Jelinek's dad helped build B-1 and B-70 bomber planes for a living. The CEO later told the Seattle Times that his father dissuaded him from going into the aircraft business.
Source: The Seattle Times
The reason? Sales "always depended on the Democrats or the Republicans," and shifted with every new political regime change, Jelinek told the Seattle Times.
Source: The Seattle Times
Jelinek went on to attend San Diego State University, which was also the alma mater of Costco co-founder Jim Sinegal.
Source: The Seattle Times
In 2010, Costco VP Richard Galanti said that Jelinek had been "around many of the people that started Costco since the very late sixties" during a conference call.
Source: Mass Market Retailers via Lexis Nexis
One such early Costco mover and shaker was Sinegal. Jelinek didn't just attend his alma mater — they also both worked at the retailer FedMart.
Source: Mass Market Retailers via Lexis Nexis
Mass Market Retailers reported that Jelinek took his first job at FedMart in 1969, and he worked there for 12 years.
Source: Mass Market Retailers via Lexis Nexis
Jelinek told the Seattle Times that while he was holding down a part-time job with FedMart, his dad said something that ended up encouraging him to stick with retail.
Source: Seattle Times
"He said, 'You know what? People will always have to eat,'" Jelinek said. "I never forgot that. You always know there's going to be work."
Source: The Seattle Times
In 1981, Jelinek left FedMart and worked at Lucky Stores for three years.
Source: Mass Market Retailers via Lexis Nexis
Finally, in 1984, Jelinek embarked on his long career at Costco.
Source: The Seattle Times, Mass Market Retailers via Lexis Nexis
Jelinek spent most of his time at Costco working in operations, according to Mass Market Retailers.
Source: Mass Market Retailers via Lexis Nexis
He received a major promotion in 2004, when he was named executive vice president of merchandising for the chain.
Source: Mass Market Retailers via Lexis Nexis
Jelinek ultimately succeeded Sinegal to take the top spot at Costco in 2012.
Source: Seattle Times, Mass Market Retailers via Lexis Nexis
"We are excited about Craig's elevation to his new role," Jelinek's predecessor said, according to Mass Market Retailers. "He is a highly seasoned retail executive, with over 25 years' experience at our company and over 35 years' experience in the industry."
Source: Mass Market Retailers via Lexis Nexis
For his part, Jelinek has touted Costco's ways of doing business, telling the Seattle Times: "We just stayed to our principles — it's what we do, take care of customers and employees and the people who are selling us merchandise."
Source: The Seattle Times
