David Shakarian

David B. Shakarian (February 27, 1914 – September 11, 1984) was an American businessman. He was the founder, chief executive officer, and chairman of GNC.

Early life

David B. Shakarian was born on February 27, 1914,[1] to Armenian parents, the owner of a store where they sold "yogurt, buttermilk, and Bulgarian cultured milk."[2] He had a brother, Bart Shakarian.[2]

Career

Shakarian turned his family health store into GNC, a chain of stores which sold vitamins and fitness products. He served as its chairman and chief executive officer.[2] By 1984, he operated 1,200 stores in the United States and Canada and made 2,000 health products.[2]

Shakarian spearheaded the development of Bonita Bay, a 2,400-acre residential facility in Bonita Springs, Florida, for $1.1 billion.[3] However, by the time of his death, the project was only expected to be completed two decades later.[3]

Personal life and death

Shakarian married Lois M. Vinton on June 16, 1941.[4][2] They had twin daughters.[2] He had a heart attack in 1969.[2] He resided in the Gateway Towers, a residential skyscraper in Pittsburgh, and maintained another property in Marco Island, Florida.[5]

Shakarian died of cancer on September 11, 1984.[2][3] His widow remarried twice and died in 2002.[6]

Dispute over will

A year after Shakarian's death, his brother, who was also GNC's vice chairman, and GNC's former president Gary Daum, sued over the validity of the will.[5] They argued that Shakarian "was not mentally competent to understand the nature and extent of his estate."[5]