Page 19 - 2023 City of Hope HHI SOL Journal

“Marvin Ellison’s first job was working as a part-time security guard at Target making $4.35 an hour. At that time, he was a student at the University of Memphis earning money to afford textbooks and tuition. His rise to becoming the first Black executive to lead two Fortune 500 companies — he also served as CEO of JCPenney — is a testament to his perseverance and tenacious leadership.” – Business Insider (March 15, 2021)
“He learned early on that hard work and his faith were the two things that would guide him.” – Bill Boltz, Lowe’s Executive Vice President, Merchandising
“His parents, who worked as sharecroppers, encouraged him and his six siblings ‘not to allow your surroundings to limit your vision of the future.’ As a result, Ellison said he ‘always had the desire to do more.’” – Business Insider (Feb. 23, 2019)
“He looked at each opportunity as a new learning experience, a stepping stone, but his faith gave him conviction that ultimately there was something very special planned for him down the road.” - Brandon Sink, Lowe’s Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
“Marvin has shown the world what possibilities are.” – Don Frieson, Lowe’s Executive Vice President, Supply Chain
“The breadth of his knowledge, his character and particularly in his chosen field of retail, he’s as close to a savant or a genius that I’ve ever come into contact with.” – Frederick Smith, FedEx Corporation Founder and Chairman
“It’s such a beautiful story. If you put in your effort and if you feel passionately about something and you work towards it, you really can achieve anything you want.” - Seemantini Godbole, Executive Vice President, Chief Digital & Information Officer
“What stands out with someone like Marvin Ellison is that here’s somebody who demonstrates day in and day out, in his entire career, true servant leadership. The thing that separates Marvin from so many other people is that Marvin Ellison is steeped in humility. He wants to try as best he can to share his story and the achievements he has not for himself, but for others — to create the path forward for those people who can follow in his footsteps.” – Howard Schultz, Starbucks Chief Executive Officer
“His thoughts are demonstrated in his actions. And I can tell you: He cares.” - Joe McFarland, Lowe’s Executive Vice President, Stores