James Cash Penney

"I would rather have one loyal customer than a thousand casual ones."

"The mind that is always learning is never truly old."

"Work with passion, or do not work at all."

"Every person in the organization represents the company to the customer."

"The quality of your product reflects the quality of your character."

"Fear of competition is the death of innovation."

"I have built my business on the principle that the customer knows best."

"Success without honor is a hollow victory."

"The man who never listens to criticism is the man who never improves."

"Time is the one thing you cannot buy, so spend it wisely."

"A fair price and honest value are not contradictions—they are companions."

"The greatest wealth is having peace with yourself."

"I have never believed in shortcuts; the long road is the true path."

"Your employees are not expenses; they are investments in your future."

"The store that forgets its community will be forgotten by the community."

"I judge a man not by his appearance but by his work ethic."

"The secret to longevity in business is knowing when to change and when to stay true."

"A smile costs nothing but buys everything."

"The most profitable decision is often the most ethical one."

"I have learned that you cannot cheat your way to lasting success."

"The burden of leadership is knowing that your decisions affect real people."

"A business that does not serve a purpose larger than profit will not endure."