Louisiana Entrepreneurial Legend John Dan Gielen Dies Today

Crowley native John Dan Gielen, owner of Church Point Wholesale and who built the Shop Rite and Tobacco Plus stores into a statewide entrepreneurial empire, has died today (Wednesday), according to KLFY TV 10.

Gielen’s story is an incredible one, as he began his company by borrowing $35,000 from his mother and aunt.

No funeral arrangements have been announced yet.