Since acquiring Toyota of Hollywood in 1981, Craig Zinn has grown the Craig Zinn Automotive Group (CZAG) into one of the largest automobile dealership groups in the South Florida community. It now includes Lexus of Pembroke Pines, Acura of Pembroke Pines, Lexus of North Miami, Subaru of Pembroke Pines and 441 Auto Rental.
After moving from Bronx, New York, to Miami at a very young age, Zinn’s roots in the auto business began when his father, Dave Zinn, founded the first Toyota dealership, Triangle Toyota, in Florida in February 1966. Craig’s early duties included washing and detailing cars, overseeing parts inventory, running the retail parts counter and managing the used car lot. Zinn’s children, Zachary and Brittany, also work with him in the family business.
“I am honored to be in business for 40 years and continue the legacy that my father began with his car dealership and that my children and I are proud to carry on,” Craig Zinn says. “Our mission is to be South Florida’s finest automobile dealership group, known for superior products, community involvement and employees dedicated to the ultimate customer service experience. At Craig Zinn Automotive Group, our customers’ needs always come first.”
After he graduated from North Miami Beach, Sr. High School in 1975, Zinn attended Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, an associate degree in automotive marketing and a Certified Automotive Merchandiser certificate. He also completed the General Motors course in Dealership Management at the General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan.
Over the last four decades, Zinn has taken a “hands-on” management approach that extends to his philanthropic endeavors. Local charities he routinely supports include the American Cancer Society, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Children’s Harbor, Cleveland Clinic, Step Up for Down Syndrome Broward Gold Coast, Humane Society of Broward County, Hollywood Police Athletic League and Miami Police Athletic League and the Military Heroes Support Foundation.
Along with his charitable efforts, Zinn is the proud owner of several rare Toyotas and is the largest collector of the Toyota 2000GT. He competes on the Ferrari Challenge series to challenge his driving skills and enjoys driving on racetracks worldwide. Zinn also attends Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance every year and is an avid participant in the Ferrari Cavalcade.