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What better place to turn a job into a career than Walmart Canada

Jan. 16, 2025

“It’s a memory that will undoubtedly stand as a peak moment in my 12-year and counting Walmart career”.


After starting his journey with Walmart Canada at age 16, stocking dry grocery shelves at store 1107 in Waterdown, Ontario, Brad Kalsbeek, Store Manager of Walmart’s Mississauga-Erin Mills Town Centre was presented with his Store Manager badge by Doug McMillon, Walmart Inc.’s President and CEO last fall during a surprise store visit.

When Brad started at Walmart in 2012, he was looking for an after-school job that didn’t require a driver’s license. He was in luck – the Waterdown Walmart was within one kilometre of his home and hiring. 


“I applied at a few different places nearby and could just tell from my interviews that Walmart had a stronger sense of belonging.”


And little did he know, Walmart “would be a path of endless opportunities” and offer him a career he’s “extremely proud of and excited about, each and every day.”


Both of Brad’s parents were retail Store Managers so he always had retail in his blood.


He credits his parents and the inspiring stories of Walmart leaders like Doug McMillon and Walmart Canada’s very own Chief Operations Officer Joe Schrauder who started as hourly associates, with motivating him to turn his job at Walmart into a career.


“I owe a huge thank you to all of the mentors, leaders and cheerleaders who have supported me throughout my career and helped me achieve my goal of becoming a Store Manager at Walmart. They would walk with me through the store, assign tasks, and discuss opportunities. Their main intent was always to educate and teach me with a lesson or takeaway.” 


Embodying our Walmart values as a Store Manager


Brad believes a good Store Manager should stay true to themselves and treat their associates the way they would want to be treated. He makes it a point to always approach others with a smile and a friendly greeting, like "hello" or "good morning." He strongly believes this approachable and supportive attitude helps create a stronger team dynamic.


“I love the positive impact I can have on my associates' lives. Seeing my associates excel after learning new processes and helping them get promoted – these experiences send me home with a smile and make me the happiest.”


As a Store Manager, his priority is to continue developing, teaching, and training his team. By acknowledging gaps and working together to overcome them, he believes his associates can present the best store possible for their customers. He also emphasizes the importance of listening to and taking care of associates, ensuring their needs are met.


“I’m extremely proud of myself and my journey to becoming a Store Manager. I’m so proud to work at Walmart, and my friends and family think I have the coolest job in the world.”

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