SAM LEFTWICH
Most folks might not have heard of the S.S. Kresge Company, one of the 20th century’s largest discount retail organizations. Certainly, though, most are familiar with what S.S. Kresge became — Kmart. And during what perhaps was Kmart’s peak, UNO graduate Sam Leftwich ran the company as president. Leftwich began his run with the company during his senior year at then-Omaha University, working as a part-time stocker for S.S. Kresge. He climbed the company ladder until he was transferred to Kmart’s executive office in Troy, Michigan, in 1974 as director of food operation. In 1981 he was promoted to president. During his career Kmart grew into the nation’s second largest mass-merchandiser with 2,374 stores and 325,000 employees. He retired in 1987 as president and COO and vice chairman of the board.