You just can't get too focused on worrying about what's going to happen in the next quarter. You have to worry about where the business is headed long-term.

You take an educated gamble. If you don't occasionally make a mistake, you're not doing your job.

It is improper for one person to take credit when it takes so many people to build a successful organization. When you try to be top dong, you don't create loyalty. It you can't give credit (and take blame), you will drown in you inability to inspire.

When employees are happy, they are your very best ambassadors.

There was a proposal in California that would keep out Wal-Mart but allow Costco. You opposed it. Are you nuts? That's true: I always oppose these kinds of things. Competition makes us better. Some of our best stores have a Sam's Club next door.

Obscene salaries send the wrong message through a company.

Paying good wages is not in opposition to good productivity.