Executive Chairman, Designer Brands
Search every verified Jay Schottenstein interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Jay Schottenstein, executive chairman of Designer Brands and chairman and CEO of American Eagle, discussed his business career and philanthropic work in a January 2025 podcast. He stated that American Eagle sells more denim to women than any other brand in the United States and described turning the company around from a loss to a profit within six months by addressing a merchandise problem. Schottenstein emphasized the importance of attracting the right team and keeping up with technology, saying that "if you don't keep up with the latest and the greatest technology, you're done." He also spoke about the Jeffrey Schottenstein Resilience Program, which he said aims to remove stigma around mental health. In a September 2024 speech at the Columbus Community Kollel Gala, Schottenstein reflected on the growth of the kollel, a Jewish learning institution he helped establish over 30 years ago. He said that Columbus has become a growing Jewish community, unlike many cities of similar size, and credited the kollel with integrating into the city by providing rabbis for synagogues and contributing to the local day school. Schottenstein also recognized Gary, a friend and banker, for his involvement with the community and with ArtScroll publications.
“We sell more denim to ladies than any brand in the United States. To me, to be a great leader, can you attract the right people? Because in business today, the complexity of business and the way things have changed and technology changes, you have to be able to attract the team. You can't do it yourself.”
“In the 1990s, American Eagle was the only company to go from other people's brands to our own exclusive brand successfully. Nobody else did it successfully except a Limited store or a Gap store. We brought the right people in and worked very hard together.”
“When I started American Eagle, the company was losing money with 120 stores. After analyzing, I realized it wasn't a location problem but a merchandise problem. We turned it around in six months from a loss to a profit.”
“If you don't keep up with the latest and the greatest technology, you're done. You don't have to be the first, but you have to be a strong second and know what's going on out there.”
“The biggest challenge in mental health today is the stigma and shame that prevent people who need help from seeking it. Our Jeffrey Schottenstein Resilience Program aims to remove that stigma and provide support.”
“We used to say to our staff, treat every player like they're hurting because you just don't know who is. It's critical to provide support and understanding.”
“Columbus has blossomed because it is a state capital with a major university, great transportation, and friendly people. Everyone loves Ohio State, which unites the community.”
“The greatest victory you have is the joy that you bring others through your performance. Being part of a team is about doing something bigger than yourself.”
“Okay, thank you. Well, it's so wonderful to see everyone here, to see how this group has grown — for many years we used to host this event in Mayan Genie's home and I don't think we could fit everyone in now.”
“We started this over 30 years ago — I remember Rabbi Morris was there and Rabbi Herman Neuberger promised me, 'I'll guarantee you the success of the kollel,' and Bradley Morris is still leading us after the last 29 years.”
“What makes a city, by Jewish standards, is you have to have full-time learners — Columbus became a major city when you see that; unlike many cities our size with shrinking Jewish communities, Columbus is a growing Jewish community.”
“The kollel has really integrated itself into Columbus — we've had kollel rabbis fill in for certain synagogues, and the day school Torah Academy, they came from the kollel, so it's been a good investment.”
“Those who don't go into the kollel often stay in Columbus and become businessmen, become part of the community and help the community grow.”
“If 30 years ago we'd have been told we'd be sitting here 30 years later in a room like this with all these people, we'd be very impressed.”
“Gary has become a great friend of the Jewish community here in Columbus — he became the major banker in Columbus and he's very active with us and with ArtScroll; there's not an ArtScroll major event that Gary's not a major speaker.”
Inside the Mind of a Business Icon: Jay Schottenstein Shares All In this exclusive podcast episode, we sit down with Jay ...
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