"When I got there, the doors were locked, so I pounded on them until a janitor came," [Warren Buffett] said. A few questions later and Buffett was led upstairs to meet with the only employee working on Saturday, Lorimar Davidson.

For people who have followed Buffett's success, the interest was obvious. "He's a really down-to-earth guy, and it's surprising he's willing to just goof around with you like that," said GEICO customer service director Martha Furnos, who joined a group photograph with Buffett. "I'm sure I'll cherish the photo for a very long time."

2 PICS; 1. As GEICO employees crowded around, Warren Buffett returned a $10 bill he had autographed. The employees gathered in Poway to listen as the billionaire opened the insurance company's new West Coast headquarters. 2. A wealth of wit | Billionaire Buffet speaks at Poway's GEICO opening. (A-1:1,2,3,7) [1. SCOTT LINNETT / Union-Tribune]