him.As The Family Room co-host and Home Depot former associate John Gordon says, “If ever there was a man too busy for daily Mass and too busy for an hour of prayer every morning or too successful and too wealthy to worry about God in his life, it is Ken Langone….yet at 90, and working with retired Cardinal Dolan to reform the Catholic school system in NYC, Ken still attends daily Mass and prays an hour every morning before going to the office.” Guest biography: Born into a working-class family on Long Island, New York, Kenneth G. Langone’s father was a plumber and his mother worked in a school cafeteria. He is the chairman of Invemed Associates, a private investment company which includes the Langone family offices. Langone received a BA from Bucknell University and an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business. He currently serves on the board of overseers of the Stern School and on the board of trustees of New York University where he is a vice chair. He also served as chairman of the Board the Trustees of New York University Langone Health from December 1999 until August 2025. Langone is a prominent, devout Roman Catholic and a major philanthropist focused on Catholic education, healthcare, and church restoration. He has supported the Inner-City Scholarship Fund and Partnership Schools and was a trustee for St. Patrick's Cathedral. Mr. Langone and his wife, Elaine, have contributed heavily to Catholic education in New York, supporting inner-city schools and providing tuition assistance. He also contributed to the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral.RESOURCES:  Video on Ken Langone