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Quick answer: Bill Smith is a Howard City, Michigan resident and author. He co-wrote “Fred Meijer: Stories of His Life” and authored “Just Call Me Fred,” a collection of Fred Meijer quotes. Smith graduated from Howard City in 1958, worked for the Meijer Corporation for over four decades, and his parents owned Smith’s IGA in Howard City.
Key Takeaways
- Bill Smith is an author and long-time resident of Howard City, Michigan, graduating in 1958.
- He co-authored “Fred Meijer: Stories of His Life” and wrote “Just Call Me Fred,” a collection of 101 quotes.
- Smith worked for the Meijer Corporation for over four decades, with fifteen years in marketing and advertising, before retiring in 2001.
- Fred Meijer, the subject of Smith’s books, was the founder of the Meijer supermarket and hypermarket chain.
Bill Smith: Howard City Author Shares Fred Meijer Story, Episode 73
Bill Smith authored the book
Bill co wrote, “Fred Meijer: Stories of His Life Paperback ” along with Larry ten Harmsel. According to the Amazon statement about the book: “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”  Can purchase the book at https://www.amazon.com/-/he/Bill-Smith/dp/0802864600
Just Call Me Fred
Bill also wrote the book: ‘Just call me Fred’, which is a collection of 101 quotes from Fred Meijer.
Fred Meijer was an American businessman and philanthropist, best known as the founder of Meijer, a regional supermarket and hypermarket chain in the United States. Born on December 7, 1919, in Greenville, Michigan, Fred Meijer played a pivotal role in the expansion and success of the retail company.
Founded in 1934 by Hendrik Meijer, Fred’s father, the Meijer chain initially started as a local grocery store. However, under Fred Meijer’s leadership, the company underwent significant growth and evolved into a supercenter format, combining grocery and general merchandise under one roof.
Fred Meijer was known for his commitment to customer service, innovation in retail, and community involvement. Beyond his contributions to the business world, he was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various charitable causes and organizations in West Michigan. His legacy extends not only through the Meijer retail empire but also through the positive impact he made on his community through his philanthropic efforts.
Fred Meijer passed away on November 25, 2011, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the retail industry and a strong tradition of community engagement associated with the Meijer brand.
Bill Smith loves living in Howard City due to the small town flavor and slower pace. Howard City is a small town located in Montcalm County, Michigan, USA. Situated in the western part of the state, Howard City has a modest population and is known for its rural charm. The town is surrounded by scenic landscapes and is part of the larger agricultural and wooded areas typical of Michigan.
Growing Up in Howard City
Howard City serves as a local center for residents in the surrounding areas, offering essential services, small businesses, and community facilities. While it may not be a major urban center, Howard City provides a quieter, close-knit community atmosphere for its residents. The town’s economy often reflects its connection to agriculture and local businesses.
Overall, Howard City represents a quintessential small town in the Midwest, emphasizing a simpler way of life and a strong sense of community.
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Bill Smith, Howard City Resident, Author of the book: Fred Meijer stories of his life episode 73
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Sources & Methodology
This blog post serves as a summary and companion piece to episode 73 of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, featuring an insightful interview with Bill Smith. The content directly reflects Bill Smith’s personal narrative, drawing from his firsthand accounts of growing up in Howard City, his extensive four-decade career with the Meijer Corporation, and his journey as a published author. As the interviewer and producer, Duane Weed has ensured that the information presented accurately captures Mr. Smith’s experiences and insights. Details regarding Fred Meijer’s life and the historical context of the Meijer corporation are presented as discussed during the podcast and are supported by the referenced publications and publicly available information.
About the Author/Interviewer: Duane Weed is the founder of DW Video & Multimedia, LLC, established in 1984, and the producer of the Discover Montcalm Podcast. With decades of experience in video production and digital media, Duane brings a wealth of expertise in local storytelling and community engagement. He also shares his knowledge as a Digital Arts instructor at the Montcalm Area Career Center, fostering the next generation of media professionals.
References:
- Meijer Corporate History: https://www.google.com/search?q=Meijer+corporate+history
- Fred Meijer Biography: https://www.google.com/search?q=Fred+Meijer+biography
- Howard City, Michigan Official Information: https://www.google.com/search?q=Howard+City+Michigan+official+website
- “Fred Meijer: Stories of His Life” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/he/Bill-Smith/dp/0802864600
Publication Date: February 20, 2024
For more information about DW Video & Multimedia, LLC, please visit dwvideo.com or contact us at (231) 250-9624. Our business is located at 5510 Maple Hill, Howard City, Michigan, 49329, US.
Michigan’s Broader Tapestry: Retail, Philanthropy, and Local Roots
Beyond the remarkable story of Fred Meijer and the Meijer corporation, Michigan boasts a rich tapestry of retail innovation and community spirit. While Meijer revolutionized the supercenter, other Michigan-born retail giants like Kmart, founded in Garden City, also shaped the national landscape. Understanding this broader Michigan retail history helps appreciate the competitive and innovative environment Fred Meijer navigated.
Similarly, Fred Meijer’s significant philanthropy is part of a larger tradition in West Michigan’s philanthropic landscape. Families like the DeVos family and organizations such as the Grand Rapids Community Foundation have also made profound impacts, demonstrating a shared commitment to improving the region. Bill Smith’s family store, Smith’s IGA, highlights the enduring legacy of the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA), a network supporting local, family-owned businesses against larger chains, a vital part of many small communities like Howard City.
The story also frequently touches upon Grand Rapids, Michigan, a city pivotal to Meijer’s growth and Fred Meijer’s life. As a major hub in West Michigan, Grand Rapids served as a launchpad for many of Meijer’s innovations. Finally, the charm of Howard City, with its ‘small town flavor,’ is deeply rooted in Michigan’s agricultural heritage. This connection to farming and local produce often forms the backbone of small-town economies and traditions, influencing everything from local businesses to community gatherings, much like those found across Montcalm County.
