GZ

George Zimmer

12quotes

George Zimmer


Full Name and Common Aliases


George Alfred Zimmer, also known as "The Suit Man"

Birth and Death Dates


Born on January 28, 1945 - Passed away on December 1, 2016

Nationality and Profession(s)


American entrepreneur, businessman, and philanthropist. Founder of Men's Wearhouse.

Early Life and Background


George Zimmer was born in Detroit, Michigan to a family of modest means. His father owned a small haberdashery store where young George would often help out. This early experience sparked his interest in the retail industry. After serving in the United States Army, Zimmer attended the University of Michigan, graduating with a degree in business administration.

Major Accomplishments


Zimmer's most notable achievement was founding Men's Wearhouse in 1973, which he grew into one of the largest men's clothing retailers in the United States. He was known for his innovative approach to marketing and customer service, often focusing on providing high-quality products at affordable prices. Under Zimmer's leadership, Men's Wearhouse expanded across North America, introducing the popular "Mister Big & Tall" stores.

Notable Works or Actions


In addition to building a successful retail empire, Zimmer was an outspoken advocate for social causes and workplace diversity. He was a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and advocated for increased representation of women in leadership roles within his company. In 2013, he launched "The Suit," a documentary series that explored the history of men's fashion.

Impact and Legacy


Zimmer's impact on the retail industry extends beyond his own company. He was an early adopter of e-commerce and recognized the importance of building strong online relationships with customers. His commitment to customer satisfaction and innovative marketing strategies raised the bar for retailers across the board.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


As a pioneer in the retail industry, George Zimmer's insights on business and entrepreneurship are still widely sought after today. He was known for his straight-talking approach, which earned him both admirers and critics. Despite controversies surrounding his personal life and leadership style, Zimmer remains an iconic figure in American business, with many regarding him as a master of reinvention.

In 2016, Zimmer took to YouTube to express his concerns about the direction of Men's Wearhouse after being ousted from the company he founded. This bold move showcased his willingness to speak truth to power and challenge the status quo, qualities that continue to inspire entrepreneurs and leaders worldwide.

Quotes by George Zimmer

Over the last 40 years, I have built MW into a multi-billion dollar company with amazing employees and loyal customers who value the products and service they receive at MW. Over the past several months I have expressed my concerns to the Board about the direction the company is currently heading.Instead of fostering the kind of dialogue in the Boardroom that has in part contributed to our success, the Board has inappropriately chosen to silence my concerns through termination as an executive officer.
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Over the last 40 years, I have built MW into a multi-billion dollar company with amazing employees and loyal customers who value the products and service they receive at MW. Over the past several months I have expressed my concerns to the Board about the direction the company is currently heading.Instead of fostering the kind of dialogue in the Boardroom that has in part contributed to our success, the Board has inappropriately chosen to silence my concerns through termination as an executive officer.
GZ
You're not wasting time teaching kids things they already know.
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You're not wasting time teaching kids things they already know.
GZ
#kids
There's much more to differentiation. That will be a large initiative next year.
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There's much more to differentiation. That will be a large initiative next year.
GZ
#initiative
We will have people coming in for training in summer. I will lead some workshops; we will have consultants for others.
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We will have people coming in for training in summer. I will lead some workshops; we will have consultants for others.
GZ
#coming
When you're sitting at a table with her, she's very charismatic, much like Bill Clinton. She's empathetic, passionate and intelligent.
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When you're sitting at a table with her, she's very charismatic, much like Bill Clinton. She's empathetic, passionate and intelligent.
GZ
#bill
We rent one in three tuxedos in the U.S. and Canada, and if we make a mistake, our employees will deliver to the customer's home, office, or wedding. We get a couple hundred letters a week praising the service in our stores.
"
We rent one in three tuxedos in the U.S. and Canada, and if we make a mistake, our employees will deliver to the customer's home, office, or wedding. We get a couple hundred letters a week praising the service in our stores.
GZ
#couple
She puts in a lot of extra work already. This just organizes it to focus on these initiatives.
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She puts in a lot of extra work already. This just organizes it to focus on these initiatives.
GZ
#extra
In 1997, I was working with Greg Wilson of Red Ball Tiger, our ad agency at the time, when he came up with an addition to the famous slogan 'I guarantee it' that I was known for saying.
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In 1997, I was working with Greg Wilson of Red Ball Tiger, our ad agency at the time, when he came up with an addition to the famous slogan 'I guarantee it' that I was known for saying.
GZ
#ad
I never considered the clothing business in college. But my father was a manufacturer of men's wear in the Northeast and wanted to investigate manufacturing in Asia. In 1972 he sent me to Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong for four months. I'm convinced it was his way of getting me into business, rather than letting me be a hippie.
"
I never considered the clothing business in college. But my father was a manufacturer of men's wear in the Northeast and wanted to investigate manufacturing in Asia. In 1972 he sent me to Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong for four months. I'm convinced it was his way of getting me into business, rather than letting me be a hippie.
GZ
#business
We opened the first Men's Wearhouse in Houston in August 1973, then a store a year for 10 years in Texas. In the early 1980s I opened a store in the San Francisco Bay Area. Within the year, the Texas economy was in total disarray. We were facing Chapter 11, and if not for the California store, we might not have survived.
"
We opened the first Men's Wearhouse in Houston in August 1973, then a store a year for 10 years in Texas. In the early 1980s I opened a store in the San Francisco Bay Area. Within the year, the Texas economy was in total disarray. We were facing Chapter 11, and if not for the California store, we might not have survived.
GZ
#august
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