1918-1992
Retail Magnate

Empire.

During the l980s Sam Walton became America's richest man, combining innovation, business savvy, and a down-home style to achieve his success. Walton built his chain of discount stores into the largest in the country, surpassing even K-Mart, while promoting them with small-town values.

Growing Up.

Walton grew up during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Despite the dismal climate of the Depression, Walton enjoyed success in his hometown of Columbia, Missouri, as an adolescent. In 1936 The Crescent, the Hickman High School annual, proclaimed him to be the Most Versatile Boy. In fall 1936 Walton began studying business administration at the University of Missouri. Working his way through college, Walton began to demonstrate his entrepreneurial skills. Upon graduating from college in 1940, Walton entered the army reserves as a second lieutenant. While in the reserves Walton decided on retail as his career and took...