Sam Walton founded Walmart and focused on respect for individuals, service to customers, and striving for excellence. Walmart used aggressive store expansion and positive PR campaigns like their smiley face campaign. This led to strong growth and a 1173% rise in stock prices in the 1990s. Internally, Walmart exploited strengths like low prices, strong logistics, and IT systems, but faced weaknesses in low wages, health hazards, and erratic work schedules. New initiatives included $4 generic drugs and a revised mission statement to help during economic recessions.