Episode 288: Advice from Mega Entrepreneurs

Episode 288 originally broadcast on December 11, 2010

More than thirty-five years ago, George Zimmer put up his own sign with a 100-foot extension cord. Today the Men’s Wearhouse founder has more than 1200 stores and 15,000 employees. Russ visits with a man he calls “the Chuck Norris of men’s apparel.” Then, we’ll have another Smart Strategies to Keep Your Business Growing roundtable with Bill Arend of Oracle.

School of Business 12/11/10

Russ and John present the show about the innovators, the economic athletes and artists who keep make our lives better. Includes: the BusinessMakers Quote of the Week—a political truism from American billionaire Warren Buffett; This Week in Business History includes the original Boston Tea Party, the opening of the Astrodome, and Roger Staubach leaves football; the Jargon Challenge Round—trendy technospeak that YOU should know; and Dumbest Moments in Business History—who prays to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the moon?!

Smart Strategies to Keep Your Business Growing

Russ conducts another roundtable interview of power leaders originated by Bill Arend, regional manager of Oracle. Other participants include Jerry Lasco, founder and CEO of Lasco Enterprises and The Tasting Room; Gray Hall, CEO of Alert Logic; Charles Chanaratsopon of specialty retailer Charming Charlie; and Larry Lawson, president & CEO of eCardio.

George Zimmer - The Men’s Wearhouse

The founder and CEO of the Men’s Wearhouse is still at the helm after more than 35 years. Back then, he put up his own sign with a 100-foot extension cord and sold sport coats for $25. Today he has more than 1200 stores and 15,000 employees, but it hasn’t been a straight shot to the top. Like any entrepreneur, he’s made tough choices, he’s gone to super-human lengths for customers and employees. He’s talking to us now, and he’s telling stories about the adventure. Russ visits with a man he calls “the Chuck Norris of men’s apparel.” It’s a great story.