Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business is hosting its 31st “Business Leader of the Year” breakfast to honor the accomplishments of Craig Zinn of Craig Zinn Automotive Group on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.
Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business is hosting its 31st “Business Leader of the Year” breakfast to honor the accomplishments of Craig Zinn of Craig Zinn Automotive Group on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at 9 a.m. at Boca West Country Club, 20583 Boca West Drive, Boca Raton.
“We are thrilled to have Craig Zinn as this year’s recipient of the Business Leader of the Year,” said Daniel Gropper, Ph.D., dean of FAU’s College of Business and Kaye Family professor. “Mr. Zinn is an incredible entrepreneur who is also an exceptional leader. To have him as a role model for our business students and the broader South Florida community is an honor.”
Zinn, an American automotive entrepreneur and philanthropist, has more than 40 years in the automotive industry. He began his journey in 1980 when he purchased his first car dealership, having gained experience from a young age while working alongside his father in the automotive industry. His years working in every aspect, from washing and detailing cars to working as a line mechanic and in parts and inventory, offered vast experience in the industry.
Today, the Craig Zinn Automotive Group is known for Zinn’s personal “hands-on” management and commitment to excellence and achievement. His group 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. His dealerships have won numerous recognitions and accolades over the years.
Zinn grew up in Miami and attended Northwood University in Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising, marketing and accounting business management. He completed postgraduate studies at the General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan, earning a degree in automotive accounting, marketing and management.
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.
“Take care of your customers — or someone else will. Throughout my career, I’ve strived to not only be a good businessman but also a good man in business,” Zinn said. “This honor from FAU is meaningful because it reflects both building a successful company while leading with integrity, responsibility and a commitment to the community.”
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 Keith Koenig, Patrick Geraghty, Rick and Rita Case, Jordan Zimmerman, Jim Moran, Carl DeSantis, Alan Levan, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and George Schaeffer.
FAU’s College of Business is dedicated to pursuing excellence in education for the South Florida community and is among the top 20 largest AACSB-accredited business schools in the country, with more than 9,000 students enrolled. Its fundamental mission is to help create opportunities for students and the community through first-rate educational programs. The college offers multiple programs ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report, Fortune, The Princeton Review, and Entrepreneur magazine. The college’s non-degree executive education programs are ranked No. 4 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Florida by the Financial Times.
There are several sponsorship levels available, including the presenting sponsor, title sponsor, platinum sponsor, mimosa sponsor, as well as gold, silver, bronze and corporate friends level sponsorships.
For more information, contact Lacey Taylor at LaceyTaylor@fau.edu or visit the event website.
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