Early Life
Drayton McLane Jr. was born on July 22, 1936, in Cameron, Texas. He comes from a family with a strong entrepreneurial background. His grandfather started a wholesale grocery business in 1894. Drayton Jr. began working in the family business at the age of nine, developing a strong work ethic from a young age.
Rise to Success
After graduating from Baylor University with a business degree in 1958 and earning an MBA from Michigan State University in 1959, McLane Jr. joined the McLane Company. He became president and CEO of the McLane Company in 1964 and chairman in 1992. Under his leadership, the company grew from a $3 million-a-year operation to a $19 billion enterprise. He enhanced the distribution system by utilizing leading-edge technology. In 1990, McLane sold the McLane Company to Sam Walton for cash and Wal-Mart shares. Following the sale, he became vice-chairman of Wal-Mart. From 1993 to 2011, McLane served as chairman and CEO of the Houston Astros.
Key Business Strategies
McLane's success can be attributed to several key strategies. He focused on building a strong grocery distribution network. McLane Company was one of the first to computerize its distribution system, which was a key move in its success. Under his leadership, the company achieved an average annual sales growth of 30%.
Philanthropy
McLane is a dedicated philanthropist, actively involved in civic and charitable organizations. He and his family have supported numerous endowed scholarships and have contributed to the construction of iconic structures on the Baylor University campus. McLane has also served on several boards, including Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, the George and Barbara Bush Foundation, and the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research.
