Robert Haas (investor)
Robert Bradley Haas | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 12, 1947 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | September 28, 2021 (aged 74) |
| Occupation(s) | Investor, photographer, motorcycle collector |
| Known for | Co-founder of Hicks & Haas and Haas Wheat & Harrison; aerial photography; Haas Moto Museum & Sculpture Gallery |
Robert Bradley Haas (June 12, 1947 – September 28, 2021) was a prominent American investor, photographer, and enthusiast of motorcycle collecting.
Early life and education
Born in Cleveland, Haas left his family home during his high school years. He completed his undergraduate studies in psychology at Yale University in 1969 and earned a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School in 1972.
Financial career
In 1984, Haas partnered with Thomas Hicks to establish Hicks & Haas in Dallas, Texas. Their firm acquired nearly half ownership stakes in the soft drink brands 7-Up and Dr Pepper, which they sold in 1988 to Prudential-Bache Securities for $600 million.
Following the dissolution of Hicks & Haas in 1989, Haas co-founded Haas Wheat & Harrison in 1992, focusing on transactions within the middle market sector. His partners were Thomas Harrison, a former colleague from Hicks & Haas, and Douglas Wheat, who previously worked as an investment banker at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. At the time of his passing, Haas held the position of senior adviser at New MainStream Capital.
Photography career
Haas began exploring photography in 1994 despite having no earlier experience. He invested $2,000 into camera gear and initiated aerial photography during a safari trip to Kenya. Over a decade, he contributed as a photographer to National Geographic and authored four coffee-table books showcasing aerial perspectives of Africa and Latin America.
Motorcycle collection
Haas started amassing motorcycles in 2012. Six years later, he inaugurated the Haas Moto Museum & Sculpture Gallery in Dallas to exhibit his assortment, which includes numerous custom-built motorcycles. Additionally, he took on the role of executive producer for the documentary film Leaving Tracks, which highlights his collection and profiles the custom motorcycle artisans involved.
Books
- Through the Eyes of the Gods, 2005
- Through the Eyes of the Condor, 2007
- Through The Eyes Of The Vikings, 2010
- I dreamed of Flying like a Bird, 2010