History
The Giovanni's® Success Story
Remembering James "Jim" Lemaster (1938-2012)
his legacy lives on
James "Jim" Lemaster
On October 25, 2012, Jim Lemaster passed away at the age of 74, but his legacy lives on as the opportunities he created continue to flourish. Jim seized an opportunity, worked tirelessly to achieve his goals, and remained steadfast in his principles, guiding Giovanni’s® to grow nearly 100 franchises. He was a humble and selfless figure, an active contributor to local communities, and a major supporter of schools and charities. Jim understood the strength of locally owned and operated stores run by hardworking families, and he firmly believed that successful stores should be integral parts of their communities. Consequently, he often favored awarding new franchises to local families willing to invest their sweat and effort into making their establishments thrive rather than to wealthy investors seeking a quick return. He never lost sight of his roots or those who contributed to his success. Jim once stated, “If it weren’t for the people in this area, I couldn’t do the things I do.” This core belief resonates in Giovanni’s® Credo for Success, which acknowledges, “We are thankful for and appreciate our customers; without them, we cannot succeed.”
James “Jim” Lemaster was born on February 8, 1938, in Catlettsburg, Kentucky. He grew up in Wheelersburg, Ohio, and graduated from Wheelersburg High School in 1957. After working at Westinghouse Corp. in Columbus and doing midnight shifts at Detroit Steel in New Boston, OH, Jim and his wife, Nancy (Grant) Lemaster, decided to venture into the pizza business. Their family had been making pizzas at home for years, and they recognized the lack of pizza restaurants in southern Ohio. Seeing an opportunity, they began working on recipes for sauce and crust. Jim turned to an Italian friend for help in naming their establishment and settled on Giovanni’s®, feeling that “Lemaster’s” didn’t quite capture the Italian essence. He made a significant sacrifice by selling his cherished 1930 Model A Ford to purchase a $300 pizza oven to kickstart their business. Jim would spend his days making pizza dough for the restaurant and then work night shifts operating a crane at Detroit Steel.
Friends & Family
Jim & Nancy
James "Jim" Lemaster
Throughout the years...
Throughout the years, Jim remained grounded, appreciating the people who had helped him on his journey. He understood that his success owed much to his customers. Somewhere along the path of working tirelessly to achieve his dream, Jim realized he was also helping others reach theirs. His commitment to providing exceptional food while being grateful to those who contributed to his success, both in the community and in business, formed the foundation of his legacy and fueled Giovanni’s® ongoing success. Jim’s dedication to quality, community, and people played a pivotal role in Giovanni’s® continued prosperity and is reflected in our core values. He recognized how he had impacted all those he had assisted over the years and how many individuals had contributed to his success. He never lost sight of this and always sought ways to give back. Perhaps nothing better encapsulates Jim’s selflessness than the inscription on his casket, which simply read, “May the work I’ve done speak for me.” That was Jim, a man who reached his dreams against all odds by focusing on helping others achieve theirs.
