From CEOs at major retail chains and well-known designers to celebrities and even a Major League Hall of Famer, Jack Gross has touched the lives of a vast number of people. Most point to his passion for the business, his never-ending enthusiasm and his integrity as among his most admirable qualities.

Here, a few of those whose lives he’s touched during his career weigh in.

“Jack is an experienced professional in the industry.  We have been great friends for a number of years. He is highly respected by everyone who knows him. He is unique in that he is a man of his word. A consummate gentleman.”  — Tommy Hilfiger

“Jack is and always will be the trailblazer in the denim category. He commercialized the business across a multiple of many brands. He was the go-to supplier.” — Jamie Salter, chief executive officer, Authentic Brands Group

“As you might have imagined, Jack was quite the ladies man in college, a ‘player’ in today’s vernacular. Jack made an attempt to play baseball, but only for a short time. In fact, he was a pretty good pitcher. Jack attended my wedding at my house in Dayton, Ohio, on Feb. 16 of 1974, which I thought was a very nice gesture. We’ve stayed in touch over the years, as old friends do. I’ll always appreciate our times together at Ohio U.” — Mike Schmidt, Philadelphia Phillies’ Hall of Fame third baseman

“Jack, I love and respect your honesty and integrity. You always had my back and believed in me but if you felt I was not on my A-game, you let me know. That means everything to me!  Thank you for always showing up. There will never be another Jack. I cherish every moment. You made me a better businesswoman. And retirement is bullpoopy!  LOL FAR too young and energetic!  Let’s just call it leveling up! I’m Gonna Love You Forever.” — Jessica Simpson

“I am going to miss my 6 a.m. calls from Jack with a great idea like a new name of a jean, from ‘Kiss Me’ to ‘Hug Me,’ or me calling him to complain about someone and his response is: ‘They are like a wet piece of toilet paper stuck to your shoe.’ His ‘Jack-isms’ are priceless and always made every situation lighter and funnier.  Jack ‘Walton,’ you know I love you like a brother. Thank you for being my friend, mentor, encourager and visionary. You may be retiring but get ready for my 6 a.m. calls. I wish you all the happiness in all you do and more time for long dinners and tequila shots? Tell me when and where, I’m there! Love you, Tina” — Tina Simpson, president, Jessica Simpson Collection

“Jack understood what I wanted to create with Sofia Jeans from the very beginning. He cared deeply about the product and about making women feel confident and beautiful. Every collaboration felt meaningful, and I’m so grateful for everything we created together.” — Sofia Vergara

“Jack has been such a trusted partner and an important part of the Sofia Jeans story. His leadership and support were felt in every part of what we built, and I’ve really valued the trust and respect we developed over the years.” — Luis Balaguer, CEO and founder, Latin World Entertainment and Sofia Vergara’s manager

“Jack has been a wonderful partner. He loves apparel and the opportunity to drive the business. Jack has mentored, challenged, and inspired many of our leaders. We will miss his authentic enthusiasm. I hope he enjoys his well-deserved next chapter.” — Tony Spring, chairman and CEO, Macy’s

“Throughout his career, Jack Gross has been a great partner to me and the Macy’s team and he is someone who brought determination and true passion to win. Working with Jack was a pleasure. Jack’s office was filled with quotes, and after a meeting, he even sent me a custom sign with one of his sayings. I keep it in my office as a reminder of his friendship and the insights he’s shared with me. Wishing Jack all the best in his well-deserved retirement.” — Nata Dvir, chief merchandising officer, Macy’s

“Jack was more than a business partner. He was a mentor. My favorite memory of Jack is a dinner out in Plano, Texas, after we had a business meeting that day.  That dinner was the essence of who Jack is as a person. He truly wanted to offer counsel, mentoring and guidance on how we as a company, and me, as a leader, could succeed. Truly one of my most memorable moments. He was never just a vendor. He was always a business and human partner. To this day, I consider him an advocate, a resource, and a friend. I will miss Jack and that BIG smile, but I wish him well in retirement and hope he actually relaxes!” — Michelle Wlazlo, brand CEO, JCPenney

“Jack is a wonderful person. I acquired Gloria Vanderbilt with him — he had an equity position — and sold it to Jones New York in 2002. I had a contract for 2 ½ years and when I left, I proudly suggested to management that Jack take my place. He’s a go-getter, he’s passionate, he’s very direct, very open and very collaborative and always ensures that everyone is happy. He really did a terrific job on the front end and he learned the back end. If I taught him anything, it was to focus more on the numbers because at the end of the day, a business has to be profitable. I still speak to him as a partner and wish I had him with me the last 15 years at Delta Galil. I’m surprised he’s retiring, he has a lot more in him. When you retire, you get old very quickly. I hope he continues to find other things to do to keep him young.” — Isaac Dabah, CEO, Delta Galil Industries

“Jack has always been focused on doing the right thing by our business, our people, and our customers. I’ve always admired his authenticity, warmth, and humor.  He was a true partner to Walmart in every sense, and his integrity, grace, and kindness set the tone for everyone around him. I wish him a retirement filled with the same joy, warmth, and generosity of spirit he’s shared with all of us over the years.” — Denise Incandela, executive vice president of apparel and private brands, Walmart

“Congratulations Jack on your retirement and your incredible career. My sincerest gratitude and appreciation for your unwavering partnership and for all of your support. Wishing you and yours the very best as you start this next exciting chapter. No one deserves it more. The impact that you have made, and the legacy you leave, are truly remarkable.” — Sarah Hagland, executive vice president and general merchandising manager, women’s, Kohl’s

“Jack has always been one of my biggest cheerleaders and supporters — amongst many doubters. Jack has shown by example how to balance being a true gentleman and a true leader. His sense of decency and fairness has earned him not only admiration, but genuine affection from everyone. I only hope he will know how deeply grateful I am for the opportunities he has given me, as well as his unwavering support and encouragement. He has left a huge mark on my life and everyone lucky enough to have worked with him. Jack is a reminder that true class never goes out of style and I wish him much joy ahead, knowing what an important and positive impact he has had on so many.” — Dee Ocleppo

“I want to thank Jack for being an incredible partner to Kohl’s for several decades, and for everything we’ve achieved together. We wish you all the best in your retirement.” — Nick Jones, chief merchandising officer, Kohl’s

“We were fortunate to have such a great partner in Jack Gross. Through every challenge — from the uncertainty of COVID to the strains of tariffs — his optimism never wavered. He approached every obstacle with calm confidence, wise counsel and a steady belief that solutions could always be found. His insight, integrity and invaluable connections made a lasting impact on our business, our team and me personally. As he enters retirement, I hope he discovers new passions — whether in hobbies, travel or simply enjoying more time with his family.” — MaryAnne Morin, president and chief merchandising officer, Belk

“My favorite memory of Jack was the first time [I met him]. I can be an energetic guy, but meeting Jack for the first time you could very easily see that he has an energy and a passion for this industry that very few people could ever top. It’s an infectious energy — it’s very difficult to leave a conversation with Jack and not feel like you could conquer the world. My hope for Jack is that as he moves into this next phase of his life that he doesn’t lose that energy, that he keeps that same passion for our industry and takes that to the rest of his life outside of retail.” — Jon Bolman, senior vice president of ready-to-wear and private brands, Belk

“Jack Gross is a living legend in our industry — sharp, successful and passionate, with a heart of gold.  Jack is also the consummate veteran negotiator who is always on the ball. As Jack likes to say, he was ‘born in the middle of the night — but not last night!’” — Yehuda Shmidman, founder, chairman and CEO, WHP Global