ISSAQUAH, WA – Costco’s Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board has passed away. The company announced that Jeff Brotman passed early yesterday morning.

The company released in a statement that the thoughts of Costco’s board, management, and employees are with Jeff’s wife and family.

Jeff was a key figure in the internationally renowned company. According to Fortune, Jeff and his partner James Sinegal first opened Costco in 1983. Jeff, then a Seattle-based attorney, had the idea of opening a warehouse store that was more than just a business.

“Do the right thing,” Fortune reported was the company’s first motto, and still is moving forward.

The practices instilled by Jeff and James were integral to enrapturing loyal consumers with its brand, and ones the company still upholds. This maintained foundation has now led to 736 Costco warehouses, 225 of which are on international shores.

AndNowUKnow extends its deepest condolences to Jeff’s family, as well as all those affected by his passing.