Home Depot

-grew up in a very poor family
-was determined to push himself to work hard until he reached his goals
-wanted to become a medical doctor but his family could not afford colledge
-instead was a pharmasist
-after graduating from pharmacy school, he partnered with two gentlemen and ventured into discounting, learning on the way to operate a business and how to merchandise
-he became Executive Vice President of Two Guys
-became CEO of Handy Dan where he got his knowledge of home improvement
-he and Arthur Blank were fired from that job
-started the Home Depot with Arthur Blank
-Arthur was the money guy, Bernie was the cheerleader
-Bernie knew how to motivate his employees
-Home Depot trained people to think for themselves and paid higher wages
-in the first year Home Depot lost $1 million
-all employees were trained to be courteous, helpful and knowledgeable, and customers came to love the attitude at this new type of home improvement store
-they found value in the product and repaid The Home Depot by returning to buy again and again
-buy the end of year 2 they profited $1 million
-Home Depot started to open more stores... they opened 4 more in Florida
-1996, Sales were up to $1 billion