Honor, Courage, Commitment
Pedro Medrano, from Marine to People-Led Leader at Sam’s Club
On September 11, 2001, like so many Americans, Pedro Medrano felt something shift. “The events of September 11, 2001, deeply impacted me and sparked a strong sense of duty to protect our nation.”
When the U.S. entered Iraq in 2003, that conviction crystallized into action. “I felt it was my time to serve and made the decision to join the Marine Corps.” By December 2004, he had enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve, completed boot camp and infantry training, and returned to Sam’s Club, where he had started in April 2001 as a part-time cart attendant, to continue building his career while fulfilling his monthly reserve duties. In May 2007, duty called again; he was activated in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and deployed to Iraq from September 2007 through April 2008.
That dual track, service and stewardship, has defined Medrano’s leadership story. Over more than two decades at Sam’s Club, he has held roles across multiple locations: Assistant Manager, Co-Manager, Club Manager, and multi-unit leader overseeing 16 clubs.
“I’ve had the privilege of leading teams across multiple areas of our business, both at the club level and in multi-unit roles,” he shares. “What excites me most is creating similar opportunities for newer associates and sharing the lessons I’ve learned throughout my career.”
For Medrano, success is multiplied when it’s shared. “This ability to mentor and develop others fuels my passion to keep growing and contribute even more to our organization.”
The foundation of his leadership was forged in the Corps. “The Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment align closely with our company’s core beliefs of respect, excellence, service, and integrity,” he shares. “The leadership principles I learned in the military, especially prioritizing troop wellbeing, mirror Sam’s Club and Walmart’s ‘people-led’ philosophy. These lessons guide how I lead every day, ensuring that I focus on supporting and empowering my team.” Integrity, he emphasizes, sits at the center of every decision.
Mentorship has been pivotal. One leader stands out: “When I think about the people who have shaped my career through guidance and mentorship, Louie Santos, our Vice President, Regional General Manager for the West Region at Sam’s Club, stands out,” he shares. “He consistently challenges me to be better than I was yesterday and has provided countless opportunities for growth. Louie’s support has helped me learn from mistakes, embrace development, and strive to become the best associate I can be.”
Transitioning from military to corporate life brought new rhythms and new tests. “One of the biggest challenges was adjusting from the structured routines of military life to the dynamic nature of the corporate world, where every day brings new and different challenges.” Rather than resist change, Medrano built strength from it. “This transition, however, has strengthened my ability to adapt, overcome adversity, and thrive in an ever-changing environment.”
Ask Medrano what defines great leadership and he answers with clarity and conviction. “I believe the most important qualities of a leader are integrity, accountability, and empathy,” he shares. “Integrity builds trust and sets the foundation for every decision. Accountability ensures that leaders own their actions and lead by example. Empathy allows us to understand and support our teams, creating an environment where people feel valued.” Those lessons from the Marines continue to guide his approach at Sam’s Club…“focusing on doing what’s right, developing others, and adapting to challenges.”
He carries that message forward to veterans ready to lead in new arenas. “My advice to veterans aspiring to leadership roles is to lean into the qualities that made you successful in the military… discipline, resilience, and commitment to your team. Those traits translate powerfully into the corporate world.” In a fast-changing business, their steadiness is an asset. “At Sam’s Club, I’ve found that the ability to adapt and lead through change is just as critical as it was in the Marines. Stay focused on continuous learning, embrace challenges as opportunities, and never underestimate the value of putting people first.” And he offers a final reframe: “Leadership isn’t about rank, it’s about earning trust and inspiring others to achieve more.”
That philosophy anchors Medrano’s vision for the years ahead. “My vision for our club over the next five years is to create an environment where innovation and people-led leadership drive excellence,” he shares. “I want our club and our company to be recognized as the best place to work and the best place for members to shop, with technology and service seamlessly integrated. The principles I learned in the Marine Corps play a major role in this vision. They guide me to set clear expectations, lead by example, and prioritize the growth and well-being of our associates. Just as in the military, success comes from teamwork and mission accomplishment, and that’s what I strive to build every day at Sam’s Club.”
Air Force Captain, ROTC instructor at the University of Arkansas, Fall 2021.
Pedro Medrano began his journey with Sam’s Club in April 2001 as a part-time cart attendant. Over the years, he has held a variety of leadership roles across multiple locations, including Assistant Manager, Co-Manager, and Club Manager. Most recently, Pedro oversaw operations for nearly a dozen Sam’s Club locations before transitioning back to a Club Manager role in August 2025 to be closer to his family in California.
In December 2004, Pedro made the honorable decision to join the Marine Corps Reserve. After completing boot camp and infantry training, he returned to Sam’s Club to continue advancing his career while fulfilling his monthly reserve duties.