Richard Devos Quotes

Powerful Richard Devos for Daily Growth

About Richard Devos

Richard DeVos (1926-2018) was an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and motivational speaker, best known as the co-founder of Amway Corporation, a multinational direct selling and marketing company. Born on October 4, 1926, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, DeVos showed early signs of entrepreneurial spirit, starting his first business venture – a newspaper route – at age nine. During World War II, he worked as a mechanic for Boeing aircraft factories. After the war, he studied business and economics at the University of Michigan, but left without graduating to pursue other opportunities. In 1959, DeVos co-founded Amway with Jay Van Andel. The company was born out of a desire to provide an alternative income source for families in the post-war era. Amway grew rapidly, and by the early 1970s, it had become one of the largest direct selling companies in the world. Throughout his life, DeVos was heavily influenced by the principles of free enterprise and self-reliance. He often shared these beliefs through motivational speeches and writings, publishing several books, including "Competing for the Future" (1997) and "Total Quality Leadership" (2004). DeVos was also deeply involved in philanthropy. He and his family donated over $1 billion to charities and organizations, with a focus on education, healthcare, and cultural institutions. One of their most significant contributions was the establishment of the DeVos Learning Center at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Richard DeVos passed away in September 2018, leaving behind a lasting legacy as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and motivator who inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"We're all in the people business."

This quote by Richard Devos emphasizes that at the heart of any successful venture, whether it be a business or a non-profit organization, lies a focus on people. It suggests that the ultimate goal is not just to create products or services, but to serve and empower individuals - employees, customers, or community members. In other words, treating people with respect, understanding their needs, and fostering an environment where they can grow and thrive should always be the priority in any endeavor. This perspective not only leads to a more harmonious and productive work environment but also contributes to long-term success and positive impact on society.

"If you're doing something new, you're going to get 'no' a lot. You have to be resilient and keep going."

This quote highlights the reality that innovation and progress often encounter resistance or rejection in the form of "no" responses. However, Richard Devos encourages persistence, suggesting that one should view these setbacks as opportunities to demonstrate resilience and continue moving forward despite the challenges faced. In essence, he is advocating for tenacity and determination when embarking on new ventures or initiatives, emphasizing that success can only be achieved by overcoming obstacles and persevering through rejection.

"Success is a choice - it's not an accident or luck."

This quote emphasizes that achieving success in life is a conscious decision, rather than an occurrence based on chance or luck. It suggests that individuals who are determined, focused, and proactive have the power to create their own path to success by making the right choices consistently. In other words, success is not something that happens randomly; it's something we build through hard work, perseverance, and strategic decision-making.

"I truly believe that God gave us the gift of life; and it is in honor of this gift that we should do everything we can to make the world a better place for all of His children."

This quote by Richard DeVos emphasizes the religious belief that life is a precious gift from God, and in recognition of this gift, one should strive to improve the world for everyone. It suggests a moral obligation to care for and uplift humanity, as we are all "God's children." The message here encourages altruistic action and emphasizes the importance of making positive contributions to society.

"The secret of my success is that we have gone to exceptional lengths to hire the best people in the world."

This quote by Richard Devos emphasizes his belief that the key to his success was employing exceptional talent. He suggests that investing in finding and retaining top-tier personnel was crucial for achieving business success. Essentially, he is highlighting the importance of human capital in driving organizational growth and innovation.

If the auto plants in Detroit would just sit around the table and say, 'What do we gotta do to make this thing work?' Instead of, 'I want this and I want that.' They might make it.

- Richard DeVos

Work, Gotta, Auto, Detroit

It is fun to be Rich DeVos. It's great fun.

- Richard DeVos

Great, Fun, Rich, Great Fun

I have been hung in effigy by the gay community for a long time, from when I was on President Reagan's first AIDS commission.

- Richard DeVos

Community, Been, Reagan, Gay Community

I deal with a lot of wonderful gay people. I hire a lot of them. I use a lot of them. I respect them. They're terrific. I am good friends with them. But you live your life the way you want to live, and I'll live mine, and I won't stick my nose in yours.

- Richard DeVos

Deal, Hire, Use, Yours

When you've lived as long I've lived, you see things from a bigger lens, and you try to share that with the young guys coming up, including being patient.

- Richard DeVos

Young, Bigger, Including, Young Guys

I am always amazed at how many guys in the NBA have never met an owner much less ever been to an owner's house. We bought the team so that we would be able to be a positive force, so that they in turn would be a positive force to young people everywhere.

- Richard DeVos

Young, Turn, Been, Amazed

As business moves forward, you realize that God has his hand on the whole business and that he brought people to you who are like-minded. It starts with faith.

- Richard DeVos

Business, Forward, Brought, Moves

You have to move in life, but the loyalty you develop in a community is always remembered. But if you leave, you don't pick it up in the next town. It's not an add-on, you know, because you lose what you had.

- Richard DeVos

Next, Always, Move, Loyalty

Faith is my foundation because you work on a faith basis that you believe God has his hand on you.

- Richard DeVos

Work, Faith, His, Foundation

You've got to take responsibility for your actions.

- Richard DeVos

Responsibility, Your, Take, Actions

The Lord has a way of working in our lives, and sometimes he brings us down low to bring new values back to our life.

- Richard DeVos

New, Lord, Lives, Brings

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