In 1982, Paul Saginaw, along with his partner Ari Weinzweig, founded Zingerman’s Delicatessen. All they wanted at the time was a great corned beef sandwich and an organization with soul. The Deli started as 1300 square feet of combined restaurant and specialty food retail space, run solely by Paul, Ari, and two employees.

Today, Zingerman’s Delicatessen is a nationally renowned food icon, and the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses has grown to 10 businesses with over 800 employees and $80 million in annual revenue. Aside from the Delicatessen, these businesses include Zingerman’s Bakehouse, Coffee and Candy Company, Roadhouse, Mail Order, ZingTrain, Cornman Farms, Miss Kim, Food Tours, and Zingerman’s Service Network. No two businesses in the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses are alike, but they all share the same Vision and Guiding Principles and deliver “The Zingerman’s Experience” with passion and commitment.

Paul believes that he has been successful in spite of the fact that he has limited natural talent and abilities because he has always thought that the only real limits are those of vision.

Position/Title

Chief Spiritual Officer, Zingerman’s Community of Businesses

Education

BS Zoology, U of M 1976 (after a 7 year undergraduate career)

Recognition

White House “Champion of Change” award 2014

Doctorate of Laws University of Michigan 2015

Career Highlights

Kissed Bonnie Raitt backstage after a concert.

University of Michigan commencement speaker Spring 2015

Other Business Affiliations

Past Director – United Bank & Trust – Washtenaw

Director – Priority Health

Community Activities

Board Director – Dawn Farms

Past Board President – Washtenaw Housing Alliance (2000-2007)

Founder/ Food Gatherers (1988), Board Director 1988-2012, Director Emeritus

Past Board President – NEW Center (2001-2008)

Past Member President’s Advisory Board Michigan Environmental Council

Past Board Director – Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (2003-2013)