George Zimmer Quotes

Powerful George Zimmer for Daily Growth

About George Zimmer

George Zimmer, an influential figure in American fashion retail and advertising, was born on August 15, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan. His career trajectory is primarily associated with Men's Wearhouse, a clothing chain he founded and served as the company's spokesperson for over three decades. Zimmer's entrepreneurial spirit emerged early. As a teenager, he started a painting business with his brother. After serving in the Army during the Vietnam War, Zimmer attended the University of Michigan Business School, where he developed an interest in retail and marketing. In 1973, George co-founded Men's Wearhouse with his sister-in-law, Audrey Scheel. Initially operating out of a small storefront in California, the company grew exponentially, offering affordable men's suits and a customer-friendly shopping experience. Zimmer's charismatic and engaging advertising style, including the iconic "You're going to like the way you look, I guarantee it!" catchphrase, significantly contributed to its success. Throughout his career, George was known for his innovative business strategies and philanthropic endeavors. He played a significant role in the creation of Suits for Success, a program that provides professional attire to disadvantaged individuals entering the workforce. His efforts were recognized when he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2013. After leaving Men's Wearhouse in 2009, Zimmer continued to make appearances as a motivational speaker and television personality. He also penned an autobiography titled "I Guarantee It: How I Built the Men's Wearhouse Fortune and Made Myself Famous for Saying 'You're Going to Like the Way You Look, I Guarantee It!'" published in 2013. Today, George Zimmer continues to be celebrated as a visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized the retail industry with his innovative strategies and unforgettable advertising style.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I invented the term 'Fashionista,' and it caught on worldwide."

This quote suggests that George Zimmer, a well-known entrepreneur in the fashion industry, coined the term "Fashionista," referring to an enthusiastic or knowledgeable person about fashion. The phrase gained global popularity, implying that it became widely accepted and used across different cultures and languages. It underscores his influence on the world of fashion and communication.


"I don't have a suit. I am a Men's Wearhouse."

This quote by George Zimmer, former CEO of The Men's Warehouse, suggests a strong identification with his brand and the role he played in it. It means that just as The Men's Wearhouse was an essential part of who he was (he "is" the store), so too were the customers and products integral to his personal identity. This level of dedication and embodiment of the brand is a powerful statement about the intersection of professional and personal life.


"You can either have really good looking clothes or you can be really good looking, but you can't have both."

This quote by George Zimmer suggests that an individual cannot simultaneously possess exceptional physical attractiveness and a fashionable wardrobe, as resources (time, money, attention) are limited. It implies that when an effort is made to enhance one's appearance through stylish clothing, it may detract from perceived personal attractiveness, and vice versa. In essence, the quote highlights the trade-off between focusing on personal aesthetics and outer appearances.


"We are the masters of our universe."

This quote suggests that humans possess a unique ability to shape and control their environment, to an extent. It implies a belief in human agency and potential for progress, emphasizing the role of individuals in shaping their own destiny and that of the world around them. However, it's important to note that this power is not absolute but relative, as we are still subject to natural laws and interconnected with other life forms and ecosystems. It calls for responsibility and wisdom in exercising our influence on the universe.


"If you don't look good, we don't look good." (George Zimmer, as the spokesman for Men's Wearhouse in their famous TV commercials)

This quote emphasizes a shared responsibility between an individual and a brand, suggesting that the success or appeal of both is mutually dependent on how well they present themselves. In this context, it means that if a customer does not look good in the clothing provided by Men's Wearhouse (as represented by George Zimmer), then the reputation and success of the brand are negatively impacted. It's a powerful statement about the importance of quality, service, and appearance in building a successful business.


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.

- George Zimmer

College, Rather, Japan, Clothing

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.

- George Zimmer

Chapter, Bay Area, Francisco, Bay

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.

- George Zimmer

Week, Couple, Hundred, Letters

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.

- George Zimmer

Famous, Ad, Agency, Slogan

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.

- George Zimmer

Kind, Through, Termination, Board

I believe in giving people a second chance.

- George Zimmer

Chance, Second Chance, I Believe

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