The words that shaped Walgreens
Creeds, memos and messages shaped a culture where values weren’t just spoken—they were lived.
Memos, messages and publications reveal how Walgreens turned principle into practice across generations.
Looking back, it may be tempting to believe the Walgreens story was destined for longevity. In reality, it was built decision by decision—often documented in plainspoken notes, memos and messages—by leaders and team members guided by character and conviction.
Across 125 years, these voices reveal how Walgreens earned trust and sustained it. Together, they form a living record of values put into action.
Jorndt’s Jolts
Dan Jorndt, who served as chairman and CEO from 1999 to 2003, understood the power of consistent encouragement. The first non-family member to lead the company, Jorndt began his Walgreens career in 1963 and worked his way through the ranks.
His Monday-morning messages—known as Jorndt’s Jolts—were brief, candid and motivating. Later collected in a book called “Have a Kind Week,” they remain widely shared among leaders.
“Our ‘tools’ are different than Mr. Walgreen’s were in 1901,” Jorndt once wrote. “And our tools in 2025 will be even more different. But no matter how our tools change, our principles can’t change. They’re our foundation, our backbone, and they’re simply non-negotiable.”
Putting pharmacy at the center
When Charles “Cork” R. Walgreen III became president in 1969, he believed the company had drifted too far from its core purpose.
“There were all these things in the aisles,” he recalled. “You couldn’t even walk without bumping into something. We thought we could sell everything and anything.”
Refocusing Walgreens around pharmacy simplified stores, sharpened strategy and reignited performance. Beginning in 1975, the company went on to achieve 23 consecutive years of record-breaking sales—a testament to the power of disciplined clarity.
Our next 125
As Walgreens marks its 125th anniversary, the words may sound different, but the message remains familiar.
“Our history is filled with people who believed their words and their actions mattered,” says CEO Mike Motz. “Over time, we’ve focused on customers, patients and each other, and on getting the fundamentals right. As we celebrate 125 years, we honor a legacy built on trust, service and integrity. That legacy doesn’t live in the past. It guides how we show up for our communities today and how we lead Walgreens into the future.”
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