My Father's Business: The Small-Town Values That Built Dollar General into a Billion-Dollar Company - Hardcover

Cal Turner, Jr. grew up in a Scottsville, Kentucky, household where business and family were one. After graduating Vanderbilt University, he served for three years as an officer in the United States Navy before beginning his career at Dollar General. He served as CEO for 37 years, and during his tenure, the number of DG stores rose from 150, with sales of $40 million, to more than 6,000, with sales in excess of $6 billion. Turner has served on the boards of companies like Shoney's and First American, and of educational, civic and charitable organizations including Vanderbilt and Fisk universities, and has been president of the board of governors of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. His many awards include the Presidential Award for Private Sector Initiatives (presented by Ronald Reagan) and the Vanderbilt Distinguished Alumnus Award. A committed lifelong Methodist, Turner was inducted in 2001 into the Fellows of the Society of John Wesley by the Tennessee Conference of the UMC.

Rob Simbeck is a writer and editor of over 20 books. He was ghostwriter of Cal Turner's first book, co-written with Howard Olds, Led To Follow.

Mr. Turner writes with touching candor about the challenges of sustaining a family business.―Wall Street Journal


An inspiring story...if you are an ambitious businessman or entrepreneur, My Father's Business will show you the future direction....should be a required read for the teachers and students of business.―The Washington Book Review

[This] well-written, honest book...is recommended for the general reader, business owners, entrepreneurs, job changers, and business-school students who want to understand the thinking that shaped the company's growth and fueled its problems.―Booklist

My Father's Business is the story of what it took to build Dollar General into a national retail chain from its rural, Kentucky roots and will encourage anyone with a dream of building a business.―Doug McMillon, president and CEO, Walmart

My Father's Business ought to be required reading in any business school . . . . a great book!
―Peter Handal, President and CEO, Dale Carnegie Training

A fascinating glimpse into the philosophy and logistics of the dollar-store business model...―Chapter16.org

A revealing and colorful book . . . Cal Jr.'s openness about the trials and tribulations both within the family and the company itself, as well as his personal reflection in retirement, is something we can all learn from and is sure to help us be more honest in our own self-assessments.
―Senator Bob Corker


My Father's Business is a MUST-READ for an aspiring young entrepreneur and an enjoyable read for anyone.―Dr. Thomas Frist, co-founder, Hospital Corporation of America

A fantastic book, for new entrepreneurs and CEOs alike, and it will inspire everyone who wants to integrate personal aspirations, family values, and best business practices.―Rev. Dr. Becca Stevens, founder and president of Thistle Farms

The story of Dollar General is an example of what makes our country so great.―George Roberts, co-founder and co-chair, KKR