Lee Iacocca Quotes

A collection of quotes by Lee Iacocca.

Lee Iacocca was an American businessman and automotive industry executive known for his remarkable contributions to the Ford Motor Company and Chrysler Corporation. Born on October 15, 1924, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Iacocca played a pivotal role in the development of iconic American automobiles and is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the automotive industry.

After graduating with a degree in industrial engineering from Lehigh University, Iacocca joined Ford in 1946. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the company's president in 1970. During his tenure at Ford, he is credited with the successful introduction of the Ford Mustang, which became one of the most popular and enduring cars in American history. Additionally, he played a significant role in the development of other successful models, such as the Ford Pinto and the Lincoln Continental Mark III.

In 1978, Iacocca took on a new challenge and became the CEO of the struggling Chrysler Corporation. Facing financial crisis, Iacocca secured a government bailout and implemented stringent cost-cutting measures. Under his leadership, Chrysler made a remarkable turnaround, releasing innovative and successful vehicles like the K-Car line and the iconic minivan.

Beyond his contributions to the automotive industry, Iacocca was known for his charismatic persona and skills as a communicator. He authored several best-selling books and later became involved in philanthropic endeavors. Lee Iacocca passed away on July 2, 2019, leaving a lasting legacy as an innovative and transformational figure in the American automotive industry.

We at Chrysler borrow money the old fashion way. We pay it b

We at Chrysler borrow money the old fashion way. We pay it back.

So what do we do? Anything. Something. So long as we just do

So what do we do? Anything. Something. So long as we just don't sit there. If we screw it up, start over. Try something else. If we wait until we've satisfied all the uncertainties, it may be too late.

Action(s)

In a completely rational society, the best of us would be te

In a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something else.

Best

In a completely rational society, the best of us would be te

In a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something less, because passing civilization along from one generation to the next ought to be the highest honor and the highest responsibility anyone could have.

Responsibility

I forgot to shake hands and be friendly. It was an important

I forgot to shake hands and be friendly. It was an important lesson about leadership.

Leadership

In times of great stress or adversity, it's always best to k

In times of great stress or adversity, it's always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive.

Best Great Anger Positive

Any supervisor worth his salt would rather deal with people

Any supervisor worth his salt would rather deal with people who attempt too much than with those who try too little.

Work

If you want to make good use of your time, you've got to kno

If you want to make good use of your time, you've got to know what's most important and then give it all you've got.

Time

The ability to concentrate and to use time well is everythin

The ability to concentrate and to use time well is everything.

Concentration

The discipline of writing something down is the first step t

The discipline of writing something down is the first step toward making it happen.

Action(s)

When the product is right, you don't have to be a great mark

When the product is right, you don't have to be a great marketer.

Business

Boys, there ain't no free lunches in this country. And don't

Boys, there ain't no free lunches in this country. And don't go spending your whole life commiserating that you got the raw deals. You've got to say, I think that if I keep working at this and want it bad enough I can have it. It's called perseverance.

Persistence

The trick is to make sure you don't die waiting for prosperi

The trick is to make sure you don't die waiting for prosperity to come.

Money

People say to me, You were a roaring success. How did you do

People say to me, You were a roaring success. How did you do it? I go back to what my parents taught me. Apply yourself. Get all the education you can, but then, by God, do something. Don't just stand there, make something happen.

Action(s)

You've got to say, I think that if I keep working at this an

You've got to say, I think that if I keep working at this and want it badly enough I can have it. It's called perseverance.

Persistence

People want economy and they'll pay almost any price to get

People want economy and they'll pay almost any price to get it.

Business

The kind of people I look for to fill top management spots a

The kind of people I look for to fill top management spots are the mavericks. These are the guys who try to do more than they're expected to do - they always reach.

Business Risk Management American Ambition Maverick

I believe that access to a university education should be ba

I believe that access to a university education should be based on the ability to learn, not what people can afford. I think there is no more nauseating a sight than politicians pulling up the ladder of opportunity behind them.

Charles Kennedy

Government

There are times when even the best manager is like the littl

There are times when even the best manager is like the little boy with the big dog, waiting to see where the dog wants to go so he can take him there.

Best

Management is nothing more than motivating other people.

Management is nothing more than motivating other people.

Work