James Cash Penney

The five separate fingers are five independent units. Close them and the fist multiplies strength. This is organization.

Responsibilities are given to him on whom trust rests. Responsibility is always a sign of trust.

Men are not great or small because of their material possessions. They are great or small because of what they are.

The art of effective listening is essential to clear communication, and clear communication is necessary to management success.

There’s no better friend to any merchant than a fair competitor.

It is always the start that requires the greatest effort.

Asking me to come work here is the dumbest idea you ever had. It has been a waste of a year.

We’ve created a recognisable brand that has the ability to be the Louis Vuitton of our era.

I think a simple rule of business is, if you do the things that are easier first, then you can actually make a lot of progress.

Much of the messy advertising you see on television today is the product of committees. Committees can criticize advertisements, but they should never be allowed to create them.

I have very good executives and great children. They’re very good.

The best teamwork comes from men who are working independently toward one goal in unison.

The advertisers who believe in the selling power of jingles have never had to sell anything.

I have no Napoleonic dream. I’m just hard-working and pragmatic.

What you say in advertising is more important than how you say it.

First, make yourself a reputation for being a creative genius. Second, surround yourself with partners who are better than you are. Third, leave them to go get on with it.

I never get the accountants in before I start up a business. It’s done on gut feeling, especially if I can see that they are taking the mickey out of the consumer.

A well-run restaurant is like a winning baseball team. It makes the most of every crew member’s talent and takes advantage of every split-second opportunity to speed up service.

What’s the quickest way to become a millionaire? Borrow fivers off everyone you meet.

I really don’t retain information – by the time I arrive wherever I’m going, I already forget what it is that I wanted to say.

First and foremost, I’m a real estate person. And that’s what I love the most.