AVAILABILITY: Usually ships within 1-2 weeks

Publication Date: 2005
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Binding: Hard bound
Topics: Crime & Punishment

Description: Since Sam Walton's death in 1992, Wal-Mart has gone from being the largest retailer in the world to holding the top spot on the Fortune 500 list as the largest company in the world. Donald Soderquist, who was senior vice chairman during that time, played a crucial role in that success. Sam Walton said, "I tried for almost twenty years to hire Don Soderquist ... But when we really needed him later on, he finally joined up and made a great chief operating officer." Responsible for overseeing many of Wal-Mart's key support divisions, including real estate, human resources, information systems, logistics, legal, corporate affairs, and loss prevention, Soderquist stayed true to his Christian values as well as Wal-Mart's distinct management style. "Probably no other Wal-Mart executive since the legendary Sam Walton has come to embody the principles of the company's culture - or to represent them within the industry - as has Don Soderquist," Discount Store News once reported.

In 'Sam's Choice', Soderquist shares his story of helping lead a global company from being a $43 billion company to one that would eventually exceed $200 billion. Several books have been written about Wal-Mart's success, but none by the ones who were the actual players. It was more than "Everyday Low Prices" and distribution that catapulted the company to the top. The core values based on Judeo-Christian principles - and maintained by leaders such as Soderquist - are the real reason for Wal-Mart's success.

(See also the CD-set with the same title.)

Review(s): "Sam Walton was a passionate man. His passions were his God, his family, his country, and his business. All of us who knew Sam Walton have wished we could leave for posterity a proper portrait of this uncommon man. One of his closest friends and business associates has done it. In 'The Wal-Mart Way' you are going to meet Mister Sam through the friendly eyes of Don Soderquist. Good for you." - Paul Harvey

"The Wal-Mart Way is a fascinating and historic look at the story of one of the world's most legendary companies, written from the inside by Sam Walton's long-time friend and confidante. You'll learn a lot about how a great company was built." - Jack Welch, former Chairman & CEO, General Electric

"Retailing has always been in my blood. Like Sam Walton, I spent as much time as I could visiting other people's stores, but through the years I learned that Wal-Mart is in a class all by itself. It's the epitome of retail. The story of this unbelievable organization began in - of all places - Bentonville, Arkansas, and is the greatest retail story of all times. Don Soderquist gives us insight on how it was accomplished and offers a useful guide to entrepreneurs everywhere who want to take advantage of our great free enterprise system. 'The Wal-Mart Way' truly shows what can be achieved out of this life. Great reading." - Bernie Marcus, Co-Founder, The Home Depot

"Don Soderquist has written a book that not only gives us insight into the success of Wal-Mart, but also shows us how we can be responsible role models in our own businesses and community. Thank you, Don, for clearly defining the how-to's of being an ethical leader in the 21st century." - Anne Beiler

"I always hoped that Don Soderquist would take the time to explain the foundations of Wal-Mart's success. He has done it superbly, capturing it's essence - from Sam Walton's vision that stared it all; to the unrelenting focus on the customer; to respect for people and values, teamwork, and relationships; to the never-ending quest for improvement and growth and commitment to excellence. Soderquist has done this in a way that not only explains Wal-Mart but can be applied to any institution, profit or non-profit. The lessons in 'The Wal-Mart Way' are at once concrete, accessible, highly engaging, and broadly applicable. This is a book that countless readers will benefit from." - John E. Pepper Jr., Retired Chairman and CEO, Procter & Gamble