The Road to Palm Springs
Jay L. Schottenstein
Chairman of the Board of Directors
DSW, Inc.
Uncovering opportunity in every situation is part of Jay L. Schottenstein’s DNA. Since joining Schottenstein Stores Corporation in 1976, Jay has spent the past 35 years building and expanding upon the collection of successful businesses founded by his father, Jerome Schottenstein, in 1969.
Today, as chairman of DSW Inc., Jay heads an 11-member board of directors and a 7-member management team that lead through an operating model focused on assortment, convenience and growth. Jay believes that “the key to running a successful business is having the right people around you,” a credo bolstered by the 11,000 DSW employees across the United States who have helped drive a notable increase in sales over the past four-year period, in the midst of the global recession. Jay relies on high-caliber leaders to help drive this growth, crediting them for keeping him on the path to success.
Giving back is central to Jay’s being. Jay has been a philanthropist throughout his career, believing that “everyone has an obligation … to help others. If God has been good to you, then you need to give back.” Today he is an active member of and donator to a number of charities within his home community of Columbus, Ohio, including faith-based organizations, United Way and The Ohio State University.
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