James Cash Penney

A store's best advertisement is the service its goods render, for upon such service rest the future, the good-will, of an organization.

Change is vital, improvement the logical form of change.

It is always the start that requires the greatest effort.

Success cannot come from standstill men. Methods change and men must change with them.

Too many would-be executives are slaves of routine.

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

The Golden Rule finds no limit of application in business.

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

My definition of an executive's job is brief and to the point. It is simply this: Getting things done through other people.

No serious-minded man should have time for the mediocre in any phase of his living.

It was always my practice to train salespeople under my direct supervision, and to treat children with the utmost consideration.

The best of merchandise will go back to the shelf unless handled by a conscientious, tactful salesman.

Do not primarily train men to work. Train them to serve willingly and intelligently.

The keystone of successful business is cooperation. Friction retards progress.

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.

Selling is our No. 1 job. Never get away from selling a lot of merchandise personally. The more you sell the more you learn.

We get real results only in proportion to the real values we give.

There has never been a time when a career in the Penney Company was not a challenge that brought out the best in a man.

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

As a rule, we find what we look for; we achieve what we get ready for.

The men who have furnished me with my greatest inspiration have not been men of wealth, but men of deeds.

No matter what his position or experience in life, there is in everyone more latent than developed ability; far more unused than used power.

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

Determine to do some thinking for yourself. Don't live entirely upon the thoughts of others. Don't be an automaton.

The disciplined are free.

Clock watchers never seem to be having a good time.

Exchange ideas frequently.

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

Luck is always the last refuge of laziness and incompetence.

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

Courteous treatment will make a customer a walking advertisement.

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

I cannot remember a time when the Golden Rule was not my motto and precept, the torch that guided my footsteps.

I do not believe in excuses. I believe in hard work as the prime solvent of life's problems.

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

It is the service we are not obliged to give that people value most.

Salesmanship, too, is an art; the perfection of its technique requires study and practice.

A merchant who approaches business with the idea of serving the public well has nothing to fear from the competition.

I believe in trusting men, not only once but twice - in giving a failure another chance.

I was long brought up to think that it was nothing short of a crime to miss a sale.

Salesmanship is limitless. Our very living is selling. We are all salespeople.

No company can afford not to move forward. It may be at the top of the heap today but at the bottom of the heap tomorrow, if it doesn't.

Theory is splendid but until put into practice, it is valueless.

The thought in my mind was that I must be a good merchant. If I were a good merchant, the rest would probably take care of itself.

I believe a man is better anchored who has a belief in the Supreme Being.

No business can succeed in any great degree without being properly organized.

The greatest teacher I know is the job itself.

I never trust an executive who tends to pass the buck. Nor would I want to deal with him as a customer or a supplier.

Honor bespeaks worth. Confidence begets trust. Service brings satisfaction. Cooperation proves the quality of leadership.

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