Bill Bartmann wasn’t just a businessman—he was a fighter. From homelessness to building a billion-dollar empire, his journey was anything but ordinary. His quotes pack a punch, blending street-smart wisdom with hard-earned success principles.
Here’s a collection of his most powerful quotes to inspire, challenge, and push you forward.
On Success & Failure
Bartmann knew failure better than most. He lost everything twice before hitting it big. His take? Failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the process.
🔹 “Success is not about avoiding failure; it’s about failing faster than anyone else.”
🔹 “If you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough.”
🔹 “The difference between winners and losers? Winners get up one more time.”
🔹 “Success isn’t owned; it’s rented. And rent is due every day.”
🔹 “You don’t need a fancy degree to be successful. You need grit.”
Think about it: How many times have you let failure stop you? Bartmann’s message? Keep going.
On Money & Business
Bartmann turned $13,000 into a billion-dollar company. His advice on money and business cuts through the noise.
🔹 “Money is just a tool. Don’t worship it. Use it.”
🔹 “Business isn’t about being the smartest. It’s about solving problems.”
🔹 “Profit is opinion. Cash is fact.”
🔹 “If you want to be rich, help enough people get what they want.”
🔹 “The best businesses fix things that are broken.”
Notice a pattern? Business isn’t about flash—it’s about delivering real value.
On Mindset & Persistence
Bartmann’s mindset kept him going when others quit. His words on persistence hit hard.
🔹 “Your attitude determines your altitude.”
🔹 “Excuses are the nails that build the house of failure.”
🔹 “You don’t drown by falling in water. You drown by staying there.”
🔹 “The only limits you have are the ones you believe.”
🔹 “Persistence beats talent every time.”
Ask yourself: Are you making excuses or taking action?
On Leadership & Teamwork
Bartmann built empires by leading well. His leadership quotes are gold.
🔹 “A leader’s job is to make more leaders, not followers.”
🔹 “If your team isn’t winning, look in the mirror first.”
🔹 “Great leaders don’t create followers. They create believers.”
🔹 “Surround yourself with people smarter than you.”
🔹 “Trust is the currency of leadership.”
Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about lifting others up.
On Life & Toughness
Life knocked Bartmann down—hard. But he kept standing. His life advice? Be unbreakable.
🔹 “Life doesn’t give you what you want. It gives you what you demand.”
🔹 “Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.”
🔹 “You’re not a victim unless you choose to be.”
🔹 “The only way out is through.”
🔹 “Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.”
When life gets rough, remember: You’re tougher.
Final Thoughts
Bill Bartmann’s quotes aren’t just words—they’re battle-tested truths. Whether you’re building a business, pushing through failure, or leading a team, his wisdom sticks.
Which quote hit you hardest? Drop it in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going. 🚀
(Need more inspiration? Check out Bartmann’s books or speeches. The man’s legacy lives on.)
