Horst Schulze created a culture of service that should be a model for all of us. By committing to the highest standards of professionalism--and creating the right systems to achieve them--he inspired thousands of people to embrace and embody the core ideal of sheer unadulterated excellence. With this profoundly useful book, Schulze now shares his story, and his methods, so that the rest of us can be uplifted and taught by the master himself. -Jim Collins, author of Good to Great and coauthor of Built to Last

Horst Schulze's influence on my family and our business is undeniable. His approach to customer service revolutionized the hotel industry and set a high bar for all of us. His new book, Excellence Wins, weaves Horst's personal story with the practical wisdom he's gleaned from an incredible career of servant leadership. It's a must-read for leaders and anyone passionate about serving people. -Dan Cathy, chairman, president, and CEO of Chick-fil-A

Industry luminaries regard Horst Schulze as the leading hotelier in the world, but his influence extends far beyond the hospitality business. There's a reason for that. He has been the thought leader on customer service for decades. We now have the Rosetta Stone of superior customer service--his new book. Excellence Wins can only be described as profoundly helpful to any leader who aspires for his or her organization to be the best. -Dr. Tim Irwin, New York Times bestselling author and leadership authority

In Excellence Wins, Horst Schulze's inspirational story and experienced wisdom gives you the road map to success at the highest levels. This book is a must-read for every manager, executive, and anyone who strives for excellence in their life. -Kay C. James, president of the Heritage Foundation

Horst Schulze is one of the most beloved, creative, and successful hoteliers in the world. His reputation for excellence in all he pursues has generated a global following among stakeholders in his various hotels and other businesses that is legendary and real. People today, regardless of whether they worked with him directly or have learned of his charismatic leadership from others, rightfully honor and revere him as one of the most important and esteemed original thinkers in human development our world has seen. -Richard J. Stephenson, founder and chairman of the board, Cancer Treatment Centers of America

For an inspiring, practical approach to becoming a preeminent leader in business, nonprofits, government, and academia alike, Excellence Wins fills the bill. This engaging memoir depicts a philosophy of leadership that has become the signature trademark of iconic hotelier Horst Schulze, the premier service guru and top visionary thought leader in the hospitality world today. As an academic dean speaking to college students everywhere, I encourage you to read this book and adopt its teachings to spark your own passion for excellence, creating a pathway to tremendous success in your personal and professional lives. -June Henton, dean of the College of Human Sciences, Auburn University

Horst Schulze is Founder, Chairman & CEO of the Capella Hotel Group, and Co-founder & Former COO of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co.  Schulze is a legendary leader and global titan of business.  His visionary and disruptive principles have reshaped the concepts of excellence, service, and competitive advantage, transcending divisions of industry across the business landscape.

Upon co-founding the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. in 1983, Schulze singlehandedly set the business operation and service standards that made the Ritz-Carlton brand globally elite and world-famous.  Under Schulze’s prodigious leadership, The Ritz-Carlton, a multi-billion dollar international enterprise, was awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award twice—an unprecedented achievement, as The Ritz-Carlton remains the only hotel company to ever receive the prestigious award.

In 2002, Schulze founded a second company, The Capella Hotel Group, raising the bar set at the Ritz-Carlton even higher to pioneer the first “ultraluxury” guest experience.

Horst Schulze is a highly sought after keynote speaker for numerous global businesses and organizations.  He and his wife, Sheri, live in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dean Merrill is the author and coauthor of 46 books, including Sinners in the Hands of an Angry Church and three other Jim Cymbala titles: Fresh Faith, Fresh Power, and You Were Made for More. He and his wife live in Colorado Springs, Colorado.