John H. Schnatter (born November 22, 1961), nicknamed commercially as Papa John, is an American entrepreneur serving as founder and chairman of Papa John's. Schnatter stepped down as CEO on January 1, 2018 and was succeeded by President and COO Steve Ritchie.
Video John Schnatter
Early life and education
Schnatter was born in Jeffersonville, Indiana, on November 22, 1961 to Mary and Robert Schnatter. He graduated from Jeffersonville High School in 1980, then earned a business degree from Ball State University in 1983.
In the 1980s, John Schnatter's father co-owned Mick's Lounge, a tavern in Jeffersonville.
Maps John Schnatter
Career
The Papa John's pizza business was founded in 1984 when "Papa" John Schnatter converted a broom closet in the back of his father's tavern. Schnatter sold his 1971 Z28 Camaro to purchase $1,600 worth of used pizza equipment and began selling pizzas to the tavern's customers. His pizzas proved so popular that the following year he was able to move into an adjoining space. Today, the company is the third largest take-out and pizza delivery restaurant chain in the world, with headquarters in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, near Louisville. On December 21, 2017, Schnatter announced he would step down as CEO of amidst controversy over comments he made regarding the NFL not doing anything about players kneeling or sitting during the National Anthem.
The Camaro
In 1983, Schnatter sold his 1971 Chevrolet Camaro to help his father's struggling business. He used the leftover funds to start Papa John's. Decades later, he offered a reward of $250,000 for finding the car, and on August 26, 2009, Schnatter bought the Camaro back for $250,000 from the family that he sold the car to in 1983. In celebration, Papa John's offered a free pizza to anyone who owned a Camaro. Schnatter's original Camaro has been on display in the company's headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. The company owns several replicas that are used on tours and for public and TV appearances. On August 15, 2015, Schnatter's original Camaro was stolen along with two other classic cars in Detroit, where they were slated to appear in the city's annual Woodward Dream Cruise. The Camaro was recovered two days later on the city's west side with minimal damage.
Personal life
Schnatter has been married to his wife, Annette, since 1987. The couple have three children. The Schnatter family resides in Anchorage, Kentucky. Schnatter identifies as an Evangelical Christian and is a member of the Southeast Christian Church.
Schnatter made a million-dollar contribution to the Louisville Zoo's Glacier Run expansion. His Calistoga Bakery sponsors a bike team and donated money to build bike trails.
Politics
In 2012, Papa John's and Schnatter received media attention after he made critical comments about the Affordable Care Act to a class on entrepreneurship.
Schnatter hosted a fundraiser at his home for Republican Party candidate Mitt Romney in May 2012.
Schnatter contributed to Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and made supportive comments about his administration in January 2017.
In October 2017, in a conference call with investors, Schnatter blamed the National Football League for poor financial performance, stating "The NFL has hurt us . . . We are disappointed the NFL and its leadership did not resolve this," referring to the U.S. national anthem protests. Later that day, Papa John's announced that the NFL shield or "official sponsor" designation on Papa John's commercials and advertising would be removed.
On December 21, 2017, CNBC and The Associated Press reported that Papa John's announced that Schnatter would be replaced as Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2018 by Chief Operating Office Steve Richie. Schnatter, who appears in the chain's commercials and on its pizza boxes, and is the company's biggest shareholder with approximately 9.5 million shares, will remain chairman of the board.
Awards and honors
- Inducted into the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame in 2007.
- Named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans in 2000 by the National Jaycees Organization.
- Named 1998 National Ernst & Young Retail/Consumer Entrepreneur of The Year.
- In May 2009 Schnatter was named honorary chair of the Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting Louisville's Norton Cancer Institute.
- Inducted into the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame in 2010.
- In 2012, he became an honorary initiate of Alpha Tau Omega.
References
External links
- John Schnatter on Twitter
Source of article : Wikipedia
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