Jim Sinegal is the CEO and co-founder of Costco and he likes to remain involved in the details Costco’s sprawling business. He answers his own phone, sends his own faxes, and enjoys talking to employees and customers. In the latest issue of Fast Company, Jeff Chu and Kate Rockwood interview Sinegal on a wide range of topics, from health care to politics to why he likes to keep such a hands-on presence in the retail giant’s business.

Even in these trying economic times, Costco has remained profitable and continues to grow. In their 25th year, Costco is now America’s fourth largest retailer and has seen revenues grow by 70% in the last five years. This August Costco saw their same-store revenues grow by 9%.

Sinegal is frank about his opinions of Wall St. analysts and those who criticize Costco for the perception that they pay more attention to workers than shareholders. Sinegal chastises the analysts over unrealistic expectations and points out they’re in it for the long haul, “We’re trying to build a company that’s going to be here 50 and 60 years from now.”

I learned a lot from this fascinating interview — for instance did you know Costco has burgeoning online businesses selling coffins and wedding floral arrangement packages?

Click on the image below to read Thinking Outside the Big Box for free on Coverleaf.com.

Look Inside >> November 2008