The road to greatness must have appeared long and uncertain to young Sam Walton, born in rural Oklahoma. In fact, no one likely imagined that Sam would build the largest revenue company in the world, with over 2 million employees. As a boy, Sam was hardworking and enterprising. But, most importantly, Sam had a genuine concern for others. He worked part-time jobs to help his family during tough financial times. He even saved the life of his boyhood friend who was drowning in the Salt River.