Ian Schrager Quotes

Powerful Ian Schrager for Daily Growth

About Ian Schrager

Ian Schrager, an American hotelier and entrepreneur born on November 19, 1946, in Queens, New York, is renowned for revolutionizing the hospitality industry with his innovative concepts and designs. Raised in a Jewish family, Schrager showed early entrepreneurial spirit by selling toys and newspapers as a child. His first venture was a small hotel on Fire Island during his teenage years. After studying art at Pratt Institute, Schrager's career took off when he co-founded Studio 54 with Steve Rubell in 1977, transforming the nightclub scene and cementing his place in pop culture history. The disco was a cultural icon, attracting celebrities, socialites, and the elite. However, financial difficulties led to its closure in 1980. Following Studio 54's demise, Schrager focused on revitalizing dilapidated hotels, starting with the Morgans Hotel in New York City in 1984. This hotel marked a shift in hospitality design, featuring modern amenities and vibrant, art-filled interiors that catered to the needs of contemporary travelers. In 1996, Schrager co-founded the Edition Hotels brand with Marriott International, combining high design, exceptional service, and unique experiences in destinations such as Miami Beach, London, New York, and Barcelona. His latest venture, PUBLIC Hotels, offers affordable luxury accommodations aimed at the modern traveler. Throughout his career, Ian Schrager has been recognized with numerous awards for his contributions to design, architecture, and hospitality. His impact on the industry continues to inspire new generations of hoteliers, demonstrating that a blend of creativity, innovation, and business acumen can lead to extraordinary success.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Success is not about how much money you make, it's about the difference you make in people's lives."

This quote by Ian Schrager emphasizes that success isn't just about accumulating wealth, but rather about positively impacting the lives of others. It suggests that true success comes from making a meaningful difference, not just financially, but also in terms of improving the quality of life, fostering relationships, or contributing to society in a significant way. In other words, it's not just about personal gains, but about the ripple effect our actions have on those around us and the world at large.


"I always say: Do what you love and the money will follow."

This quote underscores the belief that when one follows their passion or pursues something they genuinely enjoy, financial success often becomes a natural byproduct. The idea is that if you are deeply engaged and committed to an endeavor, your dedication, creativity, and hard work will lead to positive outcomes, including financial rewards. This perspective encourages people to choose careers or projects based on their interests rather than just pursuing opportunities for immediate financial gain.


"If there's a will, there's a way. It's all about having the determination to see something through."

This quote emphasizes the power of determination and persistence in overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. It suggests that if one has a strong desire (will) for something, they can find a pathway or solution (a way) by staying committed to their objective. The determination to see something through implies resilience, tenacity, and the unwavering belief that success is possible despite challenges along the journey.


"In business, it's not enough to be good at what you do; you have to be great at what you do."

The quote by Ian Schrager emphasizes that being average or simply good in business isn't sufficient for success. In today's competitive marketplace, one needs to strive for excellence and greatness to stand out from the crowd. It underscores the importance of going above and beyond ordinary performance to create a remarkable impact on customers, partners, and competitors alike. This level of greatness often translates into a stronger brand reputation, increased customer loyalty, and long-term business success.


"The key to success is to focus on your strengths and delegate everything else."

This quote underscores the importance of focusing on one's core competencies or strengths when pursuing success. By concentrating efforts where you excel, you can make significant progress more efficiently. Conversely, delegating tasks that lie outside your area of expertise to others ensures that those responsibilities are handled effectively and allows for more time to focus on the essential tasks at hand. This balance promotes productivity, efficiency, and ultimately, success.


The music I listened to as a kid - the Stones, the Beatles - that was so rebellious at the time, it became mainstream.

- Ian Schrager

Music, Kid, Became, Rebellious

My best vacation was renting a boat and motoring along the Adriatic, going along the Croatian coast, before it became so fashionable. I've also sailed around the Turkish islands, the Greek islands and Sicily.

- Ian Schrager

Going, Greek, Became, Sailed

I'm not into nostalgia, and I only look back to find lessons.

- Ian Schrager

Nostalgia, Find, Only, Lessons

Status based on wealth is an old-fashioned idea; I find it repugnant, actually.

- Ian Schrager

Wealth, Actually, Based, Status

Great ideas have no attachment to either money or class.

- Ian Schrager

Money, Attachment, Either, Class

I have to be more universal than my projects, but no less innovative.

- Ian Schrager

More, Projects, Innovative, Universal

I consider myself fortunate to have grown up in Brooklyn. It's what gave me my drive to succeed, the upward mobility I've been after my whole life.

- Ian Schrager

Myself, Mobility, Been, Fortunate

When I travel, I just take what I need and I run. I always have my briefcase stuffed with work, even when I go on a holiday.

- Ian Schrager

Need, Always, Briefcase, Stuffed

The trimmings of wealth are not as important to me and my generation as they were to my parents' generation.

- Ian Schrager

Wealth, Important, Were, My Generation

Good design is good business.

- Ian Schrager

Business, Good, Design

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