We all love to give great advice, but how about taking a few hints from business’ best and brightest? We searched high and low for a few of the best business quotes from entrepreneurs, startup adventurers, business magnates and economic gurus. As a bonus, we also have a few quotes from past American presidents, scientists and overall brilliant thinkers.

“Time is the friend of the wonderful business, the enemy of the mediocre.” — Warren Buffett, business magnate, investor

"Try not to become a man of success, but rather a man of value." — Albert Einstein, theoretical physicist

“A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business.” — Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company

“They that will not be counselled cannot be helped. If you do not hear reason, she will rap you on the knuckles.” — Benjamin Franklin, author, politician, scientist, inventor

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”  — John Quincy Adams, sixth President of the U.S.

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.”  — Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the U.S.

“When you delve deep enough, you find that practically every great fortune and great enterprise in America has sprung from the courage enterprise of some individuals. It was Commodore Vanderbilt’s enterprise in switching first from running a ferryboat to running other ships, and then, when he was well along in years, his enterprise in switching into railroading that created what was to become one of the most notable fortunes in the history of the world.”  — B.C. Forbes, journalist and founder of Forbes magazine

“No one is born a CEO, but no one tells you that. The magazine stories make it sound like Mark Zuckerberg woke up one day and wanted to redefine how the world communicates [by creating] a billion-dollar company. He didn’t.”  — Andrew W. “Drew” Houston, founder and CEO of Dropbox

“Timing, perseverance, and ten years of trying will eventually make you look like an overnight success.”  — Biz Stone, Twitter co-founder

“Stay self-funded as long as possible.” — Garrett Camp, Canadian entrepreneur who co-founded StumbleUpon and Uber.

“You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing and falling over.” — Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group founder

“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” — Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder

“Any business plan won’t survive its first encounter with reality. The reality will always be different. It will never be the plan.” — Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com

“All humans are entrepreneurs not because they should start companies but because the will to create is encoded in human DNA.” — Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn co-founder 

“Chase the vision, not the money; the money will end up following you.” — Tony Hsieh, Zappos CEO, American entrepreneur

“Every day that we spent not improving our products was a wasted day.”  — Joel Spolsky, software engineer and Stack Overflow co-founder

“What do you need to start a business? Three simple things: know your product better than anyone. Know your customer, and have a burning desire to succeed.” — Dave Thomas, Wendy’s founder

“The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”  — Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 

Bob Lancaster Insurance

Serving Florida since 1964

Disaster preparedness for commercial property insurance customers

Businesses are just as susceptible as homeowners to the potential for catastrophes like hurricanes and floods. While consultants might place emphasis on the importance of emergency continuity plans and other measures that ensure that businesses survive the unthinkable, one of the best ways decision makers can prepare is by reviewing their insurance coverage on a regular basis. All emergency preparedness steps are enhanced when the property the business owns is sufficiently covered. 

"Businesses of all sizes need comprehensive insurance to protect against disaster. Determining the appropriate amount of insurance can be done via property and risk assessments, along with the consideration of recovery options," says Jamie Miller, head of North America property for Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, in an interview with Property Casualty 360. 

One of the most critical areas of preparing a business for disaster is insuring its property. If updated valuations aren't conducted on a regular basis, the replacement cost for the business personal property or the building may not reflect the actual amount needed to restore or rebuild after a crisis. This can lead to settlements that aren't sufficient to cover damages sustained in a natural disaster, fire or other loss. Some commercial customers are proactive about these reviews but others may not. 

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 

Bob Lancaster Insurance

Serving Florida since 1964

Keep the Fire (Pit) Burning, but Keep It Safe

Sitting around a backyard fire pit is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a nice summer evening.
Without the proper precautions, however, it can also be quite dangerous.

So before you get out the graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows for National S’mores Day on August 10, check out these guidelines to make sure you won’t get burned by an unsafe fire.

Decide what style is best for your yard.
You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to fire pits — from ready-made metal bowls to the classic, do-it-yourself pit ringed with rocks. And they don’t even have to burn wood. Gas models can be more convenient and may actually reduce the risk of a fire blazing out of control.

Make sure you follow the law.
As the popularity of fire pits has grown, some municipalities are creating new regulations around their use. And general burn bans are often in effect to protect air quality. Check with your city or county to determine whether you can use a fire pit, along with the rules you need to follow.

Take a look around.
Make sure there aren’t any flammable materials near your fire pit or flammable surfaces, such as a wooden deck, under it. Your pit should be at least 10 feet away from any structure. Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby in case of emergency; you can also use a bucket of sand to put out your fire. Finally, check the wind direction before you start a fire, and make sure kids and pets remain at a safe distance.

Build a safe fire.
Only use seasoned hardwood if possible, as softer woods, such as cedar, can spark and pop. Never burn garbage, leaves or paper, and don’t use fluids — even lighter fluid — to start or restart your fire. If you have a metal fire pit, use the included screen, and don’t overload it.

Make sure it’s out.
Remember, if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. Spread the ashes out and let them cool. Pour some water (or your sand) over them — but don’t leave just yet. Always give it a little extra time to ensure the fire is totally out and won’t flare up. Besides, it’s still a nice night out, right?
Memories are often made while sitting around a fire. With a little common-sense preparation, you’re sure to keep those memories great.

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620

Bob Lancaster Insurance

Serving Florida since 1964