Author Bio Daniel W. Vena, CPA, CGMA is a long-term investor searching for intangibles that provide explosive growth opportunities in his investments. He served on active duty with the US Army and has a Bachelor's degree in accounting. Follow @dannyvena There's little doubt that the best path to generating long-term wealth is investing in quality companies and holding them for years, if not decades. Achieving even an "average" stock market return still easily eclipses the rates offered by your neighborhood savings and loan. However, investors that are willing to do their homework can achieve significantly greater returns, hastening them along their path to financial independence.