Fred Meijer by Bill Smith

Fred Meijer by Bill Smith

Retailing pioneer Fred Meijer comes alive in the pages of this intimate biography, told in part by the people in Fred's life -- from store cashiers to American presidents. Astute businessman, visionary arts patron, homespun philosopher -- Fred is a man of many parts. His story weaves a chronicle of how to succeed in business, how to shape one's life, how to leave the world a better place, and how to have fun along the way. / "Fred, in his unpretentious way, has always been a leader. . . . He is able, he is dedicated, and he's fun."-- Gerald R. Ford / "I have always admired Fred Meijer as the great visionary who first recognized the potential of the supercenter in the United States. As we developed our Wal-Mart model, we learned a great deal by watching what he did."-- Don Soderquist - former Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Wal-Mart / "Fred Meijer's life story is a supersize grocery cart, full to the brim with values that we should live by -- honesty, fairness, and respect for others."-- Mike Lloyd - Grand Rapids Press

Larry ten Harmsel was born in Zeeland, Michigan, and has been a lifelong student of Dutch culture in America. He has also studied, taught, and traveled extensively in The Netherlands. He is the founder and director of the Grand Tour of Europe, sponsored by Western Michigan University, where he serves as Professor of English and Associate Dean of the Lee Honors College.