So last night I met--and shook hands with--the big guy himself!

[LandOLincoln]

James D. Sinegal, President and Chief Executive Officer of Costco.

'Twas at the Renaissance store (Albuquerque), a bit after 7:00 p.m. A passel of bigwigs and their functionaries was arriving the same time I was, most of the activity focused on a youngish, vaguely familiar-looking guy.

About twenty minutes into my shopping I encountered the cluster again, so asked the closest person who that was at the center of the swarm. She paused, then said "He's our VP."

The cluster left the same time I did as well, still seemingly focused on the same youngish, vaguely familiar-looking guy. I got to the door slightly ahead of them, and as I handed over my receipt, an older guy separated himself from the group and came over to say hello to the woman at the door.

When he rejoined the swarm I said something like, "I understand there's a bigwig here tonight. Too bad it's not Sinegal himself, I'd like to shake his hand and..."

"That was him just now," she said.

"Huh?"

"Yeah, the guy I just spoke to."

Naturally I hadn't paid that much attention to him, but I finally picked him out by his white hair and mustache. His name tag--which said simply "Jim"--helped.

So I stuck out my hand, told him I loved his store, loved the way he did business, and hoped he'd "keep on keepin' on" for a very long time.

He seemed a little wary at first--probably thought I was gonna hit him up for a job--but rallied quickly and said he loved his customers and appreciated my business, or something like that.

Never did find out the name of the youngish, familiar-looking guy--apparently the regional VP--but I'd like to think most of Sinegal's VPs are at least 20 years younger (Sinegal's in his mid-70s, IIRC) and will "keep on keepin' on" for a long time to come.

[mattclearing]

1. That's awesome.

Costco is a good example of how a business should be run...profit stems from proper treatment of consumers and employees, not the other way around.

[blm]

2. I love that guy, too. I would've grabbed him and planted a big one on him.

I love him THAT much.

I'll bet there's a lot more here who will appreciate your post and feel the same way you do, LoL.

[madokie]

3. sure wish we had a costco in our area, wouldn't shop anywhere else.

I read a very inspiring story here on DU months ago about Costco, Sinegal and the way he treats his employees, The store personel make an average of 17 plus buck's an hour with good benefits. mostly usa made products and they beat walmart's prices. We could have saved 100 bucks or so on our dishwasher and had it delivered to the door. go costco

[warrens]

4. I met him a long time ago, at an opening in Florida

I had an appointment to interview him. When I got there and asked around, I found him boxing groceries at one of the checkouts. He's a good guy. I remember in that interview he told me that when he got out of college, he decided he would never work anywhere that demanded a necktie. And he never has.

[LandOLincoln]

5. That's a great story, and it doesn't surprise me in the least.

I mean, every time I encountered that "swarm" last night, the attention seemed focused on the younger guy. There was absolutely no clue that the Big Man himself present as well.

[NewWaveChick1981]

6. Costco does business the right way!

I just joined Costco about a year ago when one opened not far from my house. I was a bit wary of warehouse shopping because I was a member of Sam's about ten years ago and hated it. I had a guest pass for Costco and took my husband along for the "tour." I had read a lot about Costco and the way they do business, and I was willing to give them a try. I was very pleasantly surprised! I don't have to do a lot of bulk shopping (just two people!), but when I do need to go, I enjoy it a lot. They've got a good thing going! Oh, and BTW, the employees there are happy to be there---unlike Sam's, where more than once I encountered bad attitudes. :)

[bunkerbuster1]

9. I've directed a few folks away from Sam's and to Costco

and I will continue to do so.

Most people are blown away when I tell them that the former pays ~$8/hour less on average than the latter. That's usually enough of a persuader.

[havocmom]

7. Cool. I'm envious and THAT doesn't happen much to me

The man is wonderful. Love the way he keeps winking at Wall Street when they tell him he's doin it all wrong!

Even if we didn't save some money at COSTCO, we would shop there on our supply runs into town. The employees work damned hard and they seem to be glad to be there. That speaks volumes.

[kansasblue]

8. The big guy! I thought you meant Santa.

[nicknameless]

11. I was thinking Michael Moore.

:)

[0007]

10. A good story, I liked your encounter also with

West Clark after you read his resume

You do have good taste by shopping at Costco. I have stock in Costco, keep up the shoppin.

[abluelady]

12. Wow!

I was just talking him up the other day but I couldn't remember his name. I constantly push Costco on everyone I know because of his beliefs. Hope he comes to my store someday! Since I'm always there, I'n sure to see him. lol