Great Habits and Philosophy
Bernard Marcus was one of America’s most well-known self-made billionaires and the co-founder of Home Depot. Born to a Jewish immigrant family and raised in poverty, he learned the value of money early in life. His father worked as a carpenter, and his mother was a homemaker who consistently emphasized honesty and diligence. This upbringing deeply shaped his life philosophy.
In his early years, Marcus worked at a pharmacy and developed an interest in chemistry, later beginning his career in the pharmaceutical industry. However, he never abandoned his dream of entrepreneurship. In his mid-fifties, he co-founded Home Depot. Although this was a relatively late start compared to many entrepreneurs, his accumulated experience, keen observation, and unwavering customer-first mindset ultimately drove the company’s success.
Marcus’s daily routine was simple yet structured. He woke up at 5 a.m., exercised lightly, and reviewed the news to stay aware of global trends. He placed great importance on the field, regularly visiting stores, making eye contact with employees, and personally asking customers about their concerns. His belief that “business is about people, not numbers” was not a slogan, but a guiding principle in his management.
Favorite Foods and Eating Habits
Bernard Marcus preferred modest meals. Rather than gourmet cuisine, he favored simple and healthy food. He tried to maintain a diet that was easy on the body, including salads, grilled fish, and whole-grain bread. Even during physically demanding work in his younger years, he maintained the habit of eating breakfast, a practice he carried throughout his life.
He valued conversation during meals. Family dinners were the most precious time of his day, and he made an effort to share meals with loved ones whenever possible. In business settings, he listened carefully to others during meals and deliberately avoided sensitive topics such as politics or religion, showing consideration and respect.
Honesty mattered to him even at the dining table. He believed that table manners reflected respect for others, and those who met him often felt his sincerity through these small gestures. Ultimately, his approach to meals mirrored his approach to life—rooted in integrity, moderation, and respect.
Love and Philosophy of Human Relationships
After marriage, Bernard Marcus built a stable and enduring family life with his wife. He often said, “My real success is at home,” placing family bonds at the center of his life. Together with his wife, he engaged in charitable work and viewed shared family time as his greatest joy.
He encouraged his children to choose their own paths. Even in a wealthy environment, he emphasized independence and responsibility, preferring quiet support over excessive involvement. He believed that love grows from respect, not control.
In his relationships with employees, he maintained the same warmth. He remembered names, greeted cleaning staff with the same respect as executives, and insisted that everyone deserved dignity. He valued horizontal trust over rigid hierarchy, a philosophy that helped Home Depot grow into a community rather than just a corporation.
Lessons We Can Learn
Bernard Marcus demonstrated that late success can still be great. While he followed a different path from young startup founders, he built values that were deeper and more enduring. Honesty, responsibility, and trust in people consistently defined both his life and business.
The lesson he leaves us is clear: success is not merely about numbers or speed. By working with sincerity, respecting people, and moving in the right direction, life itself becomes meaningful. Bernard Marcus proved this truth through the way he lived.
