Greg Zima

Greg Zima is the founder and creative mind behind GaZima Games. Raised in Michigan, Greg excelled in both academics and sports before seeking higher education at the University of Michigan. After one year at U of M, the desire to serve his country took Greg to the United States Naval Academy where he accepted an appointment to the Class of '95. Greg's athletic skill and passion for the game earned him a spot on the Navy lightweight football team. In the off season Greg stayed active and sharpened his competitive edge as an All-American Power lifter for Navy. His solid academic foundation served him well as he graduated the Naval Academy in May of '95 with a B.S. in Systems Engineering. He received a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and chose aviation as his career path. Solid leadership, numerous accomplishments and extensive travel characterized Greg's life as a Marine helicopter pilot.

After leaving the Marines in November of 2001, Greg moved on to pursue a career in financial planning with an international firm. Within a year Greg was setting the standard for excellence in the San Diego office. By his third year, Greg earned the title of top sales man of the year. With another milestone under his belt, Greg decided it was time to pursue his dream - designing games.

Several months after putting pen to paper, Greg teamed up with Greg Lane to create their first game - Zip! With the creative flood gates open, GaZima Games has continued to design inventive and engaging games that have made a huge splash in the gaming industry. Greg's passion, strong work ethic and love of fun have set the tone for GaZima Games, leading the company toward innovative achievements and exceptional entertainment.

 

Greg Lane

Greg Lane is the Director of Operations of GaZima Games and a designer. As a child Greg and his two brothers grew-up in a typical New Jersey neighborhood. Aside from his love of sports and competition with his brothers, Greg enjoyed working with his father around the house. When not working on the family cars, Greg could be found inside lending a hand with home repair and renovations. Greg's desire to disassemble, investigate and attempt to repair any piece of equipment always kept Greg thinking and his parents on their toes. After high school Greg attended the US Naval Academy where he graduated with the Class of '94 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps..

Greg's mechanical aptitudes served him well as he quickly grasped the concepts of aerodynamic flight and elaborate aircraft system design during flight school in Pensacola, Florida. His career as a Marine Corps helicopter pilot has taken him all across the globe and over the years although his address has changed numerous times his desire to ponder an idea until the perfect solution presents itself has always remained a constant. Greg's childhood tinkering skills, his mechanical understanding of complex systems and his ability to visualize and build a product from scratch has made him the right-hand man and a designer of GaZima Games. As a military professional, Greg's first commitment is to his country. However, he feels very fortunate to be involved with a company that has produced games that can be found on store shelves. With multiple games in the market place and numerous other games under license, it is clear that GaZima Games is growing. As game concepts and license agreements stretch beyond the board and dice game categories, other talented individuals have already stepped forward to fill the expanding needs of the company. Greg will stay actively involved in the concept and production of new product from GaZima Games but expect to see other gifted personnel join the GaZima Games team in order to support and bring to life the dreams and concepts of Greg Zima.

 

Stefan Maroudis

Stefan was born and raised in Ohio - Go Bucks!! In 1995, he graduated from Miami University in beautiful Oxford, Ohio, with a double major in Botany and Chemistry. These skills translated well into his career as a helicopter pilot in the United States Marine Corps, where he met Greg and Greg. Initially helping to play test several of their new games, Stefan began working with GaZima Games in the Spring of 2007. He now develops and creates prototypes for new game ideas, as well as refining game play and rules. His skills include woodworking and helping to envision solutions. He developed these skills during his childhood years from his father, who would mercilessly drag him from a peaceful slumber, way too early in the day, to work on the family cars or other projects around the house. Stefan has had a love of games and sports since childhood. He especially likes to play soccer, chess, euchre, soccer, Axis and Allies, and soccer. In October 2008, Stefan received an Honorable discharge from active duty in the Marine Corps; however, he continues to serve our country by working in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. Although taking some time off to determine his next career, Stefan will most definitely be involved with GaZima Games for the foreseeable future. Oh yeah, he is a pretty funny guy; or at least he thinks he is. He is pictured here with his fourteen-year old daughter Mikayla.

 

Cassidy Brady

Cassidy Brady is the latest addition to the GaZima Games Team, lending her skills and expertise as our new Marketing Director. Although San Francisco born, she claims she is San Diego bred, having lived here for over ten years. This proud UCSD and SDSU alum has had a busy decade-successfully starting two of her own companies, graduating from Business School (with honors) and discovering where to find the best breakfast burrito in all of San Diego. She is excited to share her expertise, strong work ethic and fun loving attitude with GaZima Games. Here Cassidy is pictured at her annual Toys for Tots Party in Solana Beach.

 

 

Max

Max was fostered by Greg Zima on the 2nd of May 2008 and adopted the first week of August. Rescued from the shelter by The Dog Squad (www.thedogsquadrescue.org), he came to Greg immediately after undergoing surgery. He was very disoriented and melancholy. It didn't take long for that to change. He likes long walks by the river and loves to run along the beach. He is exrememly gentle and laid back, making him great with kids and other dogs. He likes Nylabones and chew toys and is much stronger than he thinks he is. He is believed to be a Pointer/Lab mix, about 2½ years old, weighing about 65 pounds. Since finding his home with Greg, he has turned into a superstar and the GaZima Games mascot! He sits, he stays, he doesn't grab food from babies; his one vice however, car sickness, turns him into a slobbery vomiting wreck when he enters any vehicle. We are working on that! He is also working with a trainer to become a Therapy Dog and we hope to be visiting children in hospitals very soon.