University of Arkansas

Walton College

The Sam M. Walton College of Business

Dave Grundfest, Sr.

..

Dave Grundfest, Sr.

(1901-1974)
Co-founder and President
Sterling Stores Company, Inc.

Little Rock, Arkansas

 

Dave Grundfest, Sr., along with his brother Sam, founded Sterling Stores Company, Inc., in 1922. Over the next 50 years, Grundfest built 100 retail variety stores, operating in six states.

He founded Magic Mart Discount Department Stores in 1965, building it into a 50-store operation. Known as "Mr. Dave" by his employees, Grundfest led more than 6,000 people at the apex of operations. He retired in 1971. With revenue of more than $110 million, the company was sold with approximately 150 stores in 1983.

 

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