Meaning: This quote by David Neeleman, a successful businessman and entrepreneur, reflects his perspective on the dangers of becoming too focused on obtaining tax rebates from city governments in pursuit of financial gain. Neeleman is known for his work in the aviation industry, having founded multiple successful airlines such as JetBlue Airways and Azul Brazilian Airlines. His words highlight the potential pitfalls of prioritizing short-term financial gains over sustainable and profitable business practices.

Neeleman's mention of getting "caught up in how much money they could get from each of the city governments as far as tax rebates" suggests a pursuit of financial incentives from local authorities. In many cases, city governments offer tax rebates and other incentives to attract businesses and stimulate economic growth within their jurisdictions. While these incentives can be beneficial for companies, Neeleman warns about the potential downside of focusing too much on them.

He goes on to caution that such incentives "work when you make money," implying that companies should not rely solely on tax rebates and other financial incentives to sustain their operations. This highlights the importance of building a strong and viable business model that can generate profits independently of external incentives. Relying too heavily on tax rebates can create a situation where the financial gains are not sustainable in the long run, leading to what Neeleman refers to as "phantom money."

The term "phantom money" suggests that the financial benefits obtained through tax rebates may not be as substantial or reliable as they initially appear. It alludes to the idea that these incentives may create an illusion of financial success without a solid foundation of genuine profitability. Neeleman's warning serves as a reminder that businesses should be cautious about becoming overly dependent on such incentives and should instead focus on building a strong, sustainable business model that can thrive independently.

Neeleman's experience in the aviation industry likely informs his perspective on this issue. The airline industry is known for its competitiveness and thin profit margins, making it crucial for companies to prioritize sustainable business practices over short-term financial gains. In the context of the aviation industry, relying too heavily on tax rebates and incentives from city governments could potentially distract companies from addressing fundamental operational and financial challenges.

Overall, Neeleman's quote reflects a broader cautionary tale about the potential risks of overvaluing tax rebates and other financial incentives from city governments. While these incentives can provide initial financial benefits, they should not be the sole focus of a company's business strategy. Instead, businesses should strive to build strong, profitable operations that can thrive independently of external incentives. Neeleman's emphasis on the importance of creating genuine, sustainable wealth rather than chasing "phantom money" serves as a valuable reminder for businesses across industries.