John Fruth

John Fruth is a longtime drug store owner with many interests. He’s an active community leader and public-spirited individual who always puts his customers’ needs first.

Fruth not only owns a drugstore chain, but he has opened several gift and card shops as well. Furthermore, he owns an narrated boat which he uses for traveling around the world.

Early Life and Education

John Fruth, the son of a United Brethren pastor in Redkey, Indiana, spent his formative years playing basketball on street corners, barns and any other available court. Despite attending multiple schools throughout his childhood years, Fruth never lost his enthusiasm for the game.

He had an avid reading habit and often traveled alone on hitchhiking trips across Europe. With his great sense of humor, he enjoyed sharing stories with his friends.

He was an inspiring educator, teaching business education and coaching several sports at Liberty Center and Adams Central high schools in Indianapolis, Indiana. Additionally, he served as a guidance counselor for 17 years. He found joy in working with students and considered it his privilege to help them reach their full potentials. Furthermore, his generous spirit extended beyond work; he helped set up numerous scholarships while serving his community assiduously.

Professional Career

In 1952 Jack Fruth opened the doors to his first Fruth Pharmacy in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Since then the family-run business has blossomed into 21 locations throughout West Virginia and Ohio plus a corporate office and warehouse facility.

Over the years, Fruth Pharmacy has seen both good and bad times. From opening new locations to salvaging store remnants after fire or flooding or taking on the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic head-on, Fruth Pharmacy has always been there for its community.

Achievements and Honors

John Fruth began his career as a pharmacist in Springfield and Xenia, Ohio. Eventually he opened his own pharmacy in Point Pleasant, West Virginia.

Jack Fruth was an active community leader, serving on numerous boards and committees in his hometown of Point Pleasant. He generously donated money to address homelessness issues and create scholarships for college-bound students.

He and his wife Joan Fruth have been instrumental in expanding Fruth Pharmacy to 21 locations throughout West Virginia. Through it all, they’ve stayed strong; opening new stores, salvaging remnants from fire or flood disasters, and braving the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic head-on.

Fruth has achieved academic excellence as well as being an active member of his community, which has been recognized by multiple organizations. He takes great pride in belonging to a family that works together and dedicates themselves to serving those within it.

Personal Life

John Fruth was a loving husband and father who worked tirelessly to build Fruth Pharmacy into an impressive company. His life’s work was dedicated to his family, his community, and everything in between.

Fruth’s business venture began with cultivating relationships with customers and suppliers. Furthermore, he insisted on treating employees like family.

He expanded his drugstore chain in the 1980s and joined Associated Chain Drug Stores, an organization which enabled small businesses to pool their purchasing power.

He and his wife Babs had five children: Joan, Carol, Lynne, Mike and John. All were involved in the business and contributed to its success. As a testament to their love of family and community, they established numerous scholarships in their names. Furthermore, their values of acceptance and tolerance were instilled throughout their children’s lives.

Net Worth

Fruth began a drug store chain in Point Pleasant, West Virginia that quickly expanded to 18 locations throughout western West Virginia and southern Ohio – where he found an lucrative niche.

The chain experienced an average sales per store increase to $2 million, and its annual revenues exceeded $100 million. As part of its strategy to diversify its merchandise mix, the company expanded gift and card selections.

Fruth continued to expand despite economic conditions, opening more stores. In 2000 it opened Honey Bear Tree – a gift and greeting card shop located in Cross Lanes, West Virginia – which carried an array of products including Yankee Candles and Precious Moments candles as well as half-price greeting cards. The Honey Bear Tree proved popular and helped boost Fruth’s sales figures significantly.