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The Richest Man in Town
This gift book published by Simple Truths is VJ Smith's story of getting to know Marty Martinson, an elderly Wal-mart greeter in Brookings, SD who affected thousands of people across the country, and all of the lessons on life he taught him. Give a little more of yourself. The only person who can make you happy is you. Be a better you.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
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440 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
May 30, 2012
While Marty is certainly a sweet, adorable old man who means well, I couldn't enjoy this book. It was given to me as a gift upon completing my first year of teaching, and I appreciate the gesture, but these motivational, heartwarming stories rarely jive with me. We're supposed to laud people like Marty because they represent the beauty of simple humanity. Marty's precepts help us cope with the stresses of everyday life. But to me, they are empty catch phrases.
My biggest problem with this book, which I will fully confess to be trivial, is the fact that Marty cared so much about Wal-Mart. He worked so hard to bring customers back to a company that didn't care enough about their employees to provide most of them a decent wage or decent health care. He was a great guy, supporting a horrible company. That really bothered me. It ruined the whole George Bailey/"It's a Wonderful Life analogy from which the book derives its name. George Bailey stood in direct opposition to Mr. Potter (the money-mongering slumlord of Bedford Falls); he was the champion of the 'little guy.' Marty was definitely a 'little guy,' but he also supported the bad guy (Wal-Mart). Ugh.
Reviews like these are why I will not receive copious amounts of get-well cards on my death bed, and no one will ever write a "Richest Man" book about me. But that's ok.
My biggest problem with this book, which I will fully confess to be trivial, is the fact that Marty cared so much about Wal-Mart. He worked so hard to bring customers back to a company that didn't care enough about their employees to provide most of them a decent wage or decent health care. He was a great guy, supporting a horrible company. That really bothered me. It ruined the whole George Bailey/"It's a Wonderful Life analogy from which the book derives its name. George Bailey stood in direct opposition to Mr. Potter (the money-mongering slumlord of Bedford Falls); he was the champion of the 'little guy.' Marty was definitely a 'little guy,' but he also supported the bad guy (Wal-Mart). Ugh.
Reviews like these are why I will not receive copious amounts of get-well cards on my death bed, and no one will ever write a "Richest Man" book about me. But that's ok.
January 18, 2008
This is a cute little story of how being a genuine and caring person affects more lives than you could ever imagine. Quick read. It's the story of Marty, an elderly Wal-Mart greeter in Brookings, SD who changed lives. I know, it's cheesy, but it's such a cute story---I love it! It's from the company Simple Truths and was just published in 2007, so I doubt the library has it, but I would be willing to loan it to anyone from book club..... Cute story your kids would even learn something from! It encourages everyone to be a better person.
July 18, 2023
This was a great story about a man who grew up and lived his entire life less than 100 miles away from me. I loved learning about Marty and his positivity. He reminds me of all the good things that life has to offer and to lead our lives with compassion.
I’ve seen some negative reviews of this book, and I feel like all of them missed the point. This isn’t a book about a man who worked at Walmart—it’s a book about a man who lived a full and beautiful life, a man that built relationships with strangers and made people feel good about themselves, and a man that most importantly loved everyone without even knowing who they were.
I hope people continue to read this book in years to come and be reminded that there is still good in this world, and maybe all it takes is kindness and sincerity to see it.
Marty’s lessons in case you forgot:
“Relationships matter most in life.”
“Try to do a little more”
“Only you can make you happy.”
Rest in peace to a good man. Maybe even one of the best. ♥️
I’ve seen some negative reviews of this book, and I feel like all of them missed the point. This isn’t a book about a man who worked at Walmart—it’s a book about a man who lived a full and beautiful life, a man that built relationships with strangers and made people feel good about themselves, and a man that most importantly loved everyone without even knowing who they were.
I hope people continue to read this book in years to come and be reminded that there is still good in this world, and maybe all it takes is kindness and sincerity to see it.
Marty’s lessons in case you forgot:
“Relationships matter most in life.”
“Try to do a little more”
“Only you can make you happy.”
Rest in peace to a good man. Maybe even one of the best. ♥️
February 25, 2011
This book is better than a five star book. It is about a South Dakota cash register that lives in Brookings. It does not sound like a great topic but the book is moving and is very inspirational. The whole book is about how the author and the man Marty met and how it changed both their lives. The book is a quick read and has an ending that will keep u thinking.
I would recommend the book to any person who does not have a book to read I read the book in one day not because it was short it was because I could not put the book down. I read this book in my free time and after assignments were done in class. It was a different but great book. If you need a book, I would recommend this book to any person that needs a book to read. It is not a normal non-fiction book it is a great biography.
I would recommend the book to any person who does not have a book to read I read the book in one day not because it was short it was because I could not put the book down. I read this book in my free time and after assignments were done in class. It was a different but great book. If you need a book, I would recommend this book to any person that needs a book to read. It is not a normal non-fiction book it is a great biography.
January 31, 2011
This book was shared at the Lifetouch Winter Meeting recently and had such an impact on my Territory Sales Manager that he purchased a copy for all of his Sales Reps. It's a quick, easy read that is absolutely worth an hour of your time. My husband read it a couple of weeks before I did, so I KNEW it had to be good since it takes a lot to get him interested in a book. This book will leave a long-lasting impact on your heart and mind! Be prepared to laugh, cry and immediately want to tell everyone you know that they NEED to read this!
October 7, 2011
I had an opportunity to hear the author give his presentation on the richest man in town. It was very inspiring and was followed by a standing ovation. I figured that I'd better get and read the book. It is short and easy to read. After starting it, I couldn't put it down until finished! It is a great read and well worth the time. It probably won't take more than an hour to read and it may change your life. Get it and read it!
September 14, 2012
This is not a lengthy story, but one everyone should read. The author spoke at a conference I just attended and shared this story. He had most everyone tearing up and laughing during his speach. When he was finished, almost everyone lined up to shake the author's hand and to buy their own copy of his book. Make sure to have kleenex handy, it will touch your life and your heart and is a great read for anybody and everybody.
August 25, 2018
Easy and emotional read. A book everyone should read and yet if it wasn’t for the luck of a draw at a second hand store today, I never would have found this gem. Signed by V.J. Smith himself! I’m torn between wanting to hide it away to read once a month and wanting to share it with everyone I know. Excellent read is an understatement. Thank you for sharing Marty’s story in such a eloquent and meaningful way.
July 16, 2009
Best book ever! This is a moving story of the relationship between a guy who ran a cash register and a guy who worked at a college. The cashier taught life lessons and the college guy listened. This wonderful story makes a terrific gift!
December 11, 2011
A simple man working at walmart teaches the world what it means to be Christ-like. Absolute must read for anyone who has ever wanted to be like that one person in their life who lifted everyone up around them.
October 14, 2012
This Book changes peoples lives.. Period. This is one of the top 5 books EVERYONE should read. I look forward to seeing the motion Picture being made from it. If you haven't yet read it - READ IT! If you've read it, share it with someone who hasn't.
December 15, 2009
Very good book!
December 28, 2009
You need to have an open hand to give. Thanks, Marty, for showing us how simple it can be!
February 27, 2010
This book was so good! We read it in my sixth grade class and there wasn't a dry eye in the room at the end of the story. Marty truly was the richest man in town!
October 18, 2010
This was a great book and i would recommend it to anyone!!!!!!!!!!!!:):):):):):):)):):):):):):):):)
December 15, 2023
My favorite book ever!
January 7, 2012
This is a quick read, but it is a good reminder that performing small, simple acts of kindness towards others is more rewarding than material possessions or social status or having money.
January 10, 2012
Inspirational - really makes me want to be happy and nice and interested in every person I encounter
January 15, 2012
Very inspirational! Everyone needs to do just a little more.
March 17, 2012
A very good read. I encourage everyone to read this book.
May 26, 2012
Very inspiring!
March 1, 2015
loved this book! very inspirational .... wish I could have met Marty or here v.j. smith speak. ...
April 28, 2023
Short read with an amazing message.
April 25, 2024
The Richest Man in Town
What’s more important, money or happiness? Most will say that if they have money then they can be happy. I see it differently and so does Marty from The Richest Man in Town. The Richest Man in Town is one of my favorite books for this reason. This book is enticing because of its amazing main characters, and how the book portrays important messages that everybody should learn.
For me, to make a book good, the book has to have a deep meaning that most people overlook. This book had one of those deep meanings. The saying is that you don’t need money to be happy. I think that everybody should live by that quote. There’s a quote from one of my favorite books “Don’t Believe Everything You Think” that goes a little like this. “In actuality, we only want these external results like money and significance because we want to experience certain feelings inside such as love, joy, peace, and fulfillment. The feeling is really what we want in our lives, not the physical things, but the trap is that we believe the physical things will give us those feelings. The secret lies within the feeling” (Nguyen 4&5). I believe that is what this book is preaching, you don’t need a million dollars to be happy. Take Marty for example, he’s working at Walmart in his 60s and living in a dual trailer home in a trailer park in Brookings, SD. This may sound like he is an extremely miserable person, but in reality, he is one of the happiest people in the world. “Marty loved his job. ‘I get all pumped up going to work,’ he told me one night at the kitchen table. ‘It energizes me. People do this to me. The way I’ve got it figured, in life you get what you give.’” (Smith 34).
One of the main things that make a book good is the characters, and this book has one of the best characters I’ve ever known. Marty is a character who is like everybody’s grandpa, he’s an amazing person who truly cares about everyone he meets. Marty is the person I aspire to be, he doesn’t judge people before he talks with them, he is always kind to people no matter their age or background, and he can put a smile on people’s faces no matter how bad their day is going. I like reading about how friendly he is to kids in a supermarket setting because usually they get treated like they were forced to be there and are always in the way. “‘Kids love it when I shake their hands. Future customers, you know,’ Marty said with a wink. A couple of days before Father’s Day, a little girl in line with her mother walked up to Marty and handed him an envelope. He opened it and found a Father’s Day card with a picture and the little girl's signature” (Smith 47). Marty also is a man with a ton of wisdom who has three very important lessons that everybody should know. His three lessons were: Relationships matter most in life, try to do a little more, and only you can make yourself happy. If you can follow these three lessons, I believe you will be able to live a happy, and fulfilling life.
That was just a taste of one of my favorite books, I hope you pick it up and feel as inspired as I did. I also hope you understand that having money doesn’t always mean being happy. These characters, mainly Marty, are a few characters I will never forget. Lastly, don't forget to be a person like Marty, and spread kindness and joy wherever you go.
What’s more important, money or happiness? Most will say that if they have money then they can be happy. I see it differently and so does Marty from The Richest Man in Town. The Richest Man in Town is one of my favorite books for this reason. This book is enticing because of its amazing main characters, and how the book portrays important messages that everybody should learn.
For me, to make a book good, the book has to have a deep meaning that most people overlook. This book had one of those deep meanings. The saying is that you don’t need money to be happy. I think that everybody should live by that quote. There’s a quote from one of my favorite books “Don’t Believe Everything You Think” that goes a little like this. “In actuality, we only want these external results like money and significance because we want to experience certain feelings inside such as love, joy, peace, and fulfillment. The feeling is really what we want in our lives, not the physical things, but the trap is that we believe the physical things will give us those feelings. The secret lies within the feeling” (Nguyen 4&5). I believe that is what this book is preaching, you don’t need a million dollars to be happy. Take Marty for example, he’s working at Walmart in his 60s and living in a dual trailer home in a trailer park in Brookings, SD. This may sound like he is an extremely miserable person, but in reality, he is one of the happiest people in the world. “Marty loved his job. ‘I get all pumped up going to work,’ he told me one night at the kitchen table. ‘It energizes me. People do this to me. The way I’ve got it figured, in life you get what you give.’” (Smith 34).
One of the main things that make a book good is the characters, and this book has one of the best characters I’ve ever known. Marty is a character who is like everybody’s grandpa, he’s an amazing person who truly cares about everyone he meets. Marty is the person I aspire to be, he doesn’t judge people before he talks with them, he is always kind to people no matter their age or background, and he can put a smile on people’s faces no matter how bad their day is going. I like reading about how friendly he is to kids in a supermarket setting because usually they get treated like they were forced to be there and are always in the way. “‘Kids love it when I shake their hands. Future customers, you know,’ Marty said with a wink. A couple of days before Father’s Day, a little girl in line with her mother walked up to Marty and handed him an envelope. He opened it and found a Father’s Day card with a picture and the little girl's signature” (Smith 47). Marty also is a man with a ton of wisdom who has three very important lessons that everybody should know. His three lessons were: Relationships matter most in life, try to do a little more, and only you can make yourself happy. If you can follow these three lessons, I believe you will be able to live a happy, and fulfilling life.
That was just a taste of one of my favorite books, I hope you pick it up and feel as inspired as I did. I also hope you understand that having money doesn’t always mean being happy. These characters, mainly Marty, are a few characters I will never forget. Lastly, don't forget to be a person like Marty, and spread kindness and joy wherever you go.
June 23, 2019
More than a bit saccharine. Or maybe I'm embittered in my elderly youth.
It's the sort of over-simplified advice that approaches anti-intellectual. It is not that kind-hearted strangers are not appreciated, but isn't this sort of impact more an indication of the sad state of our community interaction than a representation of some secret wisdom? He sounds like a legit nice guy, and people enjoy being "heard", whatever that means, but my main takeaway was the impression that the guy who profited from getting thousands of people emotionally worked up based on a guy who shakes people's hands is congratulating himself on figuring out what "It's A Wonderful Life" is about, without actually getting the point of the classic film.
In the film, George sacrifices his vision of success for the good of his community, but it is more that he realizes how necessary the Building and Loan is to the community, and that the community (i.e. his intimate friends) appreciate and love him for it, which changes his perspective on what success means to him and the degree to which his success as a friend and member of his community utilizing his particular gifts has contributed to his and the community's success on a profound level that goes beyond wealth or acclaim. If you hadn't seen the film you'd assume George is simple talentless fool who is wisely content about being poor and is nice to strangers based on this book.
I feel callous in saying it, but these sorts of chicken-soup-for-the-soul stories trivialize the hard task it is to be virtuous, even as it hopes to promote kindness. This is not to discount the humbly virtuous: the annals of the Saints are full of simple souls who loved greatly in small ways and made a big impact. Marty was possibly one of these people, but that's not what this book is about. It's a 88 page bloated eulogy about a motivational speaker who "figured out" the meaning of a classic film because he gave a bunch of talks about a guy who is nice to people.
1. Relationships matter most in life
2. Try to do a little more
3. Only you can make you happy
It's the sort of over-simplified advice that approaches anti-intellectual. It is not that kind-hearted strangers are not appreciated, but isn't this sort of impact more an indication of the sad state of our community interaction than a representation of some secret wisdom? He sounds like a legit nice guy, and people enjoy being "heard", whatever that means, but my main takeaway was the impression that the guy who profited from getting thousands of people emotionally worked up based on a guy who shakes people's hands is congratulating himself on figuring out what "It's A Wonderful Life" is about, without actually getting the point of the classic film.
In the film, George sacrifices his vision of success for the good of his community, but it is more that he realizes how necessary the Building and Loan is to the community, and that the community (i.e. his intimate friends) appreciate and love him for it, which changes his perspective on what success means to him and the degree to which his success as a friend and member of his community utilizing his particular gifts has contributed to his and the community's success on a profound level that goes beyond wealth or acclaim. If you hadn't seen the film you'd assume George is simple talentless fool who is wisely content about being poor and is nice to strangers based on this book.
I feel callous in saying it, but these sorts of chicken-soup-for-the-soul stories trivialize the hard task it is to be virtuous, even as it hopes to promote kindness. This is not to discount the humbly virtuous: the annals of the Saints are full of simple souls who loved greatly in small ways and made a big impact. Marty was possibly one of these people, but that's not what this book is about. It's a 88 page bloated eulogy about a motivational speaker who "figured out" the meaning of a classic film because he gave a bunch of talks about a guy who is nice to people.
1. Relationships matter most in life
2. Try to do a little more
3. Only you can make you happy
June 17, 2017
A.J. Smith published the sixth edition of his book "The Richest Man in Town --Marty" in 2006. The book tells the life story about how 74 year old Aaron "Marty" Martinson, a Brookings South Dakota Walmart checkout worker, inspired hundreds of shoppers with small conversations and personal kindness when he encounter them at his register. The people he served formed a lasting relationship with him and many began to practice his commitment to seek relationships with others, always try harder, and deeply believe that happiness comes from within yourself. I bought the book after hearing a sermon about Marty's virtues.
July 26, 2018
A must-read book! So often we forget to say thank you, we dismiss the acknowledgement, we don't speak up in the moments it matters the most. Human relationships are important! Be kind to your spouse but also be kind to a stranger. You never know what road you will take in life. This book is about a simple at first meaningless act but as turns out the act that has a snowball effect. We all can do just a little bit more in all of our relationships. Write that thank you note, call my parents, and listen to the answer to your question of how are you doing.
January 20, 2026
I had to take a moment (several moments, actually) prior to writing this review because I was just sobbing. This book talked about the simplest virtue of humanity - kindness. This topic was written about through Marty, a Walmart employee. I actually read this for my job’s bookclub and I absolutely sobbed towards the end. It’s a short story, less than 100 pages and took me about an hour to read, but the impact it has on the reader is monumental. Of all of the books I’ve read in my whole life, this would probably make the top 20. Please do yourself a favor and read this story!
August 22, 2019
It is by small and simple things that such great things are brought to pass. That is true with this book that will take an hour or so to read. Marty had such an impact (and still does) on so many people, yet was a very simple and humble man. My favorite quote from the book is: “You can look for the good in people and you’ll find the good. You can look for the bad in people and you’ll find the bad. I would just as soon look for the good in people.” Wise words to live by in all aspects of life.
December 16, 2019
The Richest Man in Town by V.J. Smith is not a book I would normally read but it was the December choice for my book club. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Smith's story about Marty, a man who worked at Walmart, did his best, and made a difference in people's lives. It gave me hope that if we just choose to be happy and to share that happiness with others, we will indeed be happy. A simple read but heartwarming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews