Companies that build scale for the benefit of their customers and shareholders more often succeed over time.

We continued to build the business, even in the worst of times. We do business all over America.

Most CEOs are patriotic and most CEOs can see the problems in front of them, and they want to do something about it. We don't always agree about the ways and means, but the objective? We're totally together.

Europe is the most complicated place, in my opinion.

I always tell people, "There's a book on everyone." I get some of that book before I do anything. If I want to deeply understand someone's reputation, I'll talk to their friends, their former bosses, their peers, and I'll learn a lot about them. I want them to be trusted. I want them to be respected. I want them to give a s - -. Then there are the intangibles: physical and emotional stamina, the ability to confront issues. I can ask all I want about those things, but I also have to see a lot of it.

I think the Republicans have really thoughtful financial policies, and I'm more in the middle on taxation.

We've accommodated the new rules and regulations. We've served our clients and had quite good returns.