Chapter 10: Stepping Back Summary and Analysis

By 1974, Wal-Mart has 100 stores and is achieving nearly $170 million in sales. The stock has split twice and Sam is 56 years old and free from debt. Sam plays tennis everywhere he goes. In addition, Sam loves quail hunting after being introduced to it by Helen's father. He points out that although he works a lot, he also knows how to play.

Sam decides that he wants to become less involved with the business. There are two main camps in the Wal-Mart organization—those with Ferold, who has been integral in organizing the company, and those with Ron, who has been integral with technology and the sophisticated systems. Ron has high ambitions and Sam doesn't want to lose him so he makes Ron the chairman and CEO, while delegating Ferold to the role of president.

The company becomes...