John ZEMZICKI III shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
John, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Would I hire me?
Well, I guess I’d have to.
I’m not perfect—unless we’re talking about my some of my brands, which, let’s be honest, can and have won its own awards. But seriously, I care about the community, I work hard, and I’m always up for rolling up my sleeves (literally and metaphorically). So yeah, I’d probably hire me… but I’d definitely make myself work a few weekends to prove I’m worth it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name’s Johnny and I’ve had the privilege of working in the bar and alcohol industry for quite a while now. My journey started much like anyone else’s—learning the ropes, making a few mistakes, and discovering pretty quickly that this business is as much about people as it is about drinks.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to earn some recognition and awards, but what I’m most proud of is the work I do helping others. I believe the real magic of this industry comes from building each other up, sharing knowledge, and creating a genuine sense of community. Whether it’s helping someone master a new skill, navigate the business side, or just feel like they belong, I try to be the kind of person I’d had when I was starting out learning.
What makes my approach unique is that I don’t just focus on the technical side or the accolades—I care about the people and the culture we’re building together. Right now, I’m working on expanding those opportunities and finding new ways to connect our industry, whether that’s through events, networking, or just being a sounding board for anyone who needs it.
At the end of the day, I’m passionate about helping others succeed and keeping our industry moving forward, one conversation (and maybe one cocktail) at a time.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Honestly, it was probably back in my high school wrestling days. I wasn’t the next Olympic hopeful or anything, but I was a pretty solid wrestler—enough to be captain of the team and eventually earn a college scholarship. There’s something about stepping onto that mat, knowing it’s just you and your opponent, that really teaches you what you’re made of.
I remember one match in particular where everything just clicked—the training, the focus, the adrenaline—and I realized, “Hey, maybe I actually know what I’m doing here.” That feeling of being in control, pushing past your limits, and having your team look to you for leadership stuck with me.
It’s funny, but that same sense of responsibility and confidence has carried over into my career in the bar industry. Whether I’m training someone new or navigating a busy night, I still draw on those lessons from wrestling: stay grounded, support your team, and never underestimate the power of a well-timed takedown (metaphorically speaking, of course).
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Where do I start? I’ve probably failed more times than I can count—seriously, if failing was an Olympic sport, I’d have a trophy case full of medals. Even as a kid in school, I wasn’t exactly winning academic decathlons. But here’s the thing: in my family, quitting just wasn’t an option. My mom was a stay-at-home powerhouse wrangling four kids, and my dad was a Local 11 ironworker—one of those high-rise connectors who probably laughed in the face of gravity. And, as luck would have it, he was also my high school wrestling coach. So, yeah, “giving up” wasn’t really in the vocabulary at home.
Failing wasn’t just tolerated; it was basically required—at least if you wanted to learn anything. My parents drilled it into us that you only really lose if you don’t take something away from the experience. So, every time I fell flat on my face (which, trust me, was often), I had to get back up, figure out what went wrong, and try again—sometimes with a little more humility and sometimes with a lot more stubbornness.
That mindset completely changed how I looked at failure. Now, whether it’s in business, behind the bar, or trying something new, I actually look for the lessons in the tough moments. If you’re not failing, you’re probably not pushing yourself hard enough. And if you are failing, well, you’re in good company.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Richard Branson, absolutely. What stands out isn’t just his success, but how down-to-earth he is with people. He’s built this huge business, but he still makes time to connect with employees and customers on a real level.
For instance, there’s a story about him picking up an employee who was stranded on the side of the road—no cameras, no PR stunt, just him being a decent human. That’s the kind of humility you don’t see every day, especially from someone at the top.
One of my favorite things he’s said is, “If you look after your staff, they’ll look after your customers. It’s that simple.” He lives by that, and it shows. He admits when he’s wrong, listens to his team, and never acts like he’s above anyone. That’s the kind of character I really admire—someone who leads with kindness and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves or admit they’re human.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I think it’s the feeling you get during those rare, perfect moments at an event—the kind that most people probably don’t even notice. Sure, the money raised or the crowd size is great, but what really gets me is that sense of peace that settles in when everything finally falls into place. The bartenders have found their rhythm, the band is nailing it, and everyone—staff and guests alike—is just… happy. People are coming up to say thanks, and for a few minutes, all the stress melts away.
I’ve described it as “your chaos, my kingdom.” For most people, running an event like that would be pure madness, but for me, it’s where I feel most at home. That short, out-of-body moment when you realize, “I did this”—it’s the best kind of high. It doesn’t last long, and you’re always thinking about how to top it next time, but it’s addictive in the best way. It’s not about the numbers or the applause; it’s about creating a space where everyone can just enjoy themselves, even if only for a night.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ZemzickiVodka.com
- Facebook: www facebook.com/HarborBar1
Image Credits
Chas Collins, Justin Biltonen, The Zanders, Greg Billings, Rehab, STORMBRINGER, Robbie Steinhardt, Staff at Bar Competition, HB crowds
