Costco CEO Ron Vachris began his career driving a forklift at a warehouse retailer before eventually rising to lead one of the world’s largest retail companies. His journey, spanning more than four decades, offers an interesting perspective on career growth. Vachris credits a simple piece of advice from his father for shaping how he approached his career.
“Don’t chase a title. Don’t chase anything big. He did not complete a college degree, but continued to take on greater responsibilities within the business.
Vachris shared his father’s advice during an appearance at the Economic Club of Chicago in May 2026, according to Fortune . His father also encouraged him to find a company whose values aligned with his own, rather than focusing solely on reaching a senior position. (Also Read: Rare egg of extinct giant moa bird to return to New Zealand after 60 years in US collection ) After finishing high school in the early 1980s, Vachris studied business at Glendale Community College in Arizona while working part-time as a forklift driver for Price Club, which later merged with Costco in 1993.
Just go make yourself your own success,” his father had told him. Vachris said the advice influenced how he approached his career.
Vachris’s career progressed through warehouse operations and management. Vachris is not the only retail leader to have risen through the ranks. Sometimes, learning on the job, taking on new responsibilities and gaining experience over time can open doors to bigger opportunities.
He became a warehouse manager in 1992 and was promoted to vice president of operations in 1999. He later held senior positions in regional operations, real estate development and merchandising before becoming chief operating officer in 2016. In February 2022, he became president and chief operating officer. He took over as Costco’s president and CEO in January 2024. He spent 28 years in warehouse operations management before moving into other senior leadership roles, according to Costco’s official leadership profile . Walmart CEO John Furner began as an hourly associate at a Walmart store in 1993, working part-time in its garden centre. Furner went on to hold positions across store management, merchandising, sourcing and international operations before becoming the company’s CEO in February 2026. (Also Read: Controversial K-beauty anti-ageing injection made from cadaver skin sparks infection concerns ) Their journeys show that career growth does not always follow a set path, according to Walmart’s official website.
Reflecting on his journey, Vachris acknowledged that he had not anticipated reaching the position he holds today.
