In this heartfelt and humorous episode of the Circle Back Podcast, Cal Turner Jr.—Hall of Famer and former CEO of Dollar General—joins host Sam Davidson for a masterclass in legacy leadership, grit, and service.
Turner takes us on a journey from Scottsville, Kentucky, where he went on his first store visit before the first grade, to the Rose Garden of the White House, where he received a national award for Dollar General’s literacy initiative. Along the way, he shares wisdom passed down from his father and grandfather—both entrepreneurs who helped build one of America’s most iconic retail brands.
From the thrill of entrepreneurship to the friction of growth, Turner’s stories remind us that leadership is about serving others, loving your customer, and building a business that reflects your values.
Highlights include his candid confession of once wanting to be a preacher (“until Reverend Woodson told me not to”), his unorthodox job interview tactics, and how Dollar General chose literacy as its cause—because their founder only had a third-grade education.
Whether you’re leading a team, starting a family business, or looking for your calling, Cal’s timeless advice and sincere storytelling are not to be missed.
10 Quotes Worth Remembering
Cal Turner Jr.’s words speak for themselves. Here are 10 standout lines from the episode:
- “The entrepreneur seeks the next change that feels right to him.”
- “You don’t say the word ‘love’ unless you feel it in your heart.”
- “Hard work can be the key to advancement. Luther Turner was the hardest working man I’ve ever known.”
- “Business became my calling—which I fought at first.”
- “If you treat employees like family, they will help you build something great.”
- “I hope I die with a lesson plan in mind.”
- “Serving is an ongoing process. It’s not a one-and-done kind of thing.”
- “I needed to surround myself with people smarter than me—that’s good leadership.”
- “True success always involves friction. Friction is one of the great rewards of life.”
- “To live your life in a way that pays back those who invested in you—that’s one of life’s greatest rewards.”
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