FAU Honors Craig Zinn as Business Leader of the Year
Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business recently hosted a ceremony to honor Craig Zinn, an American automotive entrepreneur and philanthropist, as its 31st “Business Leader of the Year” event.
Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business recently hosted a ceremony to honor Craig Zinn, an American automotive entrepreneur and philanthropist, as its 31st “Business Leader of the Year” event.
The ceremony took place at Boca West Country Club and drew hundreds of attendees to celebrate Zinn for his innovative, visionary leadership, as well as his philanthropy and commitment to his community.
“One rule I’ve always followed is simple: do the right thing,” Zinn said. “It’s not just about being a good businessman, it’s about being a good man in business.”
An American automotive entrepreneur and philanthropist, Zinn has more than 40 years in the automotive industry. His years working in every aspect, from washing and detailing cars to working as a line mechanic and handling parts and inventory, provided extensive industry experience.
The award-winning Craig Zinn Automotive Group, known for “hands-on management” and commitment to excellence, operates throughout South Florida as the authorized dealer for Toyota of Hollywood; Lexus of Pembroke Pines; Acura of Pembroke Pines; Lexus of North Miami; Subaru of Pembroke Pines; and 441 Auto Rental.
Committed to improving the community around him, Zinn supports local charities such as the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, the Cleveland Clinic Florida, and the American Cancer Society. Zinn’s philanthropy includes a $2 million gift to the Cleveland Clinic to establish the Cleveland Clinic Craig M. Zinn Concierge Medicine Suite in Weston, as well as a prior $2 million gift to establish the Craig M. Zinn Distinguished Chair in Men’s Health.
“We were honored to celebrate Craig Zinn, a leader who has had an incredible business career and who exemplifies the American Dream,” said Daniel Gropper, Ph.D., dean of FAU’s College of Business. “Craig demonstrates characteristics we celebrate and hold up as an example for our students in the College of Business: integrity, an entrepreneurial spirit, service excellence, and support of his community. We are fortunate to have him in the South Florida community.”
Sponsors of the event included Craig Zinn Automotive Group (diamond sponsor); Lexus Southern Area (presenting sponsor); Florida Atlantic Executive Education (title sponsor); and JM Family Enterprises, Inc. (platinum sponsor).
FAU’s College of Business has presented the Business Leader of the Year award since 1991, celebrating the legacies of outstanding business leaders in the Southeast region of Florida and the state. Past recipients include George Schaeffer, Keith Koenig, Patrick Geraghty, Rick and Rita Case, Jordan Zimmerman, Jim Moran, Carl DeSantis, Alan Levan and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.
-FAU-
Tags: business