Businessweek1-800-Flowers.com's Jim McCann: How Did I Get Here?FacebookXLinkedInEmailLinkGiftExpandFacebookXLinkedInEmailLinkGiftGift this articleContact us:Provide news feedback or report an errorConfidential tip?Send a tip to our reportersSite feedback:Take our SurveyNew WindowFacebookXLinkedInEmailLinkGiftBy Arianne CohenFebruary 12, 2015 at 11:18 PM UTCBookmarkSaveLock This article is for subscribers only.This article is part of the February 16, 2015 issue of businessweek.Chevron RightThe CEO owes it all to hard work—and the Persian Gulf War.