Walton opened the first Walmart in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962. His company history stresses low prices and bringing discount retail to smaller communities. The useful business idea is repeatable value: shoppers must find the promised bargain beyond the opening promotion.

That breadth puts him ahead of Lauder, whose strength lies in a narrower market. Toyoda ranks higher for a production philosophy with wider industrial uses. Walton can beat him if affordable everyday shopping is your principal measure; cheap prices alone do not settle social value.

Sources: Walton’s business · Walmart history.

Photo: George Bush Presidential Library and Museum · Public domain. Resized/compressed; source status retained.