Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business will recognize Craig Zinn, founder of the Craig Zinn Automotive Group, at its 31st “Business Leader of the Year” breakfast on January 21, 2026. The event will take place at 9 a.m. at the Boca West Country Club in Boca Raton.
Daniel Gropper, Ph.D., dean of FAU’s College of Business and Kaye Family professor, said, “We are thrilled to have Craig Zinn as this year’s recipient of the Business Leader of the Year. 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.”
Craig Zinn has spent over four decades in the automotive industry. He started his career in 1980 after purchasing his first dealership, having gained early experience working with his father. Zinn has worked in many roles, including washing and detailing cars, serving as a line mechanic, and managing parts and inventory.
His company, the Craig Zinn Automotive Group, operates several dealerships across South Florida, including Toyota of Hollywood, Lexus of Pembroke Pines, Acura of Pembroke Pines, Lexus of North Miami, Subaru of Pembroke Pines, and 441 Auto Rental. The group is known for Zinn’s direct management style and focus on high standards. His dealerships have received multiple awards over the years.
Zinn grew up in Miami and attended Northwood University in Michigan, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, and accounting business management. He also completed postgraduate studies at the General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan, with a degree in automotive accounting, marketing, and management.
Zinn is active in philanthropy, supporting organizations such as the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, the Cleveland Clinic Florida, and the American Cancer Society. He has made significant donations, including $2 million to the Cleveland Clinic to establish the Cleveland Clinic Craig M. Zinn Concierge Medicine Suite in Weston, and another $2 million to create 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.”
The Business Leader of the Year award has been presented by FAU’s College of Business since 1991 to honor outstanding business leaders in Florida. Previous 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.
The College of Business at FAU is among the 20 largest AACSB-accredited business schools in the United States, enrolling over 9,000 students. The college’s programs have received national recognition from outlets such as U.S. News & World Report, Fortune, The Princeton Review, and Entrepreneur magazine. Its executive education programs are ranked fourth in the U.S. and first in Florida by the Financial Times.
Sponsorship opportunities for the event are available at various levels, including presenting, title, platinum, mimosa, gold, silver, bronze, and corporate friends.
For more information, interested parties can contact Lacey Taylor at LaceyTaylor@fau.edu or visit the event website.
