“Once you find your place, leave your mark.”
This is the motto of my dad, Joe Houlihan, a retired 42-year Walmart Canada associate and head of footwear.
For many, Joe is a Walmart Canada pioneer, spreading our promise of Every Day Low Prices.
To me, he’s simply the greatest dad anyone could ask for.
Find Your Place
Dad started his retail career as a stocker in the shoe department at Woolco in St. John’s, Newfoundland in 1974. His career with Woolco, which then became Walmart in 1994, took him from Atlantic Canada to Western Canada as a Footwear District Manager. He was eventually promoted to National Operations Manager in footwear at our Store Support Centre (SSC) and later became Divisional Merchandising Manager, moving our family to Mississauga, Ontario.
I loved following my dad’s career and I knew early on Walmart was a place where I wanted to work. “Take Your Kid To Work Day’ is a regular occurrence when one of your parents works in a department store. “Hi, Joe. Hi, Joe.” I remember thinking, “How does he know all of these people?” To me, he was a celebrity, knowing everyone in the store.
A decade later, I’d follow in his footsteps. As a teenager, I joined Walmart as a store associate, before moving to the SSC. Today, as Manager of Community overseeing our charitable giving portfolio, I have the privilege of hearing, “How’s your dad?” when I walk through the halls of the SSC. It’s my weekly reminder that working at Walmart is more than a place to build a rewarding career, it’s a place to build a great life.
Feels like home
No matter where you are in the country, when you walk into Walmart store, it feels like your local Walmart. That’s by design. We want our customers to feel a sense of familiarity, no matter where they shop. The same is true when you’re a Walmart family. No matter where you move, as long as you’re with Walmart, it feels like home.
Dad’s amazing colleagues made every move easier, and he welcomed new associates with open arms. Even after almost a decade of retirement, Dad stays in touch with both retired and active associates. He joined Walmart for the mission. He stayed for the people.
Leave Your Mark
Walmart’s commitment to helping people live better is evident in our giving. In my role, I get to see Walmart’s positive impact every day. Through the amazing work of our charity partners, we strive to help a lot of people live a lot better, all the time.
With the support of thousands of incredible Walmart associates, we’ve raised and donated more than $850 million to Canadian charities and non-profit organizations since 1994. I’m extremely proud of this work and thankful my dad introduced me to Walmart.
His meaningful work has allowed me to do the same, and his legacy will continue long after my retirement.
Joe Houlihan truly left his mark on Walmart Canada.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
