Joe Coulombe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joe Coulombe
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Coulombe in 1986
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| Born |
Joseph Hardin Coulombe
June 3, 1930 San Diego, California, U.S.
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| Died | February 28, 2020 (aged 89) Pasadena, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founder and CEO of Trader Joe's |
| Spouse(s) | Alice Steere |
| Children | 3 |
Joseph Hardin Coulombe (born June 3, 1930 – died February 28, 2020) was a smart American businessman. He started the popular grocery store chain Trader Joe's in 1967. He led the company for many years until he retired in 1988.
Growing Up and School
Joe Coulombe was born in San Diego, California. He grew up on an avocado farm in a town called Del Mar. After spending a year in the U.S. Air Force, he went to Stanford University. He studied economics and later earned a special business degree in 1954.
Starting Trader Joe's
Coulombe began his career working for a company called Rexall. In 1958, he was asked to try out a new type of store called Pronto Markets. These stores were meant to compete with other small shops like 7-Eleven.
He opened six Pronto Markets in the Los Angeles area. Later, Rexall wanted to close them down. But Coulombe decided to buy the stores himself instead.
In 1967, Coulombe changed the name of Pronto Markets to Trader Joe's. He made the store very successful. In 1979, he sold Trader Joe's to a German billionaire named Theo Albrecht. Albrecht was one of the people who started the Aldi supermarket chain. Even after selling the company, Coulombe stayed on as the main boss until he retired in 1988.
Coulombe also served on the boards of other companies. These included Cost Plus World Market and Bristol Farms.
Family Life
In 1952, Coulombe married Alice Steere. They met at a party when they were both students at Stanford. Alice was also involved in the arts and served on the board of the Los Angeles Opera. Joe and Alice had three children: Joe, Charlotte, and Madeleine. The Coulombe family lived in Pasadena, California.
Joe Coulombe was also a board member for several important places. These included the Huntington Library, the Colburn School, and the Los Angeles Opera.
Later Years
Joe Coulombe passed away on February 28, 2020, at his home in Pasadena. He was 89 years old.
