Home Depot

Founded in 1978 by Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank.
Bernie was a miracle child because once he was born, his mother was able to walk again.
Arthur's mom always believed you should strive for higher standards.
Bernie settled for a degree in Pharmacy, but he realized he loved being out on the floor rather than behind the counter.
In 1957, Arthur's father died of a heart attack at the age of 44, Arthur was 15.
Arthur's competitive strengths were reinforced by the loss of his father.
He was elected senior class president, and started his own business.
By 1974, Bernie and Marcus were working for the same company called Handy Dan, Home Improvement Centers.
Back in 1974, after getting to know Arthur, Bernie had an opening on his executive staff.
In 1978, Bernie and Marcus both got the 'axe'.
Bernie believed that his idea would make any other home improvement company obsolete.
The new company they were about to form would change the industry.
Low cost, high service, low volume.
They got a $2 million for 70% of the company.
Bernie and the others chose Atlanta, now if they could only settle on a name.
Bad Bernie's Home was the first name.
The Grand Opening as scheduled for Friday morning and they put a two page ad in the newspaper, but they didn't run it.
Their promotion was if you came to the store, they'd give you a dollar bill.
Things didn't pick up much over the next few months, people were confused.
There were no signs in the store, it was like a maze.
People started hearing about this 'amazing company'.
The early days were different, very alive, always moving.
It was very loud, and very fast paced.
Bernie was the money guy, Arthur was the cheerleader and inspiration.
In 1980, it was still anxiously hoping that the people of Atlanta would start coming.
By the end of year 2, there was almost $1 million profit.
The would send a small coffin to their rivals as a sign telling them that their days are numbered.
Home depot, in it's first 20 years, grew faster than any other industry.
The philosophy of doing well by doing good wasn't new to Home Depot.
In 1996, they had more than 500 stores to it's name.
It was named one of America's most admired retailers.

Arthur's strength:
Very competitive, service guy,
Bernie's strength:
Inspirational
Ken's strength:
Finance
Pat's strength:
Knew how to sell, marketing.

I learned that if you play well with others strengths and work as a team, you can do anything.