Alumni Club of Chicago-West
Tales of two businesses:
Radio Flyer and Eddie Z’s Blinds and Drapery, Inc.
A KACC-West and Chicago Booth Entrepreneur Roundtable Joint Event
Time:
Monday, December 19, 6:30 pm - 8:45 pm
Registration & Networking Begins at 5:30
Location:
Northern Illinois University - Naperville Campus
1120 East Diehl Road, Naperville, IL 60563
Cost:
$15 pre-registration ($20 at door, cash only)
Registration:
RSVP online only (RSVP cutoff – December 17)
Speaker:
Robert Pasin (KSM ’97), Chief Wagon Officer, Radio Flyer
Jimmy Zakoor (KSM ‘90), Founder Eddie Z’s Blinds and Drapery, Inc.
This event will feature two entrepreneurs: one inherited it, while the other started his own.
Robert Pasin’s grandfather started Radio Flyer and Robert became E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year,
whereas Jimmy Zakoor gave up his corporate executive position and founded Eddie Z’s Blinds and
Drapery, Inc.
Come and meet these two fascinating business owners to learn how they started and grow their
businesses. Find out the challenges faced by family businesses and how they overcome potential
pitfalls.
Please come out and network with Kellogg/Chicago Booth alumni and guests, enjoy some
refreshments, and don’t forget to bring your business cards.
Brought to you by KACC-West:
Bill Liu(bliu1997@kellogg.northwestern.edu), Pek Lee Choo(pchoo2001@kellogg.northwestern.edu)
Registration is open to: Kellogg Alumni and guests
Web:
https://kelloggalumni.northwestern.edu/events/eventview.asp?EventID=
Spread the words about KACC-West!
Please tell another Kellogg alum about this event.
Speaker Bio
Robert Pasin
Chief Wagon Officer, Radio Flyer
Robert heads the family business founded by his grandfather in 1917 – Radio Flyer Inc. – creators of
America’s Original Little Red Wagon™. He has served as the company’s Chief Wagon Officer since
1997, where he works with his brother, Paul, and a wonderful group of passionate people whose
mission is to bring smiles and create warm memories that last a lifetime. Under Robert’s leadership,
Radio Flyer’s sales have more than tripled. By taking a “Good to Great” approach, Radio Flyer has
gone through a complete cultural transformation resulting in a dynamic, goal-oriented workplace.
Overall, the company has transformed from a sleepy little factory that makes shiny red wagons to a
world-class brand-driven consumer products company.
EDUCATION
In 1991 Robert earned his Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of Notre Dame, where
he served as student body president. After graduation Robert served as the Young Alum
Representative to the University Board of Trustees. In 1997 Robert completed his M.B.A. from the
Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
FAMILY / PERSONAL
An avid runner, Robert has completed 12 marathons & 1 ultra marathon. Robert’s favorite activities
are creating family videos and playing with his four children in their backyard full of wagons, tricycles
& other
ride-on toys.
RECENT HONORS & COMPANY RECOGNITIONS
Crain’s Chicago Business “40 Under 40”
50 Best: America’s Top Small & Medium Companies to Work For
Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies
WSJ Top Small Workplaces
Crain’s Best Places to Work in Chicago
Chicago’s Best & Brightest Companies to Work for
E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year
Best Places to Work in Illinois
BOARDS / AFFILATIONS
Amate House
Friends of Amate House Committee Member (Past Board President)
Civic Federation of Chicago
Board Member
Toy Industry Association
Member
WorkforceChicago
Board Member
Young Presidents’ Organization
Chicago Chapter Member
Jimmy Zakoor
Founder Eddie Z’s Blinds and Drapery, Inc.
James Zakoor, a native of Windsor, Ontario Canada, is the founder of Eddie Z’s Blinds and
Drapery, Inc. Founded in 1992, Eddie Z's is the Midwest leader in custom window
treatments, selling to over 170,000 customers.
Professionally, Jimmy worked in various positions at his father’s business, Everfresh Juice
Co, which was the largest juice company in Canada. In 1983, John Labatt Ltd, a six
billion dollar company, purchased Everfresh. By the age of 28, Jimmy became the
youngest Senior Executive at John Labatt. In the years to follow, he earned the title of
Vice President of the Toronto Operation and Director of Corporate Marketing at Everfresh
Canada. Next, he became the Executive Vice President of Everfresh Juice Co. Inc. in
Chicago. While enrolled in the Executive Program at the Kellogg Business School, Jimmy
headed the New Contract and Private Label Manufacturing business for Everfresh.
Jimmy also currently serves as the President and CEO for both the House of Blinds and
More in Michigan and Blinds and Drapery.Com based in Hodgkins, IL. In addition to being a
major benefactor to the Mayo Clinic, he is also a member of the Legacy Foundation at the
Mayo Clinic.
Jimmy received his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from St. Leo College in Florida. After
graduating, he moved to Japan to further his studies in Karate under Master Yamamoto. In
1990, Jimmy completed his M.B.A. from the Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate
School of Management. Jimmy is happily married and enjoys spending time with his wife
and two children.