Tom Peters — American Businessman born on November 07, 1942,

Thomas J. "Tom" Peters is an American writer on business management practices, best known for In Search of Excellence... (wikipedia)

Almost all quality improvement comes via simplification of design, manufacturing... layout, processes, and procedures.
If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade.
If you're not confused, you're not paying attention.
Management is about arranging and telling. Leadership is about nurturing and enhancing.
Mittelstand companies are incredibly focused and almost always family-run. The young men and women go through the apprenticeship system and learn that the goal is excellence.