John Ruan presents at The World Food Prize, photo from Ruan.com.
John Ruan, one of Des Moines’ most prominent entrepreneurs, passed away last Saturday at the age of 96. John was an example to everyone in our community’s creative class of the heights of success that can be reached as an entrepreneur and innovator.
John’s entrepreneurial story began at the age of 17 when he took a risk, sold one of his family cars, bought a truck and began what we know today as Ruan Transportation Management Company, one of the country’s largest trucking and logistics companies. Over time, the Ruan Companies expanded to include Bankers Trust and six other entities. He invested in the revitalization of downtown Des Moines that began in the 1970s and continues today. The Ruan Center and Ruan II buildings bear his name and many others bear his influence. His philanthropic efforts including funding The World Food Prize and the fight against multiple sclerosis.
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Learn more about the life of this Des Moines entrepreneurial success story at the links below:
- Ruan.com – The life of John Ruan
- DesMoinesRegister.com – John Ruan’s life: The son, the businessman, the leader
- WorldFoodPrize.org – World Food Prize Chairman Emeritus John Ruan, Sr. Dies at 96
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. today and will be broadcast live online at JohnRuanMemorial.com.
