McMullen, 64, began his career with Kroger in 1978 as a part-time stock clerk and bagger at a store in Lexington, Kentucky. He worked his way up through the company, becoming the chief financial officer in 1995 and chief operating officer in 2009. McMullen was named Kroger’s CEO in 2014 and became the company’s chair the following year.

Remember, folks: This used to be a thing. You didn’t need a fucking MBA to get up the ladder before it was pulled up.

I was running a daily within a week of being hired in 2003. Boss came back a week later, which suited me fine. And if we remained a meritocracy, I’d be running a metro now with enough to have a house.