John Menard Jr

$16.71 B

Ranked #160 in World

About John Menard Jr

John Robert Menard Jr., the mastermind behind the thriving Menards home improvement empire, boasts a hefty $18.9 billion net worth as of June 2021, positioning him as the world's 103rd wealthiest person. Born into an academic family, Menard charted his own course, shunning a conventional career path post his business and psychology studies to grow a brand now synonymous with Midwest renovations. With 335 stores and notable motorsports endeavors, including sponsoring NASCAR events and backing champions, Menard is also a prominent philanthropist in healthcare and law enforcement education, aligning his fortune with conservative politics.

Born

January 22, 1940 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, U.S.

Age

86 years

Source Of Wealth

Home Improvement Stores

Industries

Fashion & Retail

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire

Children

6, including Paul

John Robert Menard Jr. was born on January 22, 1940, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He was the eldest of eight siblings in a devout Catholic family with German, French-Canadian, and Norwegian roots. His father, John Menard Sr., was a university professor, while his mother, Rosemary, was a grade school teacher.

Menard attended Eau Claire Regis High School and later graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire with a degree in business and a minor in psychology. Despite receiving a job offer from IBM, he chose to pursue his own small farm construction business.

John Menard Jr: Family

John Menard Jr. is married to Fay Menard, and they have two children together: Paul Menard and Sarah Menard. Paul Menard followed in his father's footsteps and became a professional race car driver, competing in the NASCAR Cup Series for 16 years.

John Menard Jr: Career Highlights

Menard's most notable career achievement is the founding and ownership of Menards, a Midwestern chain of home improvement stores. He opened his first hardware store in 1964, and as of 2021, Menards owns 335 stores and 12 distribution centers. The company grossed an estimated $5.5 billion in sales in 2005.

Menard is also known for his involvement in motorsports. He owns an engine shop in the United Kingdom that produced engines for Team Menard and Robby Gordon Motorsports. Team Menard won the 1997 and 1999 Indy Racing League championships. Menards is a primary sponsor for several teams in NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Craftsman Truck Series.

John Menard Jr: Companies

John Menard Jr. is the founder and owner of Menards, a home improvement store chain based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. As of 2021, Menards operates 335 stores and 12 distribution centers across the Midwestern United States.

John Menard Jr: Major Achievements

Menard's major achievements include building Menards into a multi-billion dollar company, his successful motorsports ventures, and his philanthropic contributions to various organizations.

In 2013, Menard had a net worth of $8.6 billion, making him the richest person in Wisconsin (Forbes 400).

As of June 2021, he is ranked 103rd richest person in the world with a net worth of $18.9 billion (Bloomberg Billionaires Index).

John Menard Jr: Awards & Achievements

Menard has received numerous awards and recognitions for his business acumen and philanthropic efforts. Some of his notable awards include:

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (1999)
Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame inductee (2005)
National Retail Federation Lifetime Achievement Award (2016)

John Menard Jr: Personal Life & Legacy

Menard is known for his strong work ethic and frugal lifestyle. He is also a devout Catholic and a supporter of conservative causes. He has donated to the political groups of the Koch brothers and has made significant contributions to various charitable organizations.

Menard's legacy is one of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and a passion for motorsports. He has built a successful business empire and made a lasting impact on his community and the home improvement industry.

John Menard Jr: Trivia

Menard is a licensed pilot and owns several aircraft, including a Gulfstream G550.
He is a fan of classic cars and owns a collection of vintage vehicles.
Menard is a supporter of the Republican Party and has made significant political contributions to conservative candidates.
He is a member of the board of directors of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce.
Menard is a strong advocate for free market principles and has spoken out against government regulations and taxes.

Wealth History

Timeline

January 22, 1940

John Robert Menard Jr. is born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

1964

Menard opens his first hardware store.

2005

Menards grosses an estimated $5.5 billion in sales.

2008

Menard donates $15 million to Eau Claire's Luther Midelfort Hospital for a new emergency services department and education/training of health professionals.

2011

Menard's son, Paul Menard, wins the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400.

2013

Menard ousts former investment partner Stephen Hilbert for mismanaging assets. Menard has a net worth of $8.6 billion, making him the richest person in Wisconsin (Forbes 400).

2015

Menard donates $10 million to the Eau Claire Area YMCA to replace and expand the LE Phillips Tennis Center.

2019

The Menard family donates $5 million to the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center at Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law.

June 2021

Menard is ranked 103rd richest person in the world with a net worth of $18.9 billion (Bloomberg Billionaires Index).

John Menard Jr : FAQs

What is John Menard Jr's current net worth?

John Menard Jr's current net worth is $16.71 billion.

What is John Menard Jr's current global rank among billionaires?

John Menard Jr holds the 160th position globally among billionaires.

What is John Menard Jr's current ranking within the United States?

John Menard Jr holds the 63rd position in United States.

What was the change in John Menard Jr's net worth compared to the previous year?

John Menard Jr's net worth decreased by 812.47 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 17.52 billion dollars.

What are John Menard Jr's main sources of wealth?

John Menard Jr's main source of income comes from Home Improvement Stores.

In which industry does John Menard Jr primarily operate?

John Menard Jr is primarily involved in the Fashion & Retail industry.

What is John Menard Jr educational background?

John Menard Jr holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from the University of Wisconsin from Eau Claire.

How old is John Menard Jr?

John Menard Jr is 86 years old.

How many children does John Menard Jr have?

John Menard Jr has 6 children.

Who is John Robert Menard Jr. and what is he known for?

John Robert Menard Jr. is the founder and owner of Menards, a popular Midwestern chain of home improvement stores. He is also known for being a former INDYCAR racing team owner and the father of former NASCAR Cup Series driver Paul Menard.

What are some key facts about Menards and its founder John Menard Jr.?

Menards, founded by John Menard Jr., opened its first hardware store in 1964 and operates 335 stores and 12 distribution centers as of 2021. John Menard Jr. had a net worth of $8.6 billion in 2013, making him the richest person in Wisconsin at that time.

How has John Menard Jr. contributed to the motorsports industry?

John Menard Jr.'s motorsports involvement includes owning an engine shop in the UK, his team winning the 1997 and 1999 Indy Racing League championships, and being a primary sponsor for several teams in the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Craftsman Truck Series.

Can you highlight John Menard Jr.'s philanthropic efforts?

John Menard Jr.'s significant donations include $15 million to Luther Midelfort Hospital, $10 million to the Eau Claire Area YMCA, and $5 million to the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center at Ohio State University, among other charitable actions and support for conservative causes.