Buffett, one of the world’s richest people and most accomplished investors, took control of Berkshire Hathaway in 1965 when it was a textiles manufacturer. He turned the company into a conglomerate by finding other businesses and stocks to buy that were selling for less than they were worth.

Buffett said he will step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, ending a 60-year run where he became an influential and iconic part of the U.S. economy.

I caught up with 20 Berkshire shareholders at a bar, picnic, run, and brunch in Omaha, Nebraska. Some were devastated, while others had high hopes.