2. THE BEGINNING
Founded in 1978 by Bernie Marcus and Arthur
Blank, along with investment banker Ken Langone,
and expert at merchandising Pat Farrah
The vision was one stop shopping for the do-it-
yourself person
First two Home Depots opened in Atlanta Georgia
on June 22nd, 1979
First stores looked like cavernous warehouses,
which remains a theme today
Set themselves apart by offering the customers
knowledge on how to do their own projects, instead
of just selling items
3. LEADERSHIP
The first Chief Executive Officers, Bernie Marcus
and Arthur Blank, retired in 2000
Robert Nardelli was then chosen to be CEO
In 2007, Frank Blake was elected CEO. He
previously served as vice chairman of the Board of
Directors, and executive Vice President of the
company
4. VALUES
Taking Care of Our People
The key to our success is treating people well. We do this by
encouraging associates to speak up and take risks, by
recognizing and rewarding good performance and by leading and
developing people so they may grow. 3
Giving Back to Our Community
An important part of the fabric of The Home Depot is giving our
time, talents, energy and resources to worthwhile causes in our
communities and society. 3
Doing the Right Thing
We exercise good judgment by "doing the right thing" instead of
just "doing things right." We strive to understand the impact of our
decisions, and we accept responsibility for our actions. 3
Excellent Customer Service
Along with our quality products, service, price and selection, we
must go the extra mile to give customers knowledgeable advice
about merchandise and to help them use those products to their
maximum benefit. 3
5. VALUES CONT’D
Creating Shareholder Value
The investors who provide the capital necessary to allow our
company to grow need and expect a return on their investment.
We are committed to providing it. 3
Building Strong Relationships
Strong relationships are built on trust, honesty and integrity. We
listen and respond to the needs of customers, associates,
communities and vendors, treating them as partners. 3
Entrepreneurial Spirit
The Home Depot associates are encouraged to initiate creative
and innovative ways of serving our customers and improving the
business and to spread best practices throughout the company. 3
Respect for All People
In order to remain successful, our associates must work in an
environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination and
harassment where each associate is regarded as a part of The
Home Depot team. 3
6. THE PHILOSOPHY
“Whatever It Takes”
Means that employees should aim to do whatever
is necessary to build up customer service, and not
just try to sell customers a product
“At the end of the day, we’re in the people
business.” – Bernie Marcus, Built from Scratch
Customer has a Bill of Rights that’s entitles them to
the right assortment of products, quantities and
price, along with trained associates on the sales
floor who want to take care of customers
7. FURTHER INFORMATION
Went public on NASDAQ in 1981
Moved to the New York Stock Exchange in 1984
In 1989 the 100th store opened
Arrived in Canada in 1994
Arrived in Mexico in 2001
Arrived in China in 2006
The slogan "More saving. More doing." was introduced
by The Home Depot in the 2009, replacing "You can do
it. We can help." which had been used since 2003.
Other slogans used in the past 25 years include "The
Home Depot, Low prices are just the beginning" in the
early 1990s and "When you're at the Home Depot, You'll
feel right at home" in the late 1990s and "The Home
Depot: First In Home Improvement!" from 1999–2003.
