September 15th, 2002
San Francisco Chronicle
Wheeler-dealer of high finance
Julian Guthrie
Chronicle profile: Thom Weisel
His private collection of abstract expressionists, contemporary and Native American art is considered by dealers and curators to be one of the nations best, and he has seats on the boards of the museums of modern art in San Francisco and New York. Much of his collection, including works by Wayne Theibaud, Naomi Kremer, GOTTFRIED HELNWEIN and Nathan Oliveira, is on display throughout the company's offices. In November, Sotheby's will hold a sale of more than 20 abstract works owned by Weisel. The paintings are expected to fetch as much as $60 million.

Thom Weisel, the alpha male of Wall Street East, has never been afraid to show his über-competitive streak. In fact, he even decorates with it. At his 37th-floor corner office in San Francisco's Financial District, Weisel has a wall covered with three Tour de France jerseys worn and dedicated to him by the world's top cyclist, Lance Armstrong, who credits Weisel for doggedly supporting him when no one else would.

For Weisel, who has played dealmaker for big name companies including Yahoo and Peet's Coffee, the highly competitive worlds of finance and sports run on parallel tracks, and the only acceptable goal is to win.

For complete article:
San Francisco Chronicle, Sunday, September 15, 2002
page 1, continued on page A18.