John Catsimatidis, the 77-year-old billionaire chairman and CEO of Red Apple Group, has built a formidable business empire over five decades through his distinctive ‘common-sense’ philosophy. Beginning with grocery stores, his ventures now span aviation, oil and gas, real estate, and media, amassing a net worth exceeding $4.8 billion. Despite his monumental success, Catsimatidis remains deeply committed to philanthropic initiatives and fostering international cooperation, particularly between the United States and China.
Born on the Greek island of Nisyros in 1948, Catsimatidis immigrated to the U.S. as an infant. His childhood in West Harlem exposed him to diverse cultures and instilled a strong work ethic. After studying electrical engineering at New York University, he left just eight credits short of his degree to focus full-time on the grocery business. His innovative approach—extending operating hours, accepting food stamps, and cashing checks—set his stores apart from competitors.
Today, Catsimatidis oversees more than 40 supermarkets in Manhattan and maintains a significant presence in media through his ownership of radio station 77WABC. He hosts programs like The Cats Roundtable, where he emphasizes truthful reporting in an era of declining public trust in media.
A key focus for Catsimatidis is strengthening U.S.-China relations. He recently attended a cultural concert at Carnegie Hall featuring Chinese musicians and presented a cultural excellence award. ‘The Chinese people are one of the wisest cultures we have,’ he remarked. ‘We should work together for what’s good for the world.’ He also expressed interest in bringing Chinese pandas to New York City as a symbol of cross-cultural friendship.
Catsimatidis has maintained relationships with prominent political figures, including former President Donald Trump, to whom he reportedly donated $2.4 million last year. Though he ran for New York mayor in 2013 and may consider a gubernatorial bid in 2027, his primary dedication remains to business and philanthropy.
His book, How Far Do You Want To Go? Lessons from a Common-Sense Billionaire, was published in 2023, with another in progress. He attributes his success to integrity, hard work, and the influence of mentors—values he hopes to pass on to future generations.