With more than 50 years experience in business, Frank B Fuhrer Jnr has built a substantial company to leave to his son, and an impressive legacy of charity work
By Lucy Mowatt
Established in 1982, Frank B. Fuhrer is a company that has grown significantly in recent years. Based in Pittsburgh, it has become a distributor of big brand names in the beverage industry. Not only does it distribute products, but it is also responsible for the import of foreign and specialist drinks from across the world.
Frank B. Fuhrer established the company, having run a number of other businesses, including his father’s clothing store in East Brady. In 2005 he past the mantle of CEO onto his son, Frank B Fuhrer Jnr, while retaining the Chairman position. His business acumen and dedication were rewarded when he was included in the Lou Holtz Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame. He is now 82 and still takes and active role within the business.
The company has two main divisions; one which distributes Anheuser-Busch products and another which is focused upon other brands, such as Coors and Molson. The products distributed range from beers and ales, to stout, wines and spirits. A number of pre-mixed cocktails are also delivered throughout western Pennsylvania.
One of the specialist products offered by Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale is a gluten free honey beer, from Ramapo Valley Brewery. This aims to appeal to increasing numbers of people which are limited by which beverages they are able to drink owing to gluten intolerance or celiac disease. The company can offer a niche product around the region, helping end customers in ten counties.
The Anhueser-Busch wholesale business was established while Fuhrer operated six companies, ranging from a manufacturer and importer of hair care products, to an automobile dealership and a chemical company. Shortly after starting these activities the entrepreneur was diagnosed with prostate cancer and led to a reassessment of his business activities and where he planned to go.
A focused strategy
Eventually he realized that the beverage industry was his where his future lay and decided to focus all of his attentions upon building a business which could be passed onto his children and family. He sold off the other businesses between 1985 and 1990, and now just operates the one business.
In order to grow and develop a successful supplier network, the Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale has a strategy which encourages the acquisition of other distribution companies throughout the region. This will enable the company to offer a wider range of products to a wider range of customers and encourage expansion.
In early 2006 the company introduced a number of systems to ensure that a reliable and efficient system was in place. The company began using UPS Logistics Technologies, including the Roadnet Transportation Suite in 2003. This puts all distribution information onto a computerized system. Following the success of this system, Frank B. Fuhrer implemented MobileCast technology, which enables the progress of trucks to be monitored throughout the day.
University support
Frank B Fuhrer is also a notable member of the University of Pittsburgh Alumni, and was awarded in 2001 with a Distinguished Alumnus Award. He retains close links with the University, and is behind the Frank B. Fuhrer Jr. Lessons in Success Program. This takes place at the University’s College of Business Administration and encourages successful business leaders to speak to students, encouraging them to pursue their own goals and achieve local success.
The company also becomes involved with the local community; in 2006 a project was completed at Meadville Allegheny College, which involved a massive renovation and refurbishment of the Robertson Sports Complex. Frank B. Fuhrer graduated from the college in 1948 and donated $1 million to the scheme, and the field has been named after him in recognition of his contribution.
Charitable focus
It would certainly seem that Mr. Fuhrer looks to give something back to the communities in which he has lived and work. As such, he has also become a sponsor of the YMCA Scholar Athlete Banquet in Pittsburgh, and one of the prizes has been named the Fuhrer Family Outstanding Performance Award. It is given to young people that overcome the circumstances and are dedicated to sport.
A wing at the Shadyside Hospital has also been named the Frank B. Fuhrer Magnetic Resonance Wing, following the businessman’s donations to the hospital. It would seem that charity is important to Mr. Fuhrer and plays an important part of his life. He has also been involved with the construction of memorials to firefighters and law enforcement officers in the area and guides how he does business.
With a strong business strategy and a focus on encouraging local people and local businesses, Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale will continue to be a leading distributor of bestselling brand for years to come.