This course will discuss how Sam Walton, beginning with a five-and-dime store in a small Arkansas town, grew Wal-Mart into what became the world's largest retailer. This course will describe Walton's gradual discovery and mastery of the discount retailing concept. Walton's traits, including his genius as a merchandiser, will be revealed. The course will also describe Walton's growth and motivational strategies, e.g., starting in small towns, saturating local areas, building distribution centers near the stores, the use of computers, the use of goal setting, his profit sharing plan and his methods of communication. The story will be continued by relating what happened after Walton's death, under the leadership of the two CEOs who followed him: David Glass and Lee Scott. The course will conclude by describing the persecution the company has had to endure (and still is enduring) because of its success.