The Sam Walton Way Poem by Michael Bergdahl

Sam Walton was an ordinary man
Who started with a simple plan
His only dream to be the best
Not bigger, but better than the rest

His wife Helen was the one
Who helped Sam Walton get it done
When funds were tight in ‘45
Her father's loan kept dreams alive

Sam started with a single store
He never really wanted more
But as his idea gathered steam
His goal became a global dream

He imported goods from overseas
Manufacturing products for lower fees
He focused hard on lowering cost
His customers won: his competitors lost

He asked his customers what to buy
Then charged low prices and stacked it high
Thousands of customers shopped his store
With an insatiable desire to purchase more

His greeters smile and say hello
Welcoming customers they're sure to know
His Associates help and show the way
Providing great service every day

Sam made his customers number one
And shopping his stores was actually fun
Prices and products were guaranteed
And checking out was done with speed

He traveled here and traveled there
He flew his own plane everywhere
He visited stores across the land
Talking, serving and shaking hands

He believed his team to be the key
He gave credit to others for all to see
He was quick to diminish his own role
Crediting team success for achieving goals

His Associate partners meant so much
He treated them with a personal touch
He cared for them like trusted friends
And they believed in him until the end

"Mr. Sam" is the respectful name
Of this man who sought not wealth or fame
His legacy is the customers served
He'd say he achieved more than he deserved

Sam Walton was an extraordinary man
Who had passion along with a simple plan
He proved that dreams can come true
If you're willing to do what you have to do