Founder Profile
Sam Walton
Last reviewed: October 2026 · By Swet Parvadiya
Who is Sam Walton?
Sam Walton is a founder of Walmart Inc., which was founded in 1962.
- Company founded
- Walmart Inc.
- Founded
- 1962
Background
Born in Oklahoma in 1918, Walton graduated from the University of Missouri and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He then ran a Ben Franklin variety-store franchise in Newport, Arkansas before moving to Bentonville.
Founding Story
Sam Walton opened the first Walmart Discount City in Rogers, Arkansas in 1962 and built the company around low prices, low costs, and its own distribution network. He served as CEO until 1988 and remained chairman until his death in 1992. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992.