Ari Weinzweig

Ari Weinzweig is the co-founding partner of Zingerman's Community of Businesses, one of America's most admired collections of food and service enterprises. In 1982, Weinzweig and his partner, Paul Saginaw, launched Zingerman's Delicatessen in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with a $20,000 bank loan, a degree in Russian History from the University of Michigan, four years of restaurant experience, and plenty of entrepreneurial determination. What began as a neighborhood delicatessen with two employees has grown into the Zingerman's Community of Businesses—11 distinct companies employing more than 800 people and generating over $80 million in annual revenue.

As co-founder, Weinzweig remains actively involved in the leadership and governance of nearly every Zingerman's business. Built on a shared vision and guiding principles, the organization has become an internationally recognized model for values-driven leadership, exceptional customer service, and sustainable business growth.

A respected author and thought leader, Weinzweig has written numerous books on leadership, business, and artisan food. His acclaimed "Zingerman's Guide to Good Leading" series—including "A Lapsed Anarchist's Approach to Building a Great Business," "Being a Better Leader," "Managing Ourselves" and "The Power of Beliefs in Business"—has become essential reading for leaders seeking to build organizations grounded in purpose, culture, and service. His earlier works explore topics ranging from customer service to specialty foods, including olive oil, vinegar, bacon, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Through ZingTrain, Zingerman's consulting and training company, Weinzweig has shared the organization's unique approach to leadership and organizational culture with businesses around the world. He is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, having addressed audiences for Inc. 500, Microsoft, the Great Game of Business, the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, the American Society for Quality, and the American Cheese Society, among many others.

Community engagement has always been central to Weinzweig's philosophy. He helped found Food Gatherers, Washtenaw County's pioneering food rescue organization, and has long championed Zingerman's commitment to donating a portion of annual profits to local nonprofit organizations. He has also served on the board of The Ark, one of America's longest-running folk music venues.

Weinzweig's contributions to business and the culinary world have earned widespread recognition, including the James Beard Foundation's "Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America," Bon Appétit's Lifetime Achievement Award, the American Cheese Society's Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County's Humanitarian Award. His book, "Building a Great Business," was also recognized by Inc. magazine as one of its Best Books for Business Leaders.

An avid reader and lifelong learner, Weinzweig continues to write, teach, mentor, and lead while inspiring organizations to build businesses that create lasting value for customers, employees, communities, and themselves.