The Fred Kiesner Center for Entrepreneurship welcomed Jim Sinegal, Co-Founder and Board Member of Costco Wholesale Corporation, to LMU when he spoke as part of the Hilton Distinguished Entrepreneur Lecture Series on February 17th at LMU’s Hilton Center for Business’ main auditorium to a standing room only audience.
Jim Sinegal retired December 31, 2012 from Costco Wholesale Corporation and is currently serving as a Company Advisor. He served as the Chief Executive Officer of Costco Wholesale Corp. for 27 years and has been a Director of Costco Wholesale Corp. since its inception.
Jim began his career in retail business in 1954. As an 18 year old college student, he went to work for the legendary retail icon Sol Price at the discount store FedMart in San Diego. Jim remained working for Price for almost 30 years before striking out on his own to start Costco with his Business Partner, Jeff Brotman. In his presentation, Jim walked the audience through the history of Costco and his journey building the company to what we recognize as Costco today.
Costco today has revenues in excess of $113 billion and operates 691 warehouses/stores in 42 states, Puerto Rico, and 10 countries. The company employs over 200,000 people worldwide and has earned the reputation as a fair and progressive employer.
Jim serves as Trustee for Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. He is a Senior Executive in Residence at Seattle University’s Albers School and serves in a similar capacity at his alma mater, San Diego State University. Jim also serves as an advisory at the Mendoza School of Business for Notre Dame.