The Clifton Review

The Clifton Review is a tri-weekly column that examines the question of the Clifton project along with the evolution of the war between two billionaires. We covered the start of this war with articles describing the battle over easement rights, the mysterious burning of a home, the blocks to rebuilding, and countless questionable court filings.

The 2018 series salutes fashion mogul Peter Nygard’s Golden Jubilee detailing his rags to riches story and incredible business success over these past fifty years. The Clifton Review will take an inside look at how he did it.

His Quintessential Success Factor

By P.J. Malone

What does it take to achieve astounding levels of success in business? We have embarked on a journey of discovery to find out.

Fifty years is a very long time to enjoy business success. With all of the challenges involved in sustaining a business and avoiding failure, it is remarkable that fashion mogul Peter Nygard has managed to not just experience success, but achieve phenomenal success with his business, especially when you consider the thousands of retailers that have gone out of business over the years.

So far, we’ve discovered the following characteristics and factors that have contributed to Nygard’s success:

1. His belief that nothing is impossible
2. His determination to always be the best
3. His great strategic moves
4. His innovation and fashion sensibilities
5. His approach of perfectionism in everything he does
6. His uncompromising attention to details
7. His commitment to being technology centric
8. His uncanny intuitive sense

These factors would be nothing without strong leadership and Peter Nygard has demonstrated strong leadership. It is the quintessential success factor for any business. Nygard’s leadership style includes these important approaches:

• Peter Nygard is described as a developer of people. Once again, he uses his uncanny intuitive ability to find the right people and develops them to realize their full potential; he doesn’t rely on an individual’s education; he evaluates individuals on their efforts, dedication and willingness to learn.
• He invests in people and allows them to use their creativity; his relationships are personal and he inspires his associates to work as hard as he does.
• Nygard is known to empower his employees; he allows their voices to be heard and their opinions are equally important.
• He believes in young people and women; there is no glass ceiling at NYGÅRD; everyone gets equal opportunity to excel.

Peter Nygard is admired most for being a multi-dimensional leader who is good at everything that he does, including fashion designs, building designs, technological innovations and anything else he needs for his business.

How is this possible?

Remember, his philosophy is ‘If you want to become successful at something, you read everything about it, you learn everything about it, you know everything about it; you find out who the best person is, and you take what they are doing and make it even better’.

With that approach to business, it’s no wonder that Peter Nygard has experienced fifty years of unparalleled success.