For years, Warren Buffett has been synonymous with wise investing and jaw-dropping philanthropy. But the “Oracle of Omaha” is no one-man show—especially now that the world’s most famous value investor has entrusted part of Berkshire Hathaway’s future to his son, Howard Graham Buffett.

If the name barely rings a bell, you’re not alone. Below are the lesser-known, eye-opening facts about this big-hearted philanthropist, outspoken farmer, accidental sheriff, and the man positioned to act as Berkshire’s cultural caretaker.

1. He’s More Farmer Than Financier

Despite being the son of one of history’s greatest investors, Howard’s heart isn’t locked to Wall Street; it’s firmly planted in the fields. From a young age, he found solace in the soil, eventually building his own successful farming operations. He’s even authored several books on agriculture and conservation, spotlighting his firm belief that farmers hold tremendous power to change the world one seed at a time.

2. He Once Wore a Sheriff’s Badge

Here’s a twist: not only is Howard a farmer, but he also briefly served as the Sheriff of Macon County, Illinois. Although the position was interim, it showed his willingness to roll up his sleeves and tackle real-world issues—from battling the local opioid crisis to championing jail reform. It’s a side of him that screams “down-to-earth problem solver,” which might be exactly what Berkshire Hathaway needs to maintain its famously steady hand.

3. He’s Named After Two Icons

Howard’s middle name, “Graham,” is a nod to Warren Buffett’s mentor Benjamin Graham—often considered the father of value investing. Howard’s first name pays homage to Warren’s father, Howard Homan Buffett. So, yes, he’s pretty much got “investing royalty” in his very DNA. Yet, he’s steered clear of the pinstripe-suit crowd, opting instead for philanthropic ventures and direct-service projects.

4. Big Passion for Africa

Imagine a billionaire’s son with an international outlook—Howard’s philanthropic heart beats strongly for the African continent. Through his foundation, he has poured resources into tackling food insecurity, supporting wildlife conservation, and fostering local entrepreneurship. He’s also used photography to highlight these efforts, taking stunning images of African landscapes and communities that raise awareness about both the beauty and the challenges faced by the region.

5. A Lens to the World

Speaking of photography: Howard Buffet is not just your average Instagram hobbyist. He’s a serious photographer who has published several books capturing life in far-flung corners of the globe. Whether documenting endangered species or remote villages, he’s a testament to the power of a well-framed shot to shift public perception—and, hopefully, inspire big change.

6. The “Culture Guardian” of Berkshire

When Warren Buffett talked about his eventual departure, he mentioned that Howard would step in as the “non-executive chairman” of Berkshire Hathaway. The reason? Warren trusts his son to keep the unique Berkshire culture alive—its dedication to rational, humble leadership, unwavering ethics, and long-range thinking. While the operational side may be left to others (such as Greg Abel running the energy and manufacturing units), Howard stands ready to preserve the moral compass that guided Berkshire to global renown.

7. A Philanthropic Force of Nature

Some families write big checks; Howard writes checks and personally gets involved. Through the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, he’s helped fund projects in over 80 countries, from providing clean water to boosting sustainable agriculture. He’s also heavily involved in anti-poverty initiatives in Central America, stepping on the ground to make sure plans become progress.

In the End, a Unique Steward

Howard Buffett might not be the number-crunching wizard his father is, but that’s exactly the point. His experiences as a farmer, a sheriff, a philanthropist, and a skilled photographer have shaped a leader who can connect with people and problems in a grounded, hands-on way. While he may not spend his days buried in financial statements, his commitment to Berkshire Hathaway’s values runs deep—and that might be the most valuable quality a future guardian could have.

So as you watch Berkshire Hathaway continue its storied journey, keep an eye on Howard Buffett—the unassuming farmer-philanthropist whose guiding hand might just help keep the Buffett magic alive for generations to come.