Thesis

Samuel Moore Walton was the greatest American who ever lived and here is why:

Sam Walton was the greatest American for many reasons but the main reason is he turned a little mini mart (Wal-Mart) into one of the most successful businesses in the world. Some may think that a person who invented something would be the greatest American of the 1930’s. But, if a person invented something that helped all Americans, for example the “light bulb,” no one would even know about the light bulb if a place like Wal-Mart didn’t sell it to the public. If people didn’t like the light bulb and the stores didn’t sell the product, then the inventor wouldn’t be remembered for anything. Also, buying and selling products helps the American economy and this is very important to all people.

Biography

Samuel Moore Walton was born in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, 1918. According to Sam Walton (1918-1992), Sam’s parents were Thomas Gibson and Nancy Lee Walton. Sam’s childhood was a hard one to live because he was raised during the Great Depression. So you could probably conclude that Sam’s family wasn’t all that rich. But Sam’s good grades allowed him to go to the University of Missouri. He married Helen Robson after graduation and eventually had four children. According to Sam Moore Walton (1918 – 1992), Sam entered the army as an Army Intelligence Officer for three years and served in World War II. After his three years as an Army Intelligence Officer were over, he started one of the most successful businesses in the world, Wal-Mart.

1st Influence

Sam’s father was a banker and a business man. That is probably where Sam got his idea of becoming a business man. His first job was a retailer with J.C. Penney in Des Moines, Iowa making only $85 per month as a trainee. He was a retailer at J.C. Penney from 1938-1942. After his army service, he spent his $25,000 in savings to buy a Ben Franklin store in Newport, Arkansas. Later, his brother joined him working at Ben Franklin. By 1962, he had nine Walton’s 5 & 10 stores operated under an agreement with Chicago, Ben Franklin. When Ben Frankin management showed now interest in discount stores versus dime stores, Walton and his brother (James) opened his first Wal-Mart in Rogers, Arkansas, five miles from Bentonville.

2nd Influence

Wal-mart was founded by Sam Walton and his brother. It was built around a low cost and no frills plan. They wanted to target the lower class and invest in cutting technology. Early innovation was the decision to buy directly from manufacturers rather than through wholesalers. The company was also committed to the "Buy American" program. Wal-mart became one of the fast growing stores averaging a growth rate 35% for more than a decade. Walton soon became one of the richest men in the world but he still preferred to be called Sam and felt more comfortable in his truck or at the loading docks.
Wal-mart was founded by Sam Walton and his brother. It was built around a low cost and no frills plan. They wanted to target the lower class and invest in cutting technology. Early innovation was the decision to buy directly from manufacturers rather than through wholesalers. The company was also committed to the "Buy American" program. Wal-mart became one of the fast growing stores averaging a growth rate 35% for more than a decade. Walton soon became one of the richest men in the world but he still preferred to be called Sam and felt more comfortable in his truck or at the loading docks.

Fun Facts

• Sam Walton was one of the most richest people in the world, and he gave away most of his money to charities and his employees working in his stores.



• Even though Sam was a Billionaire, he still drove his pick-up truck to work.



• Sam would always make time to visit one of his stores or help at a loading dock.