As kids, our well-intentioned dentist forcefully instructed us to “Brush and floss twice each day.” Sound advice that we largely ignored. After we blew off that first evening chore and realized the world didn’t end, we became more ambivalent on following the regimen with precision. We’d blow off a brush here and a floss there. … Read more
beckysue
Tis the season of grandiose promises for the New Year. Naturally, January is also the pre-cursor to six weeks later when all those goals fizzle away and most of us end up back in our same old habits. Next year you’ll set similar resolutions that will be anything but resolute. Rinse and repeat. We all want … Read more
Like so many around the word, the unspeakable events in Newtown, CT literally brought tears to my eyes. Even as I write this, my gut is in a knot and my head is pounding like a snare drum. How could something so unimaginable occur? What kind of monster could commit such a heinous act? And … Read more
Dan Gilbert is a busy guy. He’s the founder and chairman of Quicken Loans, the largest online mortgage company in the world. He’s the majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, owner of two casinos in Ohio, and primary investor in over 60 other companies. He is leading a massive charge to revitalize Detroit, and has … Read more
There are few things in nature as powerful as the white-hot intensity of a forest fire. Once they gain momentum, these vicious fires can consume hundreds of square miles, leaving behind a trail of destruction and scorched earth. Not exactly the symbol of beauty. I doubt Van Gogh or Monet painted landscapes of charred land. … Read more
There’s an old saying in the boxing world: “Champions don’t become champions in the ring; they are merely recognized there.” The implication, of course, is that the hard work of winning happens during an intense training regimen. The blood, sweat, and tears on the gym floor; the relentless planning for every possible scenario; the sacrifice … Read more
This past week, a tragedy occurred. The entitlement and stubbornness of union leaders forced Hostess (makers of Twinkies, HoHos, Wonder Bread, etc.) to cease operations forever. The result: 18,500 jobs lost, $2.5 billion of revenue squandered, and millions of sweet-tooth consumers left with a craving. Pretty much the same thing happened to this year’s NHL … Read more
A friend of mine owns a high-end Italian restaurant, which has delighted customers for decades. He’s an astute business owner, and manages the food quality, staff, and inventory with exquisite precision. Now imagine what would happen to his profits if the kitchen crew just randomly dropped 25% of their high-quality ingredients on the floor. Wasted … Read more
Having built four startups from scratch and now investing in them full-time, you could say I’m in the business of “entrepreneurship.” But I don’t think that’s the right term anymore. At all. The word entrepreneur was borrowed from the French language and implies an aristocratic polish. It conjures up images of backroom deals with white men in three-piece … Read more
A few weeks back, I wrote a snarky blog post about the horrible experience most of us have while visiting the doctor: long delays, rude staff, apathetic physicians, dingy waiting rooms. You’ve been there. Funny enough, in response to my blog the head of patient care from a large hospital system contacted me to sit down and … Read more