Joe Coulombe

Becoming Trader Joe: How I Did Business My Way and Still Beat the Big Guys

Founder's story of building Trader Joe's through unique business model

About the author

Joe Coulombe

Joe Coulombe founded Trader Joe's in 1967 and shaped it into one of the most beloved and unusual grocery chains in America, famous for its curated selection, private labels, and generous employee wages. He ran the company until 1988 and later reflected on his unconventional philosophy in a memoir.