John Catsimatidis is a true entrepreneur and community leader. He is the founder of Gristede's, a New York City-based grocery store chain.
John Catsimatidis has a remarkable background, having grown up in a Greek immigrant family and learning the value of hard work and determination from a young age.
As a successful businessman, Catsimatidis has expanded his company to include real estate, energy, and other ventures, making him a prominent figure in the New York business scene.
Early Life and Career
John Catsimatidis has led a multifaceted career, with a clear vision for public service.
He serves as president and chief operating officer of Red Apple Group, a position he holds to this day.
Catsimatidis has expressed a desire to run for political office, but only if he can truly make a positive impact.
Business Career
John Catsimatidis opened his first Red Apple grocery store in Manhattan's Upper West Side in 1971. This marked the beginning of his successful business career.
By the time he was 24, Catsimatidis had built up ten stores with annual sales of $25 million. He was earning $1 million per year, a significant amount for someone so young.
Red Apple's sales grew rapidly, reaching $40 million by the summer of 1981. This was just the beginning of the company's expansion.
In 1986, Catsimatidis acquired United Refining Co., which owned gasoline refineries in Pennsylvania and Alabama. This move marked a significant shift in his business ventures.
Catsimatidis is the chairman and CEO of United Refining Co., a subsidiary of the Red Apple Group. He has been instrumental in the company's growth and success.
Today, the Red Apple Group is a major player in the business world. In 2015, it ranked 156th on Forbes magazine's list of "America's largest private companies", with revenue of $3 billion and 8,000 employees.
For another approach, see: Western Refining
Media and Public Appearances
John Catsimatidis is a talk radio host. He hosts The Cats Roundtable on Sunday mornings, syndicated to stations across the US.
Catsimatidis also hosts the one-hour Cats at Night show on WABC, which is available as a podcast. His Red Apple Media has purchased other radio stations in the region, including WRCR and WLIR.
In 2019, Catsimatidis announced an agreement to purchase WABC for $12.5 million. After regulatory delays, the purchase was finalized in March 2020.
Catsimatidis's public appearances often include off-the-cuff policy proposals, such as giving police tricycles to improve mobility.
Political Activities
John Catsimatidis has a history of contributing to various political campaigns. He and his wife have given over $60,000 to the Republican National Committee.
Catsimatidis has also made significant contributions to other Republican campaigns, including those of Mitt Romney, Eric Cantor, and Olympia Snowe. He has contributed to a handful of Democratic campaigns as well.
In local New York City races, Catsimatidis has given to several notable politicians, including Bill de Blasio, Marty Markowitz, and James Molinaro. He even contributed $150,000 to the 1992 Democratic presidential campaign of Paul Tsongas.
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Catsimatidis put on a fundraiser in 2006 with Michael Bloomberg for Senator Joe Lieberman's third-party run. In 2015, he donated the use of a chartered jet valued at $70,000 to Scott Walker's Republican primary campaign.
Catsimatidis considered running for mayor in the 2009 election as a Republican, but ultimately decided against it after learning that Michael Bloomberg would seek a third term.
Personal Life
John Catsimatidis married Margaret "Margo" Vondersaar in 1988 at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York.
They met in 1972 when Margo became his secretary.
Margo was a successful businesswoman, leading her own advertising agency, MCV Advertising Associates, and serving as president of The Hellenic Times.
The couple has two children, Andrea and John Jr.
Andrea married Christopher Cox, the grandson of former President Richard Nixon, in 2011.
Catsimatidis reportedly spent over $1 million on his daughter's wedding.
Andrea and Christopher Cox divorced in 2014.
For another approach, see: Christopher Dixon
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