Doug Meijer & family

Early Life

Doug Meijer was born in 1955 in Greenville, Michigan. He is the grandson of Hendrik Meijer, who founded the Meijer retail chain in 1934. His father, Frederik Meijer, expanded the business significantly. Doug began working in the family business at age 12, gaining experience in various store operations. He developed a strong work ethic early on, working in the stores' marking and receiving departments.

Rise to Success

Doug Meijer graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1976. He immediately joined the family business full-time, progressing through various management positions. Along with his brothers Hank and Mark, he co-owns the company, with Hank serving as executive chairman.

Key Business Strategies

Meijer is a privately held company that operates primarily in the Midwestern United States. The company is credited with pioneering the modern supercenter concept. Meijer has over 250 stores across the Midwest and is the 23rd-largest retailer by revenue in the U.S. In 2023, the company's revenue was $21.95 billion. Doug and Hank Meijer served as co-CEOs from 1990 to 2017. The company's headquarters are located in Walker, Michigan.

Philanthropy

Meijer, through family foundations, has engaged in philanthropy, supporting hunger relief and mental health initiatives, reflecting his personal experiences. Doug has been open about his ongoing struggle with depression, which started in 2011, and has used his platform to combat the stigma surrounding mental health.