The most valuable lesson I learned in dealing with the ups and downs was to invest in my employees - to do all I could for them when the times were good.

Innovation is all about people. Innovation thrives when the population is diverse, accepting and willing to cooperate.

Entrepreneurship is like a computer game in which you have to master every level before achieving success. Startups repeatedly stumble and have to go back to the drawing board. The best way to skip some levels and to increase the odds of survival is to learn from others who have already played the game.

I used to have an obsession with building businesses and forgot about building health. I was focused on the destination instead of the journey. I caution you to not do the same.

Americans like to make money; Canadians like to audit it. I know no other country where accountants have a higher social and moral status.

When George W. Bush was president, his daddy was raising money for the Bush library. I thought that was fine. When Bob Dole was Majority Leader, Elizabeth Dole was the president of American Red Cross. I didn't say anything.

It is more rewarding to watch money change the world than watch it accumulate.

Unlike my grandfather or my brother, I've actually been able to make some money at a racetrack.