NHL Legend Wayne Gretzky Has Inspired Billion Dollar Worth Companies Like Apple and FedEx- Here’s How

Ever since the dawn of the sporting world, there haven’t been athletes who have grown more popular than the sport they played. Soccer isn’t known because of Leo Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Likewise, tennis isn’t known because of Serena Williams or Roger Federer the same way F1 isn’t because of Lewis Hamilton or Michael Schumacher. But there is one man who grew way above his sport -Wayne Gretzky. The “GOAT” in every sense of the word- the GOAT of all GOATS.

The Gretz was the only one of his kind, and it’s safe to say that the world probably would not witness his greatness, yet again. Moreover, he inspired some of the most visionary and innovative entrepreneurs in the world.

The Wayne Gretzky quote that inspired many

Wonder-struck pundits often speculated he played with his eyes on the back of his head. Gretzky simply used to say he followed the puck to where it was going to be. He certainly was and is the crème de la crème of any athlete in any sport. Ah, talking about following the puck, Gretzky’s famous quote, “Skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been,” comes to mind. Incidentally, this quote has been the mantra for some of the influential entrepreneurs of our time.

For starters, Steve Jobs, creator of Apple, perhaps the most popular smartphone brand on the planet, adopted the teachings of this quote. He admitted to always trying to do the same with his company.

While ‘overnight shipping’ and ‘next-day delivery’ have become the norm in society, it wasn’t always the case. But back in 1965, the scenario was different. A college student named Fred Smith submitted a paper exploring the idea of overnight delivery. Although he received a ‘C,’ Fred did not give up. In 1971 he started his company called ‘FedEx.’ Fred too, was inspired by the Ice Hockey legend’s quote that helped him pursue his dream.

READ MORE: ‘He’s a Savant’–Wayne Gretzky Hails Dustin Johnson’s Golf Knowledge and Humility

During the 2008 stock market crisis, Warren Buffett also referred to Gretzky’s quote while making a case for buying stocks. His advice proved to be the difference. The legendary ice skater’s words have certainly proved to be just as great as his NHL career.

The Legend that is Gretzky

Let’s be honest, one has to be pretty good if they want to become an icon in their sport. Gretzky, however, was a different breed altogether. He was so good that the entire NHL retired the number ’99,’ his jersey number. But just how good was he?

Wayne holds almost all the records there are in Ice Hockey. He scored the most goals (892), claims the most assists (1962), most assists in one game (7), most points in a season (215), and most 50 or more goal seasons (9), to name a few. And these are just numbers from the regular season. His playoff records and All-Star records are a whole other ballpark.

Even our ‘beloved boss’ Michael Scott, used Gretzky’s quote; “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

WATCH THIS STORY: From Joe DiMaggio to Wayne Gretzky- Most Outstanding Statistical Accomplishments in US Sporting History