Don Soderquist

Donald G. Soderquist (January 29, 1934 – July 21, 2016) was an American businessman known for his work as chief operating officer and senior vice chairman of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Early life Don Soderquist was born on January 29, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Wheaton College (Ill.), where he earned his bachelor of arts degree in business administration in 1955. Soon after graduation, he married JoAnn (Jo) Pollard in Wheaton, Illinois. He then served in the U.S. Army Finance Corps from 1957 – 1959. He and Jo had four children: Mark, Wendy, Sandie and Jeff.

Career Soderquist began his career working for City Products, later becoming president for Ben Franklin Stores. He joined Walmart as executive vice president in 1980 and served in several executive positions before his appointment to vice chairman and chief operating officer.

He worked for the five-and-dime and craft chain Ben Franklin stores for 16 years, six of which he served as president and chief executive officer. During his time at Ben Franklin, Soderquist met Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Several times Walton tried to persuade Soderquist to join his team at Walmart. A memorial service was held in his honor at Fellowship Bible NWA in Rogers, Arkansas, on July 29, 2016.

Philanthropy Soderquist was active in his community, supporting charities and nonprofits alike. He received multiple awards for his work in this area including the Dick Trammel Good Neighbor Award from the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce in 2009, and the Advocate for Innocence Award for Outstanding Community Partner from the Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County in 2015.

Three nonprofits Soderquist worked closely with were Lake Geneva Camps and Conferences (Lake Geneva, Wisconsin), New Life Ranch (Colcord, Oklahoma), and Westlawn Youth Network (Bellwood, Illinois).

Honors

1990 - Received Outstanding Business Leader Award from the Northwood Institute in Palm Beach, Florida.

1996 - Inducted into the Retailing Hall of Fame.

2009 - Elected Trustee Emeritus at John Brown University.

2011 - Inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame in 2011.

2013 - John Brown University named their business college after Soderquist.

Soderquist also received Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, from John Brown University, and from Judson College in Elgin, Illinois.

Publications

Soderquist, Don (2005), The Wal-Mart Way: The Inside Story of the Success of the World's Largest Company, Thomas Nelson.

Soderquist, Don (2006), Live Learn Lead to Make a Difference, Thomas Nelson.