Walton's first exposure to the retail industry was when his family moved next door to Hugh Mattingly. They discussed Hugh's retail strategies and how well it was working out for him. But at that time, Sam was still thinking about selling insurance, and wasn't considering the possibilities of retail. But, when he couldn't afford to get into the right college for the job he wanted, he settled for a position at JCPenney's, where he began to love the industry. Sam says, "Now I realize the simple truth: I got into retailing because I was tired and I wanted a real job."
He started into retail with a salary of $75 each month. He quickly discovered he had a talent for selling things, and he loved to sell. One of the biggest obstacles Walton faced during his time at Penney's was his handwriting. It was extremely difficult for others to read. He would often mess up sales slips because he hated messing with the paperwork for the previous customer when another was waiting. Walton admits this often caused much confusion.
The biggest inspiration to Sam was the store manager, Duncan Majors. Sam describes Majors as having successful business tactics and a talent for training and motivating new employees, who looked up to him. Every Sunday, the employees would gather at Duncan's house to discuss retail. "Watching this guy was what got me excited about retail. He was really good." Sam said. Another inspiration was when he met James Cash Penney, who offered him simple tips about displaying merchandise. At this time, Walton began checking the competition stores nearby to see what they were doing in order to make their store more successful.
In 1945, two years after marrying his wife Helen, Sam Walton decided he wanted to go into retailing on his own, with no experience other than his job at JCPenney's.
He started into retail with a salary of $75 each month. He quickly discovered he had a talent for selling things, and he loved to sell. One of the biggest obstacles Walton faced during his time at Penney's was his handwriting. It was extremely difficult for others to read. He would often mess up sales slips because he hated messing with the paperwork for the previous customer when another was waiting. Walton admits this often caused much confusion.
The biggest inspiration to Sam was the store manager, Duncan Majors. Sam describes Majors as having successful business tactics and a talent for training and motivating new employees, who looked up to him. Every Sunday, the employees would gather at Duncan's house to discuss retail. "Watching this guy was what got me excited about retail. He was really good." Sam said. Another inspiration was when he met James Cash Penney, who offered him simple tips about displaying merchandise. At this time, Walton began checking the competition stores nearby to see what they were doing in order to make their store more successful.
In 1945, two years after marrying his wife Helen, Sam Walton decided he wanted to go into retailing on his own, with no experience other than his job at JCPenney's.