Sam Walton

Date of Birth: March 29, 1918

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: April 5, 1992

Biography

Sam Walton was an American businessman and entrepreneur best known for founding the retail giants Walmart and Sam’s Club. Born in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, Walton’s early life was marked by his family’s frequent moves during the Great Depression. He graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in economics in 1940 and began his retail career at J.C. Penney. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Walton opened his first variety store in Newport, Arkansas. In 1962, he founded Walmart, which grew rapidly due to its focus on cost-cutting and customer service. Walton’s innovative strategies, such as leveraging technology for inventory management and creating a distribution network, revolutionized the retail industry. By the time of his death in 1992, Walmart had become the world’s largest retailer, making Walton one of the richest men in America.

5 Interesting Facts about Sam Walton

1. Sam Walton was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 by President George H.W. Bush.

2. Walmart’s annual sales surpassed $1 billion for the first time in 1980.

3. Walton started his retail career with a $20,000 loan from his father-in-law.

4. He was known for his “10-foot rule,” which encouraged employees to greet any customer within 10 feet.

5. Walton flew a light aircraft to scout new store locations, showing his hands-on approach to business expansion.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sam Walton

1. “High expectations are the key to everything.”

2. “There is only one boss. The customer.”

3. “Celebrate your successes. Find some humor in your failures.”

4. “Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.”

5. “Commit to your business. Believe in it more than anybody else.”