Under the leadership of Oscar Romero, Walmart’s Calexico Supercenter has become a national benchmark for employee loyalty and customer engagement. Nearly 200 associates at the store have celebrated more than 20 years with the company, a testament to a culture built around people, not just profits.
Oscar’s journey began in the fall of 1992, at just 18 years old, selling Christmas trees on a sticky lot. That humble start in California’s sun-soaked border town was far from glamorous, but it planted the seeds of a career defined by integrity, humility, and community. Today, Romero leads a team of over 500 associates, inspiring them to find purpose in their work and a sense of belonging in the store.
Calexico itself embodies the values Romero champions. Neighbours know each other by name, family recipes are passed down, and life is savoured rather than rushed. Romero brings that ethos to Walmart, greeting every associate and customer personally, and fostering a culture where loyalty and longevity thrive.
From Tree Lots to Supercenter Success
Oscar’s early days at Walmart were formative. “Imagine unloading Christmas trees all day in a white shirt and tie,” he recalls. “I thought, oh God, am I going to be doing this forever?” Shared experiences, like borrowing a single tie with a coworker, forged early bonds that would shape his approach to leadership: build relationships, respect your team, and lead by example.
Over the years, Romero advanced through multiple leadership roles, managing stores in San Diego and Phoenix before returning to Calexico. Initially nervous about his first store manager role, he learned quickly that focusing on associates and customers first created the conditions for long-term success. “Be a customer first and then worry about being the manager. Everything else will fall into place,” he reflects.
People-First Leadership
Romero’s approach is simple but profound: know your people, invest in their growth, and lead with consistency. Inside the store, he fosters authentic relationships, taking time to understand associates’ lives, interests, and challenges. When new systems or technologies are introduced, Romero ensures his teams see the value clearly, maintaining trust and engagement.
“The small things matter most,” he says. “Everyday conversations, watching a game together — it opens a relationship. Consistency is key.”
This servant-leadership style has created a workplace where associates see the Calexico Walmart as a home away from home, with a culture of collaboration and mutual respect that translates into a top-performing store.
Beyond the Aisles
Romero’s commitment to people extends to his family. A devoted husband and father of three daughters — alongside their Yorkie, Daisy — he balances work with life lessons, emphasizing faith, education, and personal accountability. “Life is all about what you put into it,” he says. “Own your mistakes so you can learn from them.”
This philosophy mirrors his approach at Walmart: invest in people, nurture community, and the results follow. Calexico stands as a model not just for Walmart, but for the broader retail sector — a reminder that strong leadership, human connection, and a focus on people can drive performance and loyalty in ways that go far beyond numbers.