Tom Monaghan

Tom Monaghan is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist best known as the founder of Domino's Pizza. He started the company with a single pizza store and grew it into one of the largest pizza delivery chains in the world. Monaghan is also known for his philanthropic activities and involvement in various Catholic causes.

Here are some key aspects of Tom Monaghan's life and career:

1. Early life and education: Thomas Stephen Monaghan was born on March 25, 1937, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He spent much of his childhood in orphanages and foster homes after his father's death. Monaghan attended St. Joseph's Seminary High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and later joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served for three years.
2. Founding of Domino's Pizza: In 1960, Tom Monaghan and his brother, James, purchased a small pizza store called DomiNick's in Ypsilanti, Michigan, with a $900 loan. Tom took over the business after James traded his half of the business for a Volkswagen Beetle. In 1965, Tom renamed the store Domino's Pizza, and by 1967, the first franchised Domino's location was opened.
3. Expansion and success: Under Monaghan's leadership, Domino's Pizza experienced rapid growth, focusing on fast delivery and a straightforward menu. By the late 1980s, Domino's had become the largest pizza delivery chain in the United States, with thousands of locations worldwide. In 1998, Monaghan sold his majority stake in Domino's Pizza to Bain Capital for an estimated $1 billion.
4. Philanthropy and Catholic causes: After selling Domino's, Monaghan dedicated much of his time and wealth to philanthropy, particularly in support of Catholic education and other Catholic causes. He founded Ave Maria University, a Catholic liberal arts college in Florida, and also established the Ave Maria School of Law in Michigan. Monaghan has been involved in various other charitable endeavors, including funding scholarships, supporting pro-life organizations, and aiding the underprivileged.
5. Personal life: Tom Monaghan has been married to his wife, Marjorie Zybach, since 1962, and they have four children together. Monaghan is a devout Catholic and has made his faith a central part of both his personal and professional life.

In summary, Tom Monaghan is an American entrepreneur best known as the founder of Domino's Pizza, which he grew from a single store to one of the largest pizza delivery chains in the world. After selling his majority stake in Domino's, Monaghan focused on philanthropy, particularly in support of Catholic education and causes. His dedication to his faith and charitable work has left a lasting impact on numerous communities and organizations.