Frederik G.H. Meijer

$4.70 B

Ranked #223 in World

About Frederik G.H. Meijer

Frederik Gerhard Hendrik Meijer, born in 1919 in Greenville, Michigan to Dutch immigrants, revolutionized retail by launching Meijer Thrifty Acres with his father in 1962, introducing the concept of one-stop shopping. Upon his father's death in 1964, Frederik inherited the company, leading it until he passed leadership to his sons Doug and Hank in 1990. At the time of his death on November 25, 2011, Frederik Meijer's net worth was estimated at US$5 billion, making him the 60th richest person in the United States. His legacy extends beyond business; he contributed significantly to cultural and educational institutions in Michigan, including the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park and several initiatives bearing his name. His personal life was marked by a long marriage to Lena Rader and their three sons. Lena Meijer passed away at the age of 102 on January 15, 2022.

Born

December 07, 1919 in Greenville, Michigan, US

Died

November 25, 2011 (aged 91)

Source Of Wealth

Supermarkets

Industries

Fashion And Retail

Citizenship

United States

Spouse

Lena Rader (Married: 1946)

Children

Doug Meijer, Hank Meijer, Mark Meijer

Parent

Hendrik Meijer (father), Gezina Mantel (mother)

Frederik Gerhard Hendrik Meijer was born on July 7, 1919, in Greenville, Michigan, to Dutch immigrants Gezina Mantel and Hendrik Meijer. He grew up in a close-knit family and developed a strong work ethic from an early age. At the age of 14, he began working with his father to found Meijer's North Side Grocery in Greenville.

Frederik G.H. Meijer: Family

Frederik Meijer married Lena Rader, a former cashier in one of his stores, in 1946. They had three sons together: Doug, Hank, and Mark Meijer. His grandson, Peter Meijer, served as the U.S. representative for Michigan's 3rd congressional district from 2021 to 2023. Sadly, Frederik Meijer passed away on November 25, 2011, after suffering a stroke in his Grand Rapids home. His wife, Lena, passed away at the age of 102 on January 15, 2022.

Frederik G.H. Meijer: Career Highlights

Frederik Meijer's career was marked by several significant achievements. In 1962, he launched Meijer Thrifty Acres with his father, pioneering the concept of one-stop shopping. After his father's death in 1964, he inherited the company and continued to expand its reach. In 1990, he handed over the company to his sons, Doug and Hank, but remained chairman of the board until his death. At the time of his passing, his net worth was estimated at US$5 billion, and he was ranked as the 60th richest person in the United States.

Frederik G.H. Meijer: Companies

Frederik Meijer's primary business venture was Meijer, Inc., a supercenter chain headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Under his leadership, the company grew from a single store to a multi-billion dollar enterprise with over 250 locations in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Frederik G.H. Meijer: Major Achievements

Frederik Meijer's major achievements include revolutionizing the grocery industry with the one-stop shopping concept, expanding Meijer, Inc. into a regional powerhouse, and amassing a substantial personal fortune.

He also made significant contributions to the community through his philanthropic efforts.

Frederik G.H. Meijer: Awards & Achievements

Frederik Meijer received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to business and philanthropy. These include the Horatio Alger Award, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and the Michigan Retailers Association Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also inducted into the Michigan Business Hall of Fame and the Junior Achievement of Western Michigan Business Hall of Fame.

Frederik G.H. Meijer: Personal Life & Legacy

Frederik Meijer was known for his humble and down-to-earth demeanor. He was deeply committed to his family and community, and he made significant contributions to various charitable organizations. His legacy includes the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, the Frederik Meijer Honors College at Grand Valley State University, and the Frederik Meijer Chair in Dutch culture at Calvin University. The Frederik Meijer Trail in Kent County, Michigan, and the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park are also named in his honor following generous donations by the Frederik and Lena Meijer Foundation.

Frederik G.H. Meijer: Trivia

Frederik Meijer was an avid golfer and a fan of the Detroit Tigers and the University of Michigan Wolverines. He was also a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying his own plane. In 2019, Meijer, Inc. celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of success and innovation.

Wealth History

Timeline

1919

Frederik Gerhard Hendrik Meijer is born in Greenville, Michigan, to Dutch immigrants Gezina Mantel and Hendrik Meijer.

1933

Frederik Meijer starts working with his father to found Meijer's North Side Grocery in Greenville at age 14.

1946

Frederik Meijer marries Lena Rader, a former cashier in one of his stores.

1962

Frederik Meijer launches Meijer Thrifty Acres with his father, pioneering one-stop shopping.

1964

Frederik Meijer inherits the company after his father's death.

1990

Frederik Meijer hands over the company to his sons, Doug and Hank, but remains chairman of the board until his death.

2011

Frederik Meijer passes away on November 25 after suffering a stroke in his Grand Rapids home.

2022

Frederik Meijer's wife, Lena, passes away at 102 years old on January 15.

Frederik G.H. Meijer : FAQs

What is Frederik G.H. Meijer's net worth?

As of 2011, Frederik G.H. Meijer's net worth was $4.70 billion.

What are Frederik G.H. Meijer's main sources of wealth?

Frederik G.H. Meijer's main source of income comes from Supermarkets.

In which industry does Frederik G.H. Meijer primarily operate?

Frederik G.H. Meijer is primarily involved in the Fashion And Retail industry.

Is Frederik G.H. Meijer dead?

Yes, Frederik G.H. Meijer died on November 25, 2011 (aged 91).

How many children does Frederik G.H. Meijer have?

Frederik G.H. Meijer has 3 children.

Who was Frederik Gerhard Hendrik Meijer and what is his significance in the retail industry?

Frederik Gerhard Hendrik Meijer, born in 1919 in Greenville, Michigan, was a pioneering American businessman who, along with his father, founded Meijer's North Side Grocery and later launched Meijer Thrifty Acres in 1962, introducing the concept of one-stop shopping. He played a crucial role in transforming the retail landscape and was estimated to have a net worth of US$5 billion as of September 2011.

How did Frederik Meijer contribute to the concept of one-stop shopping?

Frederik Meijer contributed to the concept of one-stop shopping by launching Meijer Thrifty Acres with his father in 1962. This innovation allowed customers to purchase groceries and general merchandise in a single location, significantly enhancing shopping convenience and setting a new standard in the retail industry.

Can you tell us about Frederik Meijer's family and personal life?

Frederik Meijer married Lena Rader, a former cashier at one of his stores, in 1946. Together, they had three sons: Doug, Hank, and Mark Meijer. His grandson Peter served as the U.S. representative for Michigan's 3rd congressional district from 2021 to 2023. Frederik passed away in 2011 after suffering a stroke, and his wife Lena passed away at the age of 102 in 2022.

What are some key aspects of Frederik Meijer's legacy beyond his retail achievements?

Beyond his retail achievements, Frederik Meijer's legacy includes significant philanthropic contributions. He helped establish the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, and several institutions bear his name, including the Honors College at Grand Valley State University and a chair in Dutch culture at Calvin University. The Frederik Meijer Trail and Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park also honor his contributions, funded by donations from the Frederik and Lena Meijer Foundation.