James Cash Penney

The problem with the bronco is to get on and stay on. This is the problem with the Golden Rule-to understand and apply.

The well-satisfied customer will bring the repeat sale that counts.

We can serve our customers well only if our buying jobs are right. You cannot sell if you haven’t ordered wanted goods into your store.

Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.

Success will always be measured by the extent to which we serve the buying public.

Luck is always the last refuge of laziness and incompetence.

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.

Your business, and your brand, must first let people know what you care about, and that you care about them.

Hire people who are better than you are, then leave them to get on with it. Look for people who will aim for the remarkable, who will not settle for the routine.

I always look at it that I work with my employees as opposed to them working for me.

Behind every successful man stands a surprised mother-in-law.

We do not hire a man’s history, we hire the man.

You can’t do this! We have an arrangement! We have a contract!

Ridiculous yachts and private planes and big limousines won’t make people enjoy life more, and it sends out terrible messages to the people who work for them. It would be so much better if that money was spent in Africa – and it’s about getting a balance.

Sales are contingent upon the attitude of the salesman, not the attitude of the prospect.

Only a fool never changes his mind.

In Moscow I feel most comfortable. I’m used to four different seasons; it’s difficult for people in London to understand. People brought up in Russia like my kids want to play in the snow.

Good copy can’t be written with tongue in cheek, written just for a living. You’ve got to believe in the product.

The greatest teacher I know is the job itself.

Efficient industry is the sole key to prosperity.

Mr. Edison was comfortably well off-he was not a money maker.