Paul Gabrail

Value Investor

Paul Gabrail's story begins in 1981 in Mosul, Iraq, a starting point that led to an international journey shaped by both challenge and opportunity. When Paul was just six weeks old, his family moved to England, seeking advanced medical training for his parents, both of whom were doctors. Their adventure took an unexpected turn when they traveled to the United States for what was initially a vacation. During this trip, they applied for and were granted political asylum, setting the stage for a new life in America.

Education and Investment Insights

After settling in Canton, Ohio, in 1990, Paul attended Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls. It was during the Internet investment frenzy of the late 1990s that Paul first delved into the world of stocks and shares. Here, he was introduced to Warren Buffett's investment strategies, which catalyzed a significant shift in his understanding of investing—from speculative trading to value investing, focusing on the intrinsic worth of businesses.

Paul continued his education at the University of Michigan, earning a degree in Economics in 2003. The following year, he founded The Crossroads Group, a venture that began with investing in local real estate, including apartment complexes and rental homes. His brother now manages the enterprise.

Thriving Through Economic Downturns

During the 2007-2008 financial crisis, while most investors were pulling back, Paul recognized a golden opportunity to expand his portfolio significantly. He acquired numerous apartments and diversified his investments into stocks, demonstrating his unique ability to capitalize on market downturns by adhering to his value investing principles.

Building a Real Estate and Stock Portfolio

Currently, Paul is actively expanding his investment portfolio. His recent ventures include the acquisition of a 200-unit apartment complex in Louisville, Kentucky, and plans to purchase lakefront properties for rentals. His real estate strategy focuses on properties undervalued by the market due to their rental income potential, which he adeptly identifies and capitalizes on.

In the stock market, Paul prefers investing in companies that are momentarily undervalued but have solid fundamentals and growth potential. His investments are always strategically chosen based on potential returns rather than transient market trends or personal sentiments.

Educational Outreach through 'Everything Money'

Paul shares his investment wisdom and strategies on his YouTube channel, "Everything Money," which he launched in 2020 after beginning as a podcast in 2018. The channel has grown substantially, now boasting over 265,000 subscribers and hosting a library of 2,700 videos that cover a broad spectrum of investment topics. Through this platform, Paul teaches his audience to adopt a more analytical approach to investing, focusing on long-term value.

Life Beyond Investing

Paul is an ardent chess player, maintaining a rating of 1750 on chess.com and playing an average of 300 games each month. His dedication to the game is nearly unparalleled, having missed only one day of play since 2016. He is also a devoted fan of the University of Michigan football team and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and celebrating their 2016 NBA win is a high point in his life.

Paul resides with his wife, Lisa, in Moreland Hills, Ohio. Lisa brings three children and one grandchild from a previous marriage into their family. Together, they enjoy extensive international travel, with London cited as their preferred destination. Despite the demands of his career, Paul enjoys a life that mirrors retirement, filled with activities that he loves, underscoring his philosophy of living life to its fullest while effectively managing his investments.

Legacy and Reflections

At 43, Paul Gabrail considers himself practically retired, given his ability to engage only in activities he passionately enjoys. His life's journey—from a newborn in Iraq to a celebrated investor in the U.S.—is not just a testament to his financial acumen but also his capacity for teaching and sharing his knowledge, ensuring his influence will endure in the investment world.