If you haven’t heard, Men’s Wearhouse Founder, George Zimmer, and his iconic catchphrase, “You’re going to like the way you look. I guarantee it.”, have been kicked to the curb earlier this summer on June 19, 2013. The company’s board of executives reported that Zimmer was dissatisfied with the new direction of the company and had trouble loosening his grip on the reins after being transitioned into a smaller role as executive chairman in 2011.
Men’s Warehouse posted this video on their Youtube channel in May of 2013 (which is now unavailable). Ironic, isn’t it, to hear the same George Zimmer tell us that the rules are changing and yes, even the world is changing. He then prompts us to look deep within the core of our souls and to ask ourselves if we’ve “changed”.
Indeed. The world is changing. Zimmer’s world was no exception. Apparently, the question was not if you or I have changed, it’s whether or not Zimmer had plans to change in order to keep his seat at the table. The answer is pretty clear.
Also noteworthy is Zimmer’s take on creativity within the Advertising and Marketing industries. He’s on the record saying to BusinessMakers, “I apologize to those … who are going into the advertising or marketing business, but what really drives success, in my experience, is repetition and consistency, not creativity. I think people who are in the [ad] business tend to get more hung up on the creative aspects. They start to think of themselves more as artists and less as businessmen. We have the same problem with tailors, by the way.” This interview can be seen here.