Don Soderquist and Walmart.

Don Soderquist started working for Walmart Stores, Inc. in 1980 as an executive vice president. He held a number of roles before retiring from the company as senior vice chairman. During his tenure, he became known as the “Keeper of the Culture” after the passing of Sam Walton in 1992.

Youtube.com:  As the retired Chief Operating Officer of Walmart, Don Soderquist is often asked, “How has Walmart done it?” or “What’s the secret?” His response is that there is no secret, no magic formula. In fact, the principles that launched Wal-mart into unprecedented success are so simple it’s easy to overlook their significance.  Don Soderquist was part of the leadership team that grew the company from $1 billion in sales to $244 billion (the largest company in the world at that time). This video is a rare, inside look at two of the principles that guided one of the greatest businesses of all time.  Okay, so there is one secret after all. Whether your company has one employee or a million, the principles Don shares in this video will dramatically work for you too.

When I worked for Walmart Logistics I was lucky enough to get to hear Don Soderquist speak.  He is an amazing speaker and told great stories that I still remember to this day and repeat to people.

Don Soderquist was a key figure in the growth of Walmart, serving as the company’s chief operating officer and senior vice chairman from 1988 to 1999. During his tenure, Walmart’s revenue increased from $1 billion to more than $200 billion.

Soderquist joined Walmart in 1980 as executive vice president of administration and logistics. He was responsible for the company’s supply chain, information systems, and human resources. In 1988, he was promoted to vice chairman and chief operating officer. In this role, he oversaw the company’s day-to-day operations and helped to expand Walmart into new markets.

Soderquist was known for his commitment to Walmart’s values of customer service, respect for the individual, and continuous improvement. He was also a strong advocate for employee development and training. Under his leadership, Walmart created the first in-house training program for its employees.

Soderquist retired from Walmart in 2000. After retirement, he founded the Soderquist Center for Leadership and Ethics at John Brown University. The center provides values-focused development training to future generations of leaders. Soderquist also wrote a book, “The Walmart Way,” about the company’s culture and business practices.

Soderquist was a highly respected business leader and a role model for many. He was known for his integrity, humility, and commitment to making a difference in the world. He died in 2016 at the age of 82.

Here are some of the key contributions of Don Soderquist to Walmart:

• He helped to expand Walmart into new markets, including China and Mexico.
• He oversaw the development of Walmart’s supply chain, which helped to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• He implemented a number of employee development programs, which helped to create a more skilled and motivated workforce.
• He was a strong advocate for customer service, and he helped to create a culture of customer focus throughout the company.
• He was a mentor to many young leaders, and he helped to shape the future of Walmart.

Don Soderquist was a significant figure in the history of Walmart. He was a key contributor to the company’s growth and success, and he helped to shape the company’s culture and values. He will be remembered as a great leader and a true gentleman.

Business and Retail Quotes

• 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. ~ Sam Walton
• Each Wal-mart store should reflect the values of its customers and support the vision they hold for their community.  ~ Sam Walton
• “At Wal-Mart, it goes back to Sam Walton and the foundation and business model that we simply operate for less, or everyday low cost. We’re known for operating in a very efficient way and then giving those savings to customers.” ~ Mike Duke
• “But they are also better, our competitors are better because Wal-Mart exists.” ~ Lee Scott, former CEO of Walmart
• “Wal-Mart, we’ve been known for many years – back to the days of when Sam Walton started the company – we’ve been known for basics. The basic need of families and people across America. Wal-Mart was known as the place for basics.” ~ Mike Duke, former CEO of Wal-Mart
• “The key to competing and surviving against Wal-Mart is to focus your business into a niche or pocket where you can leverage your strengths in the local marketplace.” ~ Michael Bergdahl, former Director of People at Wal-Mart
• “Wal-Mart’s success strategies and tactics are easy to understand yet hard to duplicate.” ~ Michael Bergdahl
• “If we care about the average working American, then Wal-Mart matters. A lot” ~ Simon Sinek
• “Pretty much, Apple and Dell are the only ones in this industry making money. They make it by being Wal-Mart. We make it by innovation.” ~ Steve Jobs
• “After a lifetime of swimming upstream, I am convinced that one of the real secrets to Wal-mart’s phenomenal success has been that very tendency.” ~ Sam Walton