John Catsimatidis | $1B+
Get in touch with John Catsimatidis | John Catsimatidis, billionaire businessman and founder of the Red Apple Group, built a diversified empire spanning supermarkets, energy, real estate, and aviation. After immigrating to the United States from Greece as a child, he left college to take over a small grocery store and expanded it into the Gristedes supermarket chain, later branching into oil refining and fuel distribution through United Refining. Catsimatidis also became a major New York real estate developer, adding residential towers and mixed-use properties to his portfolio. A prominent political donor, radio host, and philanthropist, he remains one of New York’s most outspoken and influential entrepreneurial figures.
John A. Catsimatidis (born 1948) is a Greek-American billionaire businessman and radio talk show host who chairs and leads the Red Apple Group, a conglomerate spanning supermarkets, oil refining, real estate, aviation, and media.[1][2] Born on the Greek island of Nisyros, Catsimatidis moved to New York City as an infant with his immigrant parents and began his career as a grocery stockboy at age 17 while attending New York University, which he left to expand into store ownership, controlling ten supermarkets by age 25.[3][1] Through acquisitions like the Gristedes chain and the bankrupt United Refining Company in 1986, he diversified Red Apple into energy and retail dominance in New York City, while also acquiring WABC radio in 2019 to host a conservative-leaning program.[2][1][3] His self-made path from immigrant roots to a 2025 net worth exceeding $4 billion underscores innovations such as extended store hours and customer services that fueled early growth amid urban competition.[2][4][3]
Early Life
Family Background and Immigration
John Catsimatidis was born on September 7, 1948, on the Aegean island of Nisyros, Greece, to Greek parents from a modest background.[3] Six months later, in early 1949, his family emigrated to the United States in pursuit of economic opportunities, arriving in New York City where they initially settled in a walk-up apartment in West Harlem near 135th Street and Broadway.[3] [5]
The Catsimatidis family exemplified the challenges of post-World War II Greek immigration, with his father taking low-wage jobs such as dishwasher and later busboy to support the household amid Harlem's urban poverty and ethnic enclaves.[5] [6] Catsimatidis has described his upbringing as paycheck-to-paycheck, instilling values of hard work and self-reliance derived from his parents' immigrant ethos, though specific details on his mother's occupation remain undocumented in primary accounts.[7]
Naturalized as a U.S. citizen at age six, Catsimatidis grew up immersed in New York's Greek-American community, where family ties and entrepreneurial drive shaped early influences, contrasting with the island's agrarian roots left behind in Nisyros.[8] This background of rapid assimilation from rural Greece to urban America underscored the causal role of immigration policies favoring family reunification in enabling such transitions during the late 1940s.[9]
Education and Early Influences
Catsimatidis was born in 1948 on the Greek island of Nisyros, and his family emigrated to New York City when he was six months old, settling in Harlem amid modest circumstances.[3] [2] He grew up in a working-class immigrant household, where his parents sought economic opportunity, instilling an emphasis on self-reliance and labor from an early age.[10] As a child, he struggled with English proficiency, which reinforced practical skills over formal language acquisition in his formative years.[11]
His education combined parochial and public schooling in New York City, culminating in a high school diploma from Brooklyn Technical High School.[3] Enrolling at New York University to study electrical engineering, Catsimatidis balanced daytime classes with nighttime and weekend shifts at a small grocery store, an experience that exposed him to retail operations and foreshadowed his future career path.[10] [3] In his senior year, with only eight credits remaining for graduation, he dropped out to pursue full-time work in the grocery sector, prioritizing entrepreneurial opportunities over completing his degree.[2] [12]
Early influences included his family's immigrant ethos of hard work and his hands-on immersion in the supermarket industry, beginning with unpaid labor at a Sloan's Supermarket where he learned hustling and basic business mechanics.[11] These experiences, rather than academic pursuits, cultivated his pragmatic approach to commerce, leading him to acquire his first store by age 25 and expand rapidly.[3] His father's background as a chef and emphasis on practical utility—exemplified by questioning the value of university for becoming a "humali" (likely a colloquial dismissal of idleness)—further shaped his preference for real-world application over theoretical education.[12]
Business Career
Founding and Growth of Red Apple Group
John A. Catsimatidis founded Red Apple Group in 1970, opening its first supermarket in 1971 on Manhattan's Upper West Side with an initial investment of $10,000 borrowed from his father.[13] The store generated $1.2 million in sales during its first year, marking the beginning of Catsimatidis's expansion from managing a cousin's grocery while in college to independent ownership.[13] [6]
By 1976, Red Apple had grown to 12 supermarkets in Manhattan, with the flagship store achieving $4 million in annual sales and $800,000 in profit.[13] The chain expanded to 27 units by 1981, reaching $40 million in sales, and $110 million by 1985, driven by strategic store openings and acquisitions in New York City.[13] In 1986, a pivotal year for diversification, Catsimatidis acquired 36 Gristede Brothers stores and 11 Charles & Co. locations for approximately $50 million, along with 39 Pantry Pride supermarkets for $55 million and six Grand Union stores, solidifying Red Apple's dominance as New York City's largest supermarket operator.[13] That same year, the group entered energy with the purchase of United Refining Company and aviation via World Jet, while its real estate holdings reached $200 million in value.[13] [14]
Further growth included the 1991–1992 acquisition of 21 Sloan's Supermarkets stores and expansions into the Bronx, Florida, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Bahamas.[13] By 1997, Red Apple reported estimated annual sales of $2.2 billion and net income of $38 million, reflecting its evolution into a conglomerate spanning retail, energy, real estate, and related sectors.[13] Growth was tempered by regulatory hurdles, such as a 1993 sale of Florida operations to Fleming Companies for $41.6 million following a contractual dispute, and a 1994 Federal Trade Commission order requiring divestiture of six stores to address antitrust concerns, with a $600,000 penalty imposed in 1997 for delayed compliance; additional sales of 15 stores to Rite Aid occurred between 1994 and 1996.[13] Today, Red Apple Group employs approximately 8,000 people and maintains operations in supermarkets like Gristedes, energy refining and distribution, and real estate development.[15] [1]
Supermarkets and Retail Operations
Catsimatidis entered the supermarket business in 1971 by opening his first store, Red Apple Supermarket, at the corner of Broadway and 99th Street in Manhattan, shortly after leaving New York University to focus full-time on groceries.[16] He quickly expanded by acquiring a second location on 87th Street and building a chain of 10 Red Apple stores concentrated on Manhattan's Upper West Side.[17] By 1985, these operations had achieved annual sales of $110 million.[18]
In 1986, Catsimatidis's Red Apple Group acquired the Gristedes chain, consisting of 36 supermarkets, along with 11 affiliated Charles & Co. specialty stores, from Southland Corporation.[19] [20] Gristedes, established in 1888 by brothers Diedrich and Charles Gristede as a single store at 42nd Street and Second Avenue, had expanded to 161 locations by 1938 before its sale to Southland in 1969.[20] Under Red Apple ownership, Gristedes became the largest grocery chain in New York City, operating over 30 stores primarily in Manhattan, with additional locations in Westchester County, Brooklyn, and Roosevelt Island.[20] The chain stocks fresh meat, produce, dairy, baked goods, frozen foods, gourmet items, nonfood products, national brands, and private-label ShopRite goods, emphasizing categories such as sugar-free, kosher, organic, and natural foods.[20]
In 2016, amid financial difficulties for rival D'Agostino Supermarkets, Red Apple provided bailout funding that facilitated operational integration and a prospective business combination with Gristedes.[21] By September 2019, Catsimatidis had secured controlling ownership of D'Agostino, a high-end chain known for premium fresh foods and longstanding presence in upscale Manhattan neighborhoods.[22] Together, Gristedes and D'Agostino under Red Apple dominate Manhattan's premium grocery market, with the combined portfolio comprising roughly two dozen stores as of 2025.[23] These operations prioritize customer experience through diverse product selections tailored to urban density and affluent demographics, contributing to Red Apple's retail dominance in the borough during the 1990s and beyond.[19]
Energy Ventures and United Refining Company
In 1986, John Catsimatidis expanded into the energy sector by acquiring United Refining Company through his wholly owned entity, United Acquisition Corp., assuming the role of chairman and chief executive officer in February of that year.[24] [25] The company, founded in 1902 and headquartered in Warren, Pennsylvania, operates a refinery with a capacity of approximately 70,000 barrels per day, processing exclusively North American crude oil to produce gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum products.[26] [27] Under Catsimatidis's ownership as a subsidiary of the Red Apple Group, United Refining has focused on refining and downstream retail operations, serving markets in western Pennsylvania, northern New York, and surrounding regions through branded fuel stations and convenience stores.[9] [1]
Post-acquisition developments included the construction of an isomerization unit in 1989 to enhance gasoline production quality and the purchase of 26 Stop & Go retail stations to bolster distribution networks.[25] The company markets fuels under brands such as Kwik Fill and operates an integrated network of refineries and over 300 retail outlets, emphasizing domestic sourcing and regional supply stability.[14] [9] Catsimatidis has maintained private ownership of the core refining operations, prioritizing operational efficiency amid fluctuating oil markets.[26]
To diversify beyond refining, Catsimatidis formed United Refining Energy Corp. as a special purpose acquisition company in 2007, raising $450 million through an initial public offering to pursue upstream energy assets.[28] In 2009, it agreed to merge with Chaparral Energy, an Oklahoma-based oil producer, in a $1.8 billion deal aimed at integrating production with refining capabilities, though the transaction ultimately shifted focus from additional refinery acquisitions.[29] [30] These efforts reflect Catsimatidis's strategy of vertical integration within the energy conglomerate under Red Apple Group, which encompasses retail petroleum and related infrastructure.[31]
Real Estate and Diversification
Red Apple Group's diversification strategy extended into real estate through its subsidiary Red Apple Real Estate, which owns, develops, and manages over 2 million square feet of properties across the United States, with a concentration in the New York metropolitan area, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Florida.[32] This expansion complemented the company's core operations in supermarkets and energy by leveraging property assets tied to retail locations and pursuing standalone luxury residential and commercial developments.[1] The real estate arm focuses on high-end multifamily rentals, often featuring amenities such as fitness centers, lounges, and concierge services to target affluent urban and coastal markets.[32]
Key holdings include several luxury rental properties in Brooklyn, New York. The Eagle at 86 Fleet Place is a 33-story tower with 440 units in Downtown Brooklyn, completed as part of a broader development encompassing a residential tower and three mid-rise buildings on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene.[32] Adjacent projects in Fort Greene feature The Margo, The Andrea, and The Giovanni at 81 Fleet Place, each offering contemporary luxury units with on-site fitness and communal facilities.[32] Additional New York properties comprise Ocean Drive, a 22-story oceanfront complex with dual towers in Coney Island, and 670 Pacific Street, an 86-unit rental building in Prospect Heights.[32]
Beyond New York, Red Apple Real Estate has pursued projects in Florida, including The Residences at 400 Central in St. Petersburg, a 515-foot-tall residential tower—the tallest on Florida's Gulf Coast upon completion—acquired for $13 million on a 0.94-acre site with groundbreaking in October 2021.[33] The company maintains substantial investments in New Jersey and additional Florida developments, encompassing at least three housing and commercial initiatives, though specific details on New Jersey assets remain limited to regional portfolio descriptions.[9] In August 2024, Red Apple secured a $57 million construction loan for a mixed-use project in Chelsea, Manhattan, further illustrating ongoing urban development efforts.[34]
The broader diversification of Red Apple Group incorporates finance, insurance, and aviation alongside real estate, transforming the entity from a supermarket-focused operation founded in 1973 into a conglomerate employing over 8,000 people with cross-industry holdings.[1] [35] These segments enable strategic investments in North American companies with revenues between $25 million and $250 million, emphasizing control equity stakes in sectors aligned with the group's operational expertise.[31] While real estate provides tangible asset growth, the inclusion of aviation—such as interests in private operations—and financial services supports risk mitigation and revenue streams independent of retail and refining volatility.[36]
Achievements, Philosophy, and Economic Impact
Catsimatidis founded the Red Apple Group in 1969 with a single grocery store on Manhattan's Upper West Side and expanded it into a diversified conglomerate by acquiring additional supermarkets, achieving ownership of 10 Red Apple stores by age 24.[37] Under his leadership as owner, president, chairman, and CEO, the group now encompasses Gristedes Supermarkets, New York City's largest grocery chain with over a century of operation; United Refining Company, which includes a 70,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery in Pennsylvania and more than 400 gasoline stations; United Metro Energy, the leading supplier of heating oil in New York City; and Red Apple Real Estate, managing luxury properties such as The Andrea and The Giovanni.[1] [37] In 1986, he acquired United Refining Company, marking a pivotal diversification into the energy sector that now constitutes approximately 50% of the group's operations, alongside real estate comprising the other half.[24] [37]
His business philosophy centers on "common sense" decision-making, leveraging personal instincts honed through hands-on experience rather than formal academic credentials, as evidenced by his departure from New York University with only eight credits remaining to focus on entrepreneurship.[38] Catsimatidis emphasizes relentless hard work and self-reliance as pathways to success, advising that "if you work hard, you can make it too," reflecting his own trajectory from an immigrant family in Harlem to billionaire status.[37] He describes himself as a "creator," continually seeking new ventures and diversification to sustain growth, such as entering media ownership while maintaining core operations in retail and energy.[37] This approach prioritizes practical innovation over theoretical models, prioritizing employee value across all levels and long-term value creation through acquisitions like refineries and real estate that generate recurring cash flows.[37]
The Red Apple Group's economic footprint includes employing over 8,000 people, with approximately 2,000 positions in New York City alone, supporting retail, energy distribution, and property management sectors.[37] [15] Its operations sustain local economies by operating essential services, such as fueling hundreds of gas stations across Pennsylvania, northern New York, and supplying heating oil to urban markets, while Gristedes provides grocery access in dense metropolitan areas.[1] The conglomerate's scale, recognized by Forbes as among America's top private companies, underscores its role in private-sector job creation and infrastructure support without reliance on public subsidies.[15]
Business Controversies and Legal Challenges
In 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit held John Catsimatidis personally liable as an "employer" under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for unpaid overtime wages owed to Gristede's supermarket employees, affirming a district court ruling in a class action lawsuit filed in 2004.[39] The decision applied the FLSA's "economic reality" test, determining that Catsimatidis exercised sufficient operational control over payroll, scheduling, and hiring practices at Red Apple Group subsidiaries, including Gristede's, to qualify for individual liability despite his role as chairman and CEO.[40] The case arose from allegations that co-managers and night managers were misclassified as exempt from overtime requirements, resulting in denied wages for thousands of hours worked.[41]
In the 1990s, Catsimatidis agreed to pay a $1 million fine to settle allegations that Gristede's security personnel, acting on his instructions, stole shopping carts from competitors to undermine their operations, though he denied personal involvement in the scheme, a claim contradicted by testimony from a security official.[42] The incident, which involved coordinated thefts reported by rivals, highlighted aggressive competitive tactics employed by the supermarket chain during a period of market consolidation.[42]
In 2009, SemGroup LP sued Catsimatidis in federal court, accusing him of breaching a confidentiality agreement by using non-public information obtained during exploratory talks to pursue a bid for the distressed energy firm's assets amid its bankruptcy proceedings.[43] The litigation, centered on Catsimatidis's attempt to acquire SemGroup's refining and pipeline operations, was settled later that year with no admission of liability by Catsimatidis, who had positioned himself as a potential stabilizer for the company's creditors.[43]
United Refining Company, acquired by Catsimatidis in 2005, faced a class action lawsuit filed in 2009 by employees under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), challenging the firm's safe harbor matching contributions to its 401(k) plan as discriminatory and non-compliant with plan definitions.[44] The U.S. District Court partially granted summary judgment to plaintiffs on liability issues, and the Third Circuit affirmed class certification in 2015, though the case did not reach the Supreme Court after a petition for certiorari was denied.[45] Separately, a 2006 explosion at the Warren, Pennsylvania refinery—caused by a valve failure during maintenance—incurred $60 million in damages and downtime, prompting Catsimatidis to sue insurers for denying business interruption coverage, with the dispute underscoring operational risks in his energy ventures.[42]
In real estate, a 2020 class action lawsuit accused Catsimatidis of overcharging rents at a Brooklyn apartment building by misapplying benefits from the 421-a tax abatement program to non-stabilized units, allegedly inflating increases beyond legal limits.[46] The New York Supreme Court dismissed the case in 2021, ruling that the program's exemptions did not extend to stabilized tenants as claimed, though plaintiffs indicated plans to appeal, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of tax incentive passthroughs in Catsimatidis's holdings.[47]
Media and Broadcasting
Acquisition and Management of 77 WABC
In June 2019, John Catsimatidis, through his company Red Apple Media Inc., a subsidiary of the Red Apple Group, agreed to purchase 77 WABC, a New York City AM radio station, from Cumulus Media for $12.5 million in cash.[48][49] The deal, which positioned Catsimatidis as the owner of the iconic conservative talk station, faced regulatory scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission, delaying finalization until March 2, 2020.[50][51]
Under Catsimatidis's ownership, 77 WABC has operated as a platform emphasizing conservative talk radio programming, with Catsimatidis himself hosting the weekly "Cats Roundtable" show to discuss business, politics, and current events.[52][53] As chairman and CEO of Red Apple Media, he has overseen operational investments aimed at revitalizing the station's prominence, including commitments to enhance its market position in the competitive New York media landscape.[54] The station's studios remain in New York City, maintaining its focus on local and national talk formats while leveraging Catsimatidis's personal involvement to integrate his perspectives on economic and political issues.[55]
Programming Strategy and Political Commentary
Upon acquiring 77 WABC in June 2019 for $12.5 million, Catsimatidis preserved the station's established talk radio format while directing a strategic focus on unfiltered truth-telling as the core of its programming philosophy.[48] [52] He issued a singular mandate to all hosts: prioritize revealing factual realities over scripted narratives, explaining his purchase motivation as a desire "to get the truth out" amid perceived media distortions elsewhere.[56] This approach aimed to differentiate WABC by blending common-sense analysis with interviews of newsmakers across politics and business, rejecting what Catsimatidis viewed as biased mainstream coverage in favor of direct, accountability-driven discourse.[57]
The station's lineup under Catsimatidis emphasizes daily conservative-oriented talk segments, including Sid & Friends in the Morning with Sid Rosenberg, which delivers audience-aligned commentary on current events; Cats & Cosby, co-hosted by Catsimatidis and Rita Cosby weekdays from 5-6 p.m., tackling urban policy and national issues; and his own The Cats Roundtable on Sundays from 8-10 a.m., where he probes guests on empirical outcomes in governance and economics using first-hand relationships for unvarnished insights.[58] [59] [60] Programming avoids abrupt overhauls, instead investing in host autonomy to foster authentic exchanges, which Catsimatidis credits for reversing prior revenue declines through heightened listener engagement and syndication growth.[61] Recent adjustments, such as navigating host conflicts like Curtis Sliwa's October 2025 departure amid his mayoral bid, underscore a pragmatic strategy prioritizing station continuity over individual loyalties.[62]
Politically, WABC's commentary under Catsimatidis serves as a platform for Republican-aligned critiques, frequently endorsing Donald Trump's policies and strategies while dissecting perceived failures in Democratic governance, such as urban crime surges and economic interventions.[63] Hosts and guests routinely highlight causal links between progressive agendas—like lax prosecution or open-border approaches—and measurable societal costs, drawing on data from police reports and economic indicators rather than abstract ideologies.[64] Catsimatidis himself frames this as countering institutional left-leaning biases in academia and legacy media, advocating for radio's trustworthiness—rated at 80% by voters in 2025 surveys—as a bulwark for objective discourse akin to Walter Cronkite's era.[65] While the format invites diverse viewpoints for debate, it consistently privileges evidence-based conservatism, as evidenced by endorsements of figures like Trump and warnings against "protester" influences in elections.[57] This has positioned WABC as a ratings leader in New York talk radio, though critics from outlets like The New York Times have accused it of amplifying unverified claims, such as election irregularities, without equivalent scrutiny of opposing narratives.[66]
Expansions, Awards, and Industry Influence
Under Catsimatidis's ownership through Red Apple Media, 77 WABC expanded its regional footprint in 2025 by acquiring WRCR-AM (1700 kHz) in Spring Valley, New York, extending coverage into the Lower Hudson Valley and enhancing signal reach for its conservative talk programming.[67] This purchase followed the station's initial acquisition by Red Apple Media in June 2019 for $12.5 million, marking Catsimatidis's entry into major-market broadcasting.[48] In July 2025, Catsimatidis announced plans to acquire additional stations across the Northeast and potentially South Florida, aiming to build a broader network of AM outlets to amplify talk radio's presence amid declining traditional media audiences.[68][69]
The station and its leadership have garnered multiple industry recognitions. In 2023, 77 WABC received eight Excellence in Broadcasting Awards from the New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) for programming and operations.[70] Catsimatidis personally earned the NYSBA's 2025 Broadcaster of the Year award for revitalizing the station and advocating for AM radio preservation.[71] Additional honors in 2025 included the Gold Standard in Leadership Award from Barrett News Media's summit and the Fair Media Council's Distinguished Service Award for WABC's contributions to New York broadcasting.[72][73]
Catsimatidis has exerted influence in the broadcasting sector by spearheading efforts to retain AM radio functionality in new vehicles, including full-page advertisements in the New York Post in March 2025 urging consumers to support manufacturers offering AM receivers and pledging to publicize non-compliant companies.[74] These initiatives align with his broader strategy of positioning Red Apple Media as a defender of terrestrial radio against digital disruptions, contributing to legislative pushes at state and federal levels.[75] His hands-on management has elevated 77 WABC to the top-rated news/talk station in New York, fostering a platform for conservative voices and community engagement that has inspired similar turnarounds in the industry.[76]
Political Involvement
Pre-Mayoral Activities and Republican Alignment
Catsimatidis initially engaged in politics as a Democrat, serving as a major fundraiser for President Bill Clinton's 1996 reelection campaign, where he raised substantial sums through events and contributions.[77] He described himself as a "Clinton Democrat" during this period, reflecting alignment with centrist Democratic policies amid his business expansion in New York City.[78]
His political trajectory shifted following Barack Obama's defeat of Hillary Clinton in the 2008 Democratic primaries, prompting Catsimatidis to endorse Republican nominee John McCain for president that year, citing disillusionment with the Democratic Party's direction.[78] On October 12, 2007, he formally changed his voter registration from Democrat to Republican, a move explicitly tied to exploring a 2009 New York City mayoral candidacy on the GOP line.[79] This switch marked his public alignment with Republican principles, including emphasis on law enforcement and economic deregulation, influenced by experiences such as witnessing crime's impact on Upper West Side businesses since opening his first store in 1969.[80]
Prior to the party change, Catsimatidis's interest in politics dated to the early 1990s, when a meeting with President George H.W. Bush deepened his involvement; during Bush's administration, he participated in policy discussions and supported Republican initiatives informally.[6] His Manhattan residence hosted bipartisan figures, including the Clintons and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, fostering networks that later informed his Republican pivot.[5] These pre-mayoral efforts focused on fundraising and relationship-building rather than elected office, positioning him as a pragmatic conservative voice skeptical of unchecked urban liberalism.[6]
2009 New York City Mayoral Campaign
In July 2008, Catsimatidis established an exploratory committee to assess a potential bid for the Republican nomination in the 2009 New York City mayoral election.[81] This followed his switch from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party in October 2007, explicitly in anticipation of challenging incumbent Mayor Michael Bloomberg.[79] As a self-made billionaire with extensive business holdings, Catsimatidis positioned himself as a pragmatic outsider capable of appealing to Democrats, Republicans, and independents through his experience in retail, real estate, and energy sectors.[82]
On January 15, 2009, Catsimatidis loaned $1 million to his campaign committee from personal funds, after it had already spent approximately $135,000 on staff hires and a summer poll.[82] He described the move as a way to "show everybody I am alive" and signal readiness to match Bloomberg's financial resources in a primary contest.[82] Catsimatidis hired Republican operatives, including Vince Tabone and Rob Ryan, and courted support from local party leaders, such as flying former Mayor Rudy Giuliani to the Republican National Convention to build alliances.[83] Some Republican county chairs backed him as a means to block Bloomberg's bid for the party's line, viewing Catsimatidis as a viable alternative with deep pockets and business acumen.[83]
No comprehensive policy platform was formally released, as the effort remained exploratory; however, Catsimatidis emphasized his entrepreneurial background as key to addressing economic challenges, including job creation and fiscal management, amid the unfolding financial crisis.[84] He indicated flexibility on ideological lines, stating intentions to "keep options open" while prioritizing broad voter appeal over strict partisanship.[82]
Catsimatidis ultimately withdrew in early 2009 after Bloomberg announced plans for a third term on October 2, 2008, and intensified efforts to secure Republican ballot access through negotiations with party leaders.[85] Bloomberg's influence rendered a primary challenge untenable, as county chairs shifted support to avoid alienating the incumbent, effectively ending Catsimatidis's bid before a formal announcement.[83] The exploratory phase highlighted Catsimatidis's political ambitions but underscored the dominance of Bloomberg's incumbency and fundraising prowess, with no primary filings or votes recorded for Catsimatidis.[86]
2013 New York City Mayoral Campaign
John A. Catsimatidis, the billionaire CEO of the Red Apple Group, announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the 2013 New York City mayoral election on January 29, 2013, at the steps of City Hall.[87] He positioned himself as a "visionary" candidate leveraging his business experience to address urban challenges, citing his immigrant background and success in building a retail empire as qualifications to manage the city's $70 billion budget.[87][88] Catsimatidis, who had switched from Democrat to Republican affiliation, emphasized giving back to the city that enabled his rise from modest Harlem origins and highlighted regulatory burdens on small businesses, such as excessive ticketing for his grocery delivery trucks.[77][87]
His platform centered on his record as a job creator, promising to foster economic growth through private-sector expertise rather than bureaucratic expansion.[88] Key priorities included maintaining public safety against crime and terrorism, reducing the city's high school dropout rate—estimated at 40%—via vocational training and resource allocation, and applying business acumen to streamline city operations.[88] Catsimatidis self-funded much of the campaign, investing at least $1 million initially and launching the first radio advertisements of the cycle in March 2013, portraying himself as an "uncommon common man" relatable to everyday New Yorkers despite his $3 billion fortune.[77][89][90]
Catsimatidis secured endorsements from the Liberal Party in May 2013, appealing to its cross-ideological base, and conducted grassroots-style events blending personal anecdotes with direct voter engagement.[90][91] He faced primary challenger Joseph J. Lhota, former MTA chairman and Giuliani deputy mayor, in a contest marked by debates on fiscal conservatism and post-Bloomberg governance.[92]
In the Republican primary held on September 10, 2013, Catsimatidis received approximately 41% of the vote to Lhota's 52%, failing to secure the nomination amid lower overall turnout in the GOP contest compared to the Democratic primary.[92][93] He conceded the following day, expressing intent to run as an independent in the general election but withdrew on September 16, 2013, after Republican leaders urged unity behind Lhota to avoid splitting the anti-de Blasio vote.[92][94] Catsimatidis later reflected on the campaign as a learning experience, vowing to "work harder" next time while critiquing media coverage and political dynamics.[95][96]
Post-2013 Endorsements and Advocacy
Following his defeat in the 2013 Republican primary for New York City mayor, Catsimatidis announced his support for the party's nominee, Joseph J. Lhota, stating on October 2, 2013, that he would vote for Lhota and directing his Republican backers to do the same.[97] This endorsement came amid Lhota's general election campaign against Democrat Bill de Blasio, though Lhota ultimately lost decisively.
In the years after 2013, Catsimatidis shifted focus to national and state-level Republican causes, emerging as a consistent donor to GOP candidates and committees. Federal Election Commission records show contributions including $10,000 to the New York Republican Federal Campaign Committee on November 8, 2017; $5,000 to the Road to Freedom PAC on September 30, 2017; and $2,700 each to congressional Republicans such as Lee Zeldin (September 25, 2015), Dan Donovan (February 27, 2015, and via his wife Margo on December 18, 2017), and others like Dana Rohrabacher and Jim Renacci in 2018.[98] These donations reflected a pattern of financial advocacy for Republican incumbents and party infrastructure, with minimal support for Democrats—limited to isolated instances, such as Margo Catsimatidis's $33,400 contribution to the DNC Services Corp in June 2016.[98]
Catsimatidis voiced early support for Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential cycle, praising him at the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016, as a decisive leader equipped to resolve economic and security challenges facing the United States.[99] He subsequently donated to Trump's campaign and affiliated efforts, positioning himself as a key backer amid Trump's outsider bid.[100] This alignment contrasted with prior bipartisan tendencies, including reported backing for New York Democratic statewide candidates like Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2014, driven by pragmatic business interests in a Democrat-dominated state.[101] By 2019, Catsimatidis reaffirmed his Republican commitments by declining a direct fundraising appeal from Joe Biden, citing policy divergences on economic regulation and energy.[100] His advocacy emphasized free-market principles, opposition to excessive taxation, and support for domestic energy production, often articulated through public statements and contributions rather than formal campaign roles.
Recent Stances and Interventions (2020s)
In the early 2020s, Catsimatidis emerged as a prominent vocal supporter of Donald Trump, having donated to the former president's 2020 re-election campaign and continuing to advocate for him amid the disputed election results.[5] He criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023 for failing to engage potential donors like himself, positioning Trump as the preferred Republican leader capable of preventing national decline. By June 2024, as a CEO of Red Apple Group, Catsimatidis publicly explained corporate preferences for Trump's policies on issues like taxation and regulation, framing them as essential for business stability over Democratic alternatives.[102]
Amid New York City's challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Catsimatidis attributed urban exodus not to the virus itself but to rising crime and perceived lack of safety under Democratic governance, stating in August 2020 that residents were fleeing due to insecurity rather than health fears.[103] This stance aligned with his broader critique of progressive policies, including lockdowns and restrictions, which he viewed as exacerbating economic and social harms without addressing root causes like law enforcement failures.
In the 2024 and 2025 election cycles, Catsimatidis intensified interventions in New York politics, leveraging his ownership of WABC Radio to influence outcomes. He considered a mayoral run in October 2024 if incumbent Eric Adams faced ouster amid federal probes, citing his business acumen as a potential remedy for fiscal mismanagement.[104] By September 2025, as a Trump confidant, he discussed potential Republican strategies for the NYC mayoral race, emphasizing anti-socialist positioning.[105] In October 2025, Catsimatidis endorsed Andrew Cuomo for mayor, urging Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa to withdraw to consolidate opposition against socialist candidates like Zohran Mamdani, arguing that vote-splitting would enable leftist dominance; his son, John Catsimatidis Jr., supported this via a "Stop Socialism" radio ad campaign.[106][107] He reiterated opposition to socialism in July 2025, asserting on Fox News that such systems inherently fail economically.[108] These actions reflected his pragmatic conservatism, prioritizing electability against perceived radical threats over strict party loyalty.[109]
Personal Life
Family and Relationships
John A. Catsimatidis married Margo Vondersaar on October 2, 1988, in a Greek Orthodox ceremony officiated by Archbishop Iakovos, primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America.[110] The couple, who met when Vondersaar worked at one of Catsimatidis's supermarkets, have remained together for over three decades, celebrating their 36th wedding anniversary in September 2024 with a reception that also announced family milestones.[111][112]
Catsimatidis and his wife have two children: daughter Andrea, born circa 1991, and son John A. Catsimatidis Jr., born in 1994.[113][114] Both children were raised in Manhattan and graduated from New York University.[111]
Andrea Catsimatidis married Christopher Nixon Cox, grandson of former U.S. President Richard Nixon, on June 4, 2011, in a wedding attended by political and philanthropic figures.[115] The couple divorced several years later, with Catsimatidis publicly stating that external influences, including former President Bill Clinton, played no role in the decision.[116] As of February 2024, Andrea Catsimatidis was reported to be in a romantic relationship with Mario-Max zu Schaumburg-Lippe, a German prince known for appearances on reality television.[114][117]
John Catsimatidis Jr. married Megan Fitzpatrick on October 6, 2024, at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan, in a Greek-American ceremony attended by family and notable guests.[118][119] The couple announced in September 2024 that they are expecting their first child, to be named John Catsimatidis in keeping with family tradition.[112]
Residences, Lifestyle, and Eccentricities
Catsimatidis maintains his primary residence on Manhattan's Upper East Side with his wife, Margo.[3] [5] He owns a luxury oceanfront estate in East Quogue, New York, located on Dune Road and spanning 2.5 acres, which he acquired for $7 million.[120] [121] [122] In October 2022, he purchased a 10,000-square-foot mansion in Chappaqua, New York, at 48 Haights Cross Road for $5 million, a property previously listed at $25 million and featured in media.[123] [124] As of October 2025, Catsimatidis plans to establish Florida residency, preferring to allocate investments like a potential $1 billion toward development in the state rather than New York, tied to his involvement in the 46-story Residences at 400 Central tower in St. Petersburg.[125] [126]
His lifestyle emphasizes personal security amid perceived urban crime threats, including MS-13 gang incursions into affluent areas like the Hamptons, prompting installations of luxury panic rooms in his properties.[127] Catsimatidis advocates a rigorous work ethic, recommending 100 to 120-hour weeks for aspiring entrepreneurs and crediting his own success to relentless effort from humble immigrant beginnings.[128] He operates through the Red Apple Group's aviation division for business travel, reflecting a hands-on approach to his diversified holdings in groceries, real estate, and media.[129]
Among his eccentricities, Catsimatidis sleeps with a Walther PPK/S pistol—the model famously associated with James Bond—under his pillow as a personal defense measure, a practice he has publicly attributed to heightened security needs despite his wife's discomfort.[5] [127] He exhibits an insatiable drive, describing success as perpetually revealing "another mountain" to conquer, which fuels his expansionist business and political pursuits.[130] His off-the-cuff public demeanor, blending brash commentary with establishment ties, has been characterized as occasionally odd by observers.[131]
Philanthropy
Key Causes and Foundation Initiatives
The John and Margo Catsimatidis Foundation, established by John Catsimatidis and his wife Margo, focuses on supporting education, health, youth development, law enforcement, and community welfare initiatives.[132][133] The foundation has made targeted grants, including $50,000 to the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation in 2021 for rebuilding a Jewish cultural, spiritual, and educational center, and similar amounts to Columbia University for general support.[134] It prioritizes organizations aligned with Catsimatidis's interests in Hellenic heritage, such as the Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund, and broader civic groups like the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation and New York State Trooper Foundation.[132][135]
Key causes include health-related efforts, with donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, Kidney Foundation, and G&P Foundation for Cancer Research, reflecting a commitment to medical research and patient support.[136][137] Youth and education programs receive significant backing, such as grants to the Boy Scouts of America and Outward Bound for character-building activities, alongside support for the Police Athletic League to promote youth engagement in underserved communities.[133][138] In disaster relief, Catsimatidis matched $25,000 in donations to the Broadcasters Foundation of America in October 2024 for emergency aid to broadcasters affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and participated in toy drives for children in St. Petersburg, Florida, in December 2023.[139][140]
The foundation's work extends to elderly care and law enforcement advocacy, with ongoing contributions to organizations addressing these areas, though specific grant amounts beyond publicized examples remain private.[135] Catsimatidis has also supported the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, which has received over $90 million in funding historically for global scientific research, underscoring a pattern of leveraging business networks for sustained philanthropic impact.[132]
Notable Contributions and Broader Impact
Catsimatidis, through the John and Margo Catsimatidis Foundation, has directed grants toward youth development, education, and cultural preservation, particularly within Greek-American communities, with annual distributions exceeding $800,000 in recent years, including support for organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and Outward Bound. [133] The foundation's efforts have extended to 29 grantees in a recent year, emphasizing programs that foster self-reliance and community ties among immigrant populations.
A sustained commitment to urban youth initiatives is evident in his nearly 30-year involvement with the New York City Police Athletic League (PAL), where he has served on the board and funded after-school, summer, and sports programs serving thousands of at-risk children annually as the city's largest independent youth nonprofit.[132] [3] This support has contributed to PAL's expansion of head start/day care and evening teen activities, aiming to reduce juvenile delinquency through structured recreation and mentorship.[132]
In health research, Catsimatidis has donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), which has channeled over $1.5 billion into type 1 diabetes studies since 1970, including $107 million in the most recent reported year, and the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, which has allocated more than $90 million to global scientific efforts and $37 million to patient services.[132] Additional giving has targeted the National Kidney Foundation, Alzheimer's Association, and Parkinson's-related causes, reflecting a focus on chronic disease mitigation.[136]
Disaster relief and immediate community aid mark recent contributions, such as matching $25,000 in donations to the Broadcasters Foundation in October 2024 for broadcasters impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and providing 10,000 turkeys to New York City families for Thanksgiving distribution in November 2024.[139] [141] Earlier, in March 2013, he donated $25,000 worth of food— the largest single contribution—to a Staten Island hurricane recovery drive.[142]
These efforts have broader implications for civic engagement in New York, bolstering food security, health innovation, and youth opportunity in underserved areas, while his recognition as an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and receipt of the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation's Allyship Award in 2023 underscore impacts on interfaith and historical preservation initiatives.
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