Sam Walton (1918-1992)founded Walmart and Sam’s Club.  He opened the first Wal-Mart Discount City in 1962 after having several franchise Ben Franklin stores. His main effort was to market American made products. Although after his death, this practice was not continued. He placed his stores close to distribution centers, thereby having stores in multiple areas, not just in major cities.

He was listed as the richest man in the US from 1982 to 1988. Walmart and Sam’s Club stores operate in the US and in 15 other countries including, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and the UK.