Sam Walton, Our Founder
 When Sam Walton, opened his first Walmart store in Rogers, Ark., in 1962, no one imagined he was introducing a retailing formula that within a generation would impact the lives of millions of people.
Sam firmly believed in “having a heck of a good time” while working hard. As an example of his fun-loving leadership style, Sam Walton wore a grass skirt and did the hula on Wall Street after losing a bet. Many associates (Walmart employees) fondly remember meeting Sam or the early days of working at Walmart. He was well known for crediting Walmart’s success to the associates and made sure information about the company’s objectives was shared among all the associates. A few weeks before Sam passed away, President George H. W. Bush presented him the Medal of Freedom on March 17, 1992, for his success in life as in business.
Learn more about Sam Walton
Samuel Moore Walton Biography
Immediately following his military service, Sam gained early retail experience at JC Penney in Iowa and operated his own variety store in Newport, Ark. Eventually, with the influence and encouragement of Helen, Sam opened the landmark Walton’s Five and Dime in Bentonville, Ark., in 1951.
Medal of Freedom Award
One of the highlights of Sam Walton’s career came just a few weeks before his passing, when President George H. W. Bush presented Sam with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on March 17, 1992. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest honor awarded to a civilian.
Mr. Sam's Hula on Wall Street
Sam Walton firmly believed in “having a heck of a good time” while working hard. "I lost a bet to David Glass and had to pay up by wearing a grass skirt and doing the hula on Wall Street... David had hired a truckload of real hula dancers and ukulele players—and he had alerted the newspapers and TV networks."
The Watermelon Story
David Glass, former president and CEO of Walmart, was not impressed with his first visit to Walmart at the opening of Store 2 in Harrison, Ark., in 1964. "It was about 115 degrees, and the watermelons began to pop, and the donkey began to do what donkeys do..."
When I Met Mr. Sam
Ranging from funny to humble, read stories from associates (our employees) that met Mr. Sam.
Mr. Sam and Ol' Roy
Sam Walton's love of hunting influenced many decisions in his life—from where to live to what he should name Walmart's private-label dog food. Here’s an excerpt from Sam's book, "Made in America," on his beloved hunting dog Ol' Roy.
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