In 1991, Nadeem Bajwa immigrated to the United States from Pakistan. While attending college in Indiana, he worked a few jobs, including delivering pizza for restaurant chain Papa John's. Today, the 58-year-old has a fast food empire, being a major franchisee of Papa Johns in North America with over 270 locations. He is also the CEO of Bajco Group, which spans various sectors including construction, technology, and accounting, alongside his Papa Johns operations. Bajwa’s path to success has not been easy; he faced challenges such as culture shock and language barriers when he first arrived in the U.S.
To fund his university expenses, Bajwa took on multiple jobs. By the time he graduated in 1996, he had advanced from a delivery driver to an area manager at Papa John's. Choosing to stay in the pizza business, he opened his first store in 2002 with the help of family support and loans. Despite early challenges, including over-marketing and rapid expansion, Bajwa adapted and grew his business. By 2024, Bajco Group plans to open 50 more restaurants, aiming for 500 locations in total. Throughout his journey, Bajwa has emphasized the importance of humility and learning from mistakes as key components of his success.