Early Life
John Robert Menard Jr. was born on January 22, 1940, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He was the eldest of eight children in a Catholic family. His father, John Menard Sr., was a university professor, and his mother, Rosemary, was a school teacher. From a young age, Menard showed a strong work ethic, a trait that would define his future.
Rise to Success
Menard started his career by constructing pole buildings with college friends. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where he earned a degree in business and a minor in psychology. In 1964, he opened his first hardware store, marking the beginning of Menards. He expanded the business, offering a wide array of home improvement products. Over the years, Menards has become a major player in the home improvement industry, competing with the likes of Home Depot and Lowe's.
Key Business Strategies
Menard is known for his focus on efficiency and cost control. The company has a reputation for keeping prices low, which has contributed to its success. Menard has also been deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of his business. Menards has become known for its wide selection of products and its large warehouse-style stores. The company has grown to over 340 stores across 15 states, primarily in the Midwest.
Philanthropy
Menard has made several notable donations to support various causes. In 2008, he donated $15 million to support Eau Claire's Luther Midelfort Hospital. In 2015, he donated $10 million to the Eau Claire Area YMCA. In 2019, the Menard family donated $5 million to the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center at Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law. Menard also supported conservative causes, donating to political groups. In 2020, Menard donated $3 million to UW-Eau Claire to fund the school's Center for Constitutional Studies.