Early Life
John Robert Menard Jr. was born on January 22, 1940, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He was the oldest of eight siblings in a Catholic family. His father, John Menard Sr., was a university professor, and 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.
Rise to Success
Menard's career began with a small farm construction business specializing in pole buildings, which he started to fund his college education. After graduating, Menard declined a job offer from IBM to continue with his construction business. He opened his first hardware store in 1964. This store marked the beginning of Menards, which would grow into a major retail chain. He focused on maintaining control of the company and reinvesting in growth.
Key Business Strategies
Menard's stores are known for their wide aisles, vast product range, and focus on customer service. Menard resisted going public with the company, choosing instead to maintain full control. Menard opened his first hardware store in 1964, and as of 2021, Menards owns 335 stores and 12 distribution centers. His approach to business involved strict cost controls.
Philanthropy
Menard has made several donations to support community projects and conservative causes. Some of his 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’s Moritz College of Law.
