Ron Sargent has had a long career at Staples. He was appointed president and chief operating officer in 1998. At the time, he led a number of the company's major initiatives. He expanded its worldwide operations, developed its retail superstores, its supply chain management, merchandising, and its marketing initiatives. In 1991 Sargent launched Staples’ delivery business. Sargent began his career at Staples in 1989, as regional vice president leading the company's market entry in Ohio. But while Sargent focused on these initiatives, his primary concerns were Staples’ bottom line — he has a reputation for frugality — and its people. Sargent understood early that Staples’ success is dependent upon how well its talent performed. To get Staples employees, called associates, to treat the customer well, they must also be treated well. This chapter describes how Sargent developed a number of important recruitment, training, and talent measurement initiatives.