Page 28 - March22T

Owner’s
Corner
Crimson Tide to Smooth Ride
John Cassimus and father, Marcus.
John Cassimus’ story is largely based on how he has enthusiastically applied talents and passions passed down from his parents. From both, he inherited a tireless work ethic, the ability to connect with others, and a keen eye for opportunities. From his mother, Zoë, a love for cooking and the knowledge of how good food can bring people together. And from his father, Marcus, an appreciation for flying and the grit to succeed regard- less of circumstances.
Entering his thirties, the lone Cassimus son was already an experienced entrepreneur with a zeal for executing big ideas. In 2000, he approached his parents with his biggest yet – growing the one-location restaurant named after the family’s matriarch to become a national brand. And he did just that, with around 300 Zoës Kitchen locations open at its pinnacle. On top of his parents’ support bringing legacy family Mediterranean recipes to more people, Cassimus credits another essential aspect to the venture’s success: aircraft ownership.
26 • TWIN & TURBINE / March 2022
He concedes that owning and operating his own aircraft supercharged his various business interests. As someone in perpetual motion, flying enabled the born and raised Southern Alabamian to speed up the growth for the fast- casual eatery and other companies he has run.
“My dad was a private pilot when I was young and would take me up with him whenever possible,” said Cassimus. “I was a football player and got several scholarship opportunities. I had the option of going to the United States Air Force Academy to be a fighter pilot but decided to go to the University of Alabama instead.” Subsequently, flying was sidelined for nearly 15 years until Cassimus was well into his entrepreneurial career after graduating with a degree in corporate finance.
On the football field, he dodged defenders as a running back, memories that remain fresh to this day. But the defenders’ blows would also be felt years later. As a result, Cassimus had his first back surgery in 2003. On the plus side, the “downtime” allowed him the time to pursue