A dynamic portrait of Tom Golisano, a distinguished businessman with a confident expression, standing at the intersection of modern cityscape and philanthropic imagery like a hospital or university, soft-focused stacks of coins and a glowing heart icon subtly integrated, professional and inspiring tone, photorealistic.
A dynamic portrait of Tom Golisano, a distinguished businessman with a confident expression, standing at the intersection of modern cityscape and philanthropic imagery like a hospital or university, soft-focused stacks of coins and a glowing heart icon subtly integrated, professional and inspiring tone, photorealistic.

Tom Golisano: Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Visionary

Early Life and Business Career

Tom Golisano is an American entrepreneur, businessman, and philanthropist best known as the founder of Paychex, one of the nation's leading payroll and human resource services companies. Born in 1941 in Irondequoit, New York, Golisano grew up in a working-class family and demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit from an early age.

In 1971, with just $3,000 in startup capital, Golisano founded Paychex to provide payroll processing services specifically for small businesses - a market largely ignored by larger competitors at the time. His innovative approach and focus on customer service helped the company grow exponentially. Paychex went public in 1983 and has since become a Fortune 1000 company, serving hundreds of thousands of businesses nationwide.

Golisano served as President and CEO of Paychex until his retirement in 2004, though he remained actively involved with the company. In May 2025, he stepped down from the board of directors, ending his five-decade association with the company he founded.

Political Involvement

Beyond his business success, Golisano has been actively involved in politics, particularly in New York State. He ran for Governor of New York three times as an independent candidate (1994, 1998, and 2002), focusing on fiscal responsibility and government reform. Though unsuccessful in his gubernatorial bids, his campaigns brought attention to important issues and demonstrated his commitment to public service.

Golisano has also been a significant political donor and advocate for campaign finance reform and government transparency.

Philanthropic Legacy

Tom Golisano's philanthropic work has been as impactful as his business career. Through the Golisano Foundation, established in 1985, he has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to support healthcare, education, and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Major Philanthropic Initiatives

Golisano Children's Alliance (October 2025)

Recognition and Impact

Golisano's philanthropic efforts have earned him numerous awards and recognition, including honorary degrees from several universities. His giving has surpassed $1 billion, making him one of the most significant philanthropists in Upstate New York history.

The Golisano Foundation has become one of the largest private foundations in the United States dedicated exclusively to supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His approach to philanthropy emphasizes sustainability, measurable impact, and collaboration with existing community organizations.

Legacy

Tom Golisano's legacy extends far beyond his business success with Paychex. Through his visionary philanthropy, he has transformed healthcare access for children and individuals with disabilities, supported educational opportunities, and strengthened communities throughout New York and beyond. His commitment to giving back demonstrates how entrepreneurial success can be leveraged to create lasting positive change in society.

Golisano continues to be actively involved in his philanthropic work, constantly seeking new ways to address critical community needs and create opportunities for those who need them most.

The prompt for this was: tom golisano

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