James Jannard Quotes

Powerful James Jannard for Daily Growth

About James Jannard

James Jannard, an American entrepreneur, inventor, and photographer, is best known as the founder of Oakley Inc., a company renowned for its innovative sports performance equipment and eyewear. Born on June 7, 1950, in San Francisco, California, Jannard grew up with a passion for photography and an appreciation for the outdoors. In 1975, after working as a photographer's assistant, Jannard founded Oakley Innovations, Inc. Initially, he operated from his garage, developing grips for motocross handlebars. The turning point came in 1984 when he invented the 'O-Matter' frame material, a lightweight and durable plastic that revolutionized eyewear design. This led to the creation of Oakley's iconic sports sunglasses. Jannard's inventions were inspired by his love for motorsports and his frustration with existing equipment. He wanted to create products that could withstand the rigors of extreme sports while providing unparalleled performance. Over the years, Oakley expanded its product line to include protective gear, apparel, footwear, and accessories. In 1995, Jannard founded Red Digital Cinema Camera Company, creating groundbreaking digital cinema cameras that are widely used in Hollywood films today. He remains actively involved in both companies as Executive Chairman of Oakley and Chairman of Red. James Jannard's life work is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. His creations have significantly impacted various industries, from sports to filmmaking, and continue to inspire new generations of inventors and entrepreneurs.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"If you want to make a million dollars, make a thousand products that each make a dollar."

This quote by James Jannard emphasizes the importance of volume and consistency over seeking huge financial success from individual products or ventures. In simpler terms, it suggests that instead of striving for one big hit (a million-dollar product), one should focus on creating numerous smaller successful products that collectively generate significant income. The idea is to persistently innovate, iterate, and adapt, rather than relying on a single stroke of luck or breakthrough product.


"Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They keep striving."

This quote by James Jannard suggests that success is closely tied to consistent and persistent action or effort. In other words, successful individuals are those who remain active, engaged, and committed to their goals, continuously striving towards achievement rather than resting on their laurels. The implication here is that inaction or complacency can hinder progress and prevent one from realizing their full potential. Instead, the message encourages us to keep moving forward, to persist in our pursuits, and to never stop striving for success.


"To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart."

This quote by James Jannard emphasizes the importance of emotional investment in one's business for achieving success. It suggests that a strong connection between an entrepreneur and their business (with their heart being deeply involved) is crucial to long-term prosperity. In other words, when you genuinely care about your business and its mission, it becomes more than just a venture; it becomes a part of you. This emotional commitment not only drives innovation and passion but also leads to a stronger sense of purpose and resilience during challenging times. Thus, the secret to success lies in balancing head (strategy) with heart (passion), ensuring that your business is an integral part of who you are.


"You cannot build character and courage by taking the easy way of life."

This quote by James Jannard emphasizes that personal growth, including the development of character and courage, is fostered through challenges and hardships, rather than through an easy or comfortable lifestyle. It suggests that adversity serves as a catalyst for building resilience, perseverance, and the inner strength required to face difficulties with courage. In other words, living a life filled with trials helps shape individuals into brave and strong-willed people.


"The biggest risk is not taking any risk... In a world that's changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks."

This quote by James Jannard emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks in a rapidly-changing world. The message suggests that inertia or avoiding risk can lead to failure due to the fast pace of change around us. It encourages individuals to be proactive, innovative, and not be deterred by fear of failure as the only certain outcome is stagnation when no action is taken. The quote inspires boldness, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from mistakes in order to thrive in an ever-evolving environment.


I'm not Bill Gates. And I'm not Ted Turner.

- James Jannard

Gates, Ted, Ted Turner, Turner

I figured, 'Why not put goggle characteristics like peripheral protection and face fit into sunglasses?'

- James Jannard

Sunglasses, Like, Peripheral, Why Not

Anyone who wears glasses can be an Oakley consumer.

- James Jannard

Glasses, Anyone, Wears, Consumer

Red is a benevolent dictatorship.

- James Jannard

Red, Benevolent, Dictatorship

I have a Bolex, Aaton, Arriflex, Eyemo, Filmo, Mitchell, Photosonic, Beaulieu, Keystone - just about every movie camera you can think of.

- James Jannard

Think, Movie, About, Keystone

Making the leap from the best sunglasses company in the world to a world-class brand is a natural transition.

- James Jannard

Sunglasses, World, Making, Transition

What separates us from other camera companies is that the vision guy is the decision maker. That was one of my biggest advantages at Oakley, and it's the same at Red - I'm in the trenches, in the product development, and I make the final call.

- James Jannard

Red, Other, Guy, Trenches

The concept of Red was to build a camera with as much capability as possible... for the professional market. Then we thought we could extend it down a bit to the prosumer level. Apparently, that was a mistake.

- James Jannard

Mistake, Thought, Level, Capability

With the release of the Dragon sensor... I have finished my mission. I am done posting. I will no longer be the face of Red.

- James Jannard

Will, Release, Finished, Posting

I have done my best. I saw a fatal flaw in the camera industry. We did our best to address it.

- James Jannard

Flaw, Address, Saw, Fatal

Mad science is my middle name.

- James Jannard

Science, Name, Middle, Mad

There's talent on the streets, kids with ideas who have stories to tell and never get a chance.

- James Jannard

Chance, Never, Stories, Streets

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