40 Years with Costco
2026-10-15
I just received my new Costco membership cards, along with a letter thanking me for 40 years of membership and loyalty.
40 Years with Costco
I just received my new Costco membership cards, along with a letter thanking me for 40 years of membership and loyalty.
Forty years.
That means I became a Costco member around 1986. At the time, I certainly wasn't thinking about what Costco—or my own life—would look like four decades later. I simply joined a warehouse where I could buy good products at reasonable prices.
A year later, in 1987, I started Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC).
So, in an interesting way, my Costco membership has been with me for almost my entire journey as a business owner.
Over those 40 years, Costco has grown tremendously. Technology has changed. Seattle has changed. The way we shop, communicate, and do business has changed completely.
But some basic business principles haven't changed.
Provide something people need.
Offer good value.
Treat customers fairly.
Earn their trust.
And keep doing it.
Offer good value.
Treat customers fairly.
Earn their trust.
And keep doing it.
Forty years of customer loyalty doesn't happen because of advertising. It happens because customers continue to find value in what you provide.
Next year, PSPINC will celebrate its own 40th anniversary.
Receiving this card from Costco made me think about our own customers—especially those who have stayed with us for many years.
Being in business for 40 years is an accomplishment.
But having customers who choose to stay with you for 40 years?
That may be an even greater accomplishment.
Disclaimer: I use AI as a tool to help create images and proofread my writing. However, the ideas, opinions, experiences, and messages in my posts are my own. AI does not generate my posts for me. It simply helps me present my own words and ideas more clearly.
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
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Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..