Tom Golisano

Tom Golisano

Tom Golisano (#886)

I can't say that payroll is an interesting business in and of itself. But being able to deliver it to 100,000 companies in a timely fashion? Now that is interesting.

  • $ 5 B
  • Payroll services
  • United States
  • M
  • 84 Years

About Me

Tom Golisano founded payroll giant Paychex in 1971 with just $3,000 and a credit card. He served as CEO until 2004 and remains a director of the publicly-traded company. Born in Rochester, New York, to a macaroni salesman and a seamstress, Golisano ran for governor three times under the Independence Party of New York. In 2011, he sold the Buffalo Sabres to billionaire Terry Pegula for $189 million, after rejecting a higher bid that would have taken them out of town. The father of a son with special needs, Golisano has pledged or donated more than $300 million to support children with autism and other disabilities.
About Images

Achievements

Career Highlights

A snapshot of the defining milestones, leadership decisions, and breakthroughs that shaped Tom Golisano’s rise and global influence.

  • #869   Billionaires (2026)
  • #224   Forbes 400 (2025)

Wealth Growth

Net Worth Growth Over Time

Tracking Tom Golisano’s net worth journey over the years, highlighting key growth phases and financial milestones.

Current Net Worth: $4.8B (May 4, 2026)

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