4/5/2024-On this day, Sam Walton left behind a legacy.

Sam’s journey was long and hard. He was determined to fulfill his dream of serving his community, which, at first, was defined by zip codes. In the end, his community was global.

Sam, who left this earth on this day in 1992, is known for founding Walmart and Sam’s Club.

At the time of his passing, Sam’s companies employed 400,000 people and had annual sales of almost $50 billion from 1,735 Walmarts, 212 Sam’s Clubs, and 13 Supercenters.

Why should you, heavy-hitter sales pro, care?

Building a retail juggernaut requires tons of smart salespersonship. In that light, Sam deserves to be studied and honored.

When you read up on Sam Walton, you’ll first hear that he constantly asked questions.

Throughout his career, Sam was always on the floor interacting with employees, customers, and suppliers, probing to learn what he could improve. And he was known for asking the hard questions.

What hard questions do you need to ask your customers and internal peers?

Think of a few accounts – or internal situations – and script the questions that must be asked. And then…ask ’em.

Sam Walton is a study in entrepreneurship and perseverance. At the same time, Sam was benevolent and cunning…and that’s why he was so beloved by his employees.

Sam received a BA in economics from the University of Missouri in 1940 and then served in the U.S. Army Intelligence Corps from 1942 to 1945. He gained retail experience at JC Penney and operated a variety of stores in Newport and Bentonville, Arkansas, before opening his first Wal-Mart.

Inspired by the early success of his dime store and driven to bring even greater opportunity and value to his customers, Sam opened the first Wal-Mart in Rogers, AK, at the age of 44 (1962).

Sam’s journey was long and hard, but he kept picking away and picking away and was determined to fulfill his dream of serving his community. At first, the community could be defined in zip codes, and of course, in the end, it was global.

Woody Allen once muttered a quote that became famous: "Eighty percent of success is showing up." While Woody’s quote applies to most people, Sam shows what can happen when you show up 100% of the time!

Do the work, care about your customers, and keep going.

Here’s to Sam.

Spend 5 minutes learning about some of Sam’s best practices, and you’ll notice his formula is not sophisticated.

Oh yeah, Sam had superpowers, but mostly, he was disciplined and empathic.

He cared! …about everything.

Be like Sam and stay disciplined…one can’t build and grow a territory like yours without maniacal focus and care for your customers.