The Frankfort Hall of Fame: Recognizing the Real People Making a Real Difference in Frankfort, IL

THE FRANKFORT HALL OF FAME

HONORS

RON PLANTZ

On Friday March 7 we will be inducting Ron Plantz into the Frankfort Hall of Fame in recognition of his many contributions to the community of Frankfort.

Born in 1964 in Chicago, Illinois, Ron’s path to greatness began at Gordon Tech High School, where his talent and dedication to football became evident. This foundation propelled him to the prestigious University of Notre Dame, where he not only studied business and accounting, but excelled on the field as a standout offensive lineman from 1982 to 1985. His collegiate career was marked by teamwork, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence—qualities that would serve him well in all his future endeavors.

Following his graduation, Ron was drafted into the NFL, where he played with the 1987 Indianapolis Colts. As an offensive lineman, he embraced the challenges of the game, demonstrating grit and determination on the field. His time on the field taught him invaluable lessons about leadership, resilience, and the importance of community—lessons he would carry with him long after his athletic career came to an end.

Ron’s storied career has ranged from playing in the NFL to working as a commodity broker for Chicago Research and Trading, an audit accountant for Coopers and Lybrand, and, of course, as the founder and president of the wildly innovative and successful AA Medical Store. 

In 2012, he founded AA Medical Store, driven by a vision to improve healthcare access around the globe. Through his innovative company, he has partnered with physicians, manufacturers, and medical facilities across over 180 countries, facilitating access to high-quality pre-owned medical equipment at an affordable price. Ron’s commitment to enhancing surgical care and connecting the world with life saving medical equipment exemplifies his dedication to making a difference in the world.

Moreover, Ron’s contributions to Frankfort extend beyond business and sports. As the Founding Athletic Director of the Frankfort Youth Athletic Association, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Frankfort Falcons, creating a vibrant program that encompasses 12 youth football teams and 12 cheerleading teams. This initiative has not only fostered athletic prowess among our youth but has also built a strong sense of community, camaraderie, and pride in our town. Frankfort will forever be in his debt. 

Join us as we honor Ron Plantz, celebrating not only his achievements but also his unwavering commitment to giving back to Frankfort—a commitment that has enriched the lives of countless individuals, especially young people and families. He is not just an athlete, a businessman, and a leader; he is a devoted husband to his wife Laura and father to his four children Logan, Zac, Tyler and Abby, and a family man who embodies the values we can only hope to emulate that make our community special. Ron and Laura carry on their son Zac’s legacy with their Zac Plantz Foundation that champions faith-based education, service and leadership, and health and wellness initiatives within our community.   

Ron, we are deeply grateful for your contributions, your leadership, and your unwavering dedication to making Frankfort a better place for all of us. As you take your rightful place in the Frankfort Hall of Fame, know that your legacy will inspire generations to come and has set a standard we should all be humble enough to follow. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!