My great-grandmother’s cousin was Henry Ford, and we’re also related to Ethan Allen. But I don’t get an A-plan (or B, or any discount) on new trucks, and I pay full price for furniture. The same can’t be said for two billionaire families who have become part of Michigan’s DNA and have made a slew of cash while calling the Mitten State home, according to Forbes.
Chances are you’ve contributed to their wealth several times while buying groceries or while in the hospital. Let’s take a closer look at the two wealthiest families in Michigan.
Michigan’s Grocery Royalty
If you’ve ever strolled into a Meijer to grab a gallon of milk and left with a kayak, a rotisserie chicken, and a patio set—congrats! You’ve contributed to one of the state’s wealthiest families: The Meijer family. This retail empire was born in Greenville, Michigan, in 1934 by Hendrik Meijer, who was aided by his then 14-year-old son Fred.
Thanks to their “Thrifty Acres” one-stop shopping model, they now rake in $21 billion annually and are tied for America’s 27th richest family. Forbes estimates the living family’s wealth (Hendricks grandsons, Hank and Doug Meijer) at $15.9 billion.
Turning Surgery into Billions
Also worth an estimated $15.9 billion by Forbes (and in a tie with the Meijer’s for the 27th richest family in America), you have no doubt padded the pockets of Michigan’s Stryker family, especially if you’ve ever had a hip replacement, a knee implant, or just enjoyed the luxury of a hospital bed. Stryker was founded in 1941 by Dr. Homer Stryker, who also had the mind of an inventor…