“Keep it simple, Nolan." Treat your associates well and they’ll move mountains for you.”
When Nolan Raymond became the new Hinton Walmart Store Manager late last year, this is some of the advice he received from his dad Kevin Raymond, a seasoned Walmart operator, that shaped his approach to managing his first store.
Thirty years ago, Kevin Raymond was one of the 100-plus original Store Managers when Walmart purchased Woolco. He took the helm of Store 3038 in Hinton, Alberta in 1994, his first store with the retailer.
Today, his son Nolan is following in his footsteps in the exact same store.
Walking in Dad’s footsteps
“It’s funny where life takes you,” said Nolan.
“It’s one thing metaphorically, to walk in the footsteps of your father but I have the opportunity to do that in a real sense.”
“Thirty years later, I’m literally walking in his footsteps.”
Dad’s influence, Nolan’s journey to Store Manager
Nolan's connection to Walmart began at a very young age.
"For as long as I can remember, we were a Walmart family," said Nolan
Dad Kevin introduced the Raymond family, including 4-year-old Nolan to the Hinton associates on his very first day at the store. Growing up, Nolan, his brothers and his mom were often seen shopping at the store and regularly took part in store events from fundraisers and barbecues to the local Santa Claus parade.
Nolan's journey to Store Manager is a testament to his father's influence and hard work.
Nolan started his career at Walmart over 13 years ago as a part-time produce associate while studying history intending to go to Teacher’s College. After graduating, he took a full-time, mid-level role. He fell in love with it and just like dad, knew retail at Walmart was what he wanted to do in life. He saw how Walmart changed his family for the better and the opportunities that Walmart provides.
When Nolan was ready to be a Store Manager, he looked at job postings across the country. He seized the opportunity when a position became available in Hinton. Dad was his first call when he received the promotion and they both chuckled at the coincidence.
“It was a full circle moment. There are 400-plus stores across that I could have gotten, and this is the one I got,” said Nolan.
“It’s also crazy to think that some of our associates remember me when I was just getting out of diapers and now I'm leading them as their store manager.”
“For me, this store is special because we have roots in the community. I like the fact that Hinton is a small town. I like that people remember my family and that they had an impact on this community 30 years ago.”
Helping people live better
“Dad taught me that we have a responsibility to people," added Nolan. "Our job is to sell things but at the end of the day it’s our responsibility to change lives – the lives of our customers and associates."
This father-son duo story is a wonderful example of generational leadership and the shared dedication to Walmart's values and mission.
