Talking Billions with Bogumil Baranowski

John Zolidis: The Million-Mile Investment Journey - 25 Years of Boots-on-Ground Research in Retail and Restaurants

6 snips
Jul 21, 2025
John Zolidis, President of Quo Vadis Capital, shares his journey from a small Wisconsin town to becoming a leading retail analyst. He emphasizes that true investing is a long-term commitment rather than a get-rich-quick scheme. With a unique blend of philosophical insight and financial acumen, he evaluates consumer behavior, the importance of unit economics, and the evolution of retail in the face of e-commerce. Zolidis also discusses how economic fluctuations affect spending habits and the significance of focusing on fundamental company strengths.
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ANECDOTE

Chipotle Early Investment Story

  • John Zolidis bought Chipotle on day one of its IPO after seeing long lines in New York City.
  • He made it his largest investment but was shaken out during the financial crisis, missing large gains afterwards.
INSIGHT

Philosophy Boosted Investment Rigor

  • Philosophy, especially symbolic logic, provided John with rigorous thinking skills valuable in investment analysis.
  • Finance analysis is less complex compared to the logical rigor required in philosophy.
INSIGHT

Quo Vadis: Name With Meaning

  • The name 'Quo Vadis' means 'Where are you going?' and references a biblical story symbolizing conviction and caution.
  • This reflects the firm's philosophy balancing strong conviction with awareness of risks.
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