Meet Walmart’s youngest U.S. store manager: 23-year-old college dropout already making six figures | Fortune
From cashier to manager
Pulley started at Walmart at 16 as a part-time cashier, following her mother and sister, who had also worked for the company. She was then a high school student earning extra spending money.
At 18, she became an Academy Trainer, responsible for developing new employees, while beginning her first semester at Grand Canyon University. She later accepted a Team Lead promotion, which helped her see Walmart as a possible career.
Seeking chances to advance
Pulley became an operations manager at 19 and a store manager two years later. She still holds the distinction of being the youngest person to manage a U.S. Walmart store.
She pursued development beyond her assigned duties by joining leadership calls, taking on projects across her market, and covering for store managers on days off. Walmart Phoenix market manager Ray Shouse said she sought mentors and development opportunities to strengthen her leadership.
Education and future goals
Pulley is back in school through Walmart’s tuition-assistance program. She hopes to become a market manager by 27 or 28 and eventually reach a regional executive vice president role.
The story describes her as a college dropout in its headline, while also saying she began at Grand Canyon University and is now back in school. It does not explain when or whether she left the university.
A path seen at Walmart
Walmart CEO John Furner began as a part-time hourly associate in the garden center in 1993, later becoming a store manager and taking merchandising roles at Walmart and Sam’s Club. He has described adapting to change as an important leadership quality.
Former CEO Doug McMillon started as a warehouse associate unloading trucks and led Walmart from February 2014 to January 2026. He has said volunteering for responsibilities connected to a future role helped him advance.
Key points
- Kiley Pulley, 23, manages a Neighborhood Market outside Phoenix and earns more than six figures.
- She joined Walmart at 16 and became a store manager at 21.
- Pulley is back in school with Walmart tuition assistance and hopes to become a market manager by 27 or 28.
- The headline calls her a college dropout, but the story does not clarify whether or when she left Grand Canyon University.