David Jaffe: Ascena Retail Group CEO on Scaling Family Business, Investing, and His Next Chapter
David’s mother Roslyn founded Dressbarn in 1962. David joined the family business in 1992. Over 10 years of learning, then another 17 years as CEO, he took the company from $1 billion in sales all the way to $7 billion.
David built Dressbarn into Ascena Retail Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 retailer with eight distinct brands including Ann Taylor, Loft, Lane Bryant, Catherines, and Justice, with over 4,500 stores across the U.S. and Canada, employing 65,000 associates. In 2019, David transitioned out of Ascena. Today, he’s a philanthropist on a quest for social change, leading two different nonprofits.
Hear career and investing lessons from David’s impressive journey strategically building Dressbarn into the Ascena Retail Group to his pivot to philanthropy focusing on food allergy research and climate change education. David shares insights on family business succession, integrating philanthropy, and his advice for those transitioning out of their primary careers. Key topics include the evolution of Dressbarn, strategies for successful acquisitions, and the importance of aligning career choices with personal passions.
Dad’s Top 10 List
Be impeccable with your word and actions. Your word is your bond.
Take responsibility for all your actions. Be an owner not a renter.
Humility – don’t rely on recognition for your satisfaction. But, be proud of whatever you do. If not, do it again.
Don’t take anything personally. Only you can make yourself feel bad.
Listen before you speak. Be open and flexible to new and others’ ideas.
Fulfill your potential. Be true to yourself.
Leverage your resources. Make the most of what you have.
Be here now. Focused and in the moment.
Choose your attitude.
Do your best and have fun!
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