Bernie Marcus’s Impact on The Home Depot’s Success

Bernie Marcus is the American legend who co-founded The Home Depot and is one of America’s most generous philanthropists. For the past 10 years, Bernie has been a mentor to PragerU CEO Marissa Streit. During this conversation, Bernie shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities presented by the current business climate.

00:00 – Welcome to Real Talk

1:12 – The American Dream Is Alive and Well

7:06 – Growing Up in a Working Class Family

9:10 – Was Bernie Part of a Gang as a Kid?

11:28 – You Make the Best Out of the Worst

12:51 – Bernie’s Vision for Home Depot

16:45 – From Humble Beginnings to Major Growth

18:18 – “Ask Me, I’m an Owner”

19:09 – Life after Home Depot

19:26 – Surround Yourself with People Smarter than You

21:40 – 40 Years after Its Founding Home Depot’s Model Still Works

23:14 – Customer Service Makes the Difference

25:00 – Millions of People Have Benefitted from the Home Depot

26:41 – Failure Is Not Fatal

27:53 – If You Dwell You’re a Loser

29:28 – Are Young People Losing Pride in Their Work?

32:53 – Capitalism Is Not a Dirty Word

33:31 – Don’t Listen to Idiot Professors

34:48 – Bernie’s Best Advice to Young People

36:54 – Allow Adversity to Make You Stronger

37:15 – Bernie’s Philanthropic Efforts

46:50 – Thanks & Final Thoughts