FRED BEANS

By his own admission, Fred Beans is a “driven type of guy.” A resident of Doylestown for more than forty years, he is well known as the founder and president of the Fred Beans Family of Dealerships. Nationally recognized year after year for its commitment to quality, excellence in customer service, and charitable giving, the company employs nearly 1,700 people in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Fred’s dedication to health and wellness also influences his business strategy: he offers a wide range of wellness benefits to all employees designed to keep them healthier and happier. The Healthy Living program features nutrition coaching, healthy lunch-and-learn gatherings, fitness challenges, and access to the company’s wellness coordinator. “Being in business is a tremendous responsibility; and being a good role model is important,” says Fred. A recent profile in The Wall Street Journal detailed Fred’s own personal fitness training regimen and highlighted the now legendary push-up challenge that Fred undertakes to celebrate his birthday, raising the number of push-ups he does to correspond to his age.

Now at 80 years of age, “Every year is a bigger challenge,” says Fred. Encouraging healthy living and providing quality healthcare through programs such as Doylestown Health’s Workplace Wellness Solutions “brings stability to our workforce,” notes Fred. “We want to support our people. We are blessed that we live in Doylestown and that we have the resources that we do. Doylestown Health is a vital part of the community,” he continued.

For Jim Brexler, President and CEO of Doylestown Health, “the Beans family is iconic in this community. Fred and his family run a great company and they make their employees’ healthcare needs a top priority. They are truly invested in making this community a healthier place, and they are constantly looking for ways to support organizations that make a difference in the health and wellness of the community.”

Over the years, the Fred Beans Family of Dealerships and Doylestown Health have partnered on a number of initiatives. “We are grateful for Fred’s trust in us when he refers employees here for their healthcare needs,” adds Brexler, “and we’re proud to partner with an organization that sets such a great example of leadership in business and occupational health. Our community wouldn’t be what it is without Fred.”

According to Fred, “Anything you do with the right spirit will be successful,” and that includes supporting the future of Doylestown Health with a generous leadership gift to the One Vision campaign. “Doylestown Health has always had a great reputation and the hospital has always been top-notch,” says Fred.

“The Fred Beans Family of Dealerships is a stellar example of corporate citizenship,” says Laura Wortman, Vice President and Chief Development Officer for Doylestown Health, “and we are very fortunate to benefit from their generosity—from charity driving events to donations of blankets, cards, and craft kits for cancer patients.” Named in honor of Fred’s most recent gift, the Fred Beans Family Waiting Area in the Cardiovascular and Critical Care Pavilion will enhance the patient and visitor experience with a more comfortable and welcoming environment. “Now,” she continues, “with Fred’s leadership gift to the One Vision campaign, he’s making an even bigger impact by strengthening the future of healthcare in our community.”

Reflecting on his support of Doylestown Health and the community, Fred gets a special sense of satisfaction. “I work hard and I’m able to give back and I’m lucky I can do it,” he says. “I just don’t think I’d feel the same way about buying a boat as giving back to a worthy cause like this.”