John Theodore Zabasky grew up in Burtonsville, Maryland, in a family rooted in public service. His father and grandfather were both firefighters. As a teen, John’s life revolved around baseball—until an injury cut his athletic path short. That setback led him to dive into education, eventually earning multiple degrees including an MBA, a PhD in Information Systems, and ongoing doctoral studies in Health Sciences.
Today, he’s the CEO of WorXsiteHR Insurance Solutions, Inc., best known for creating the HealthWorX Plan. It’s a no-cost healthcare solution that supports part-time, seasonal, and low-wage workers—groups usually excluded from traditional benefits. His nonprofit arm now provides over $100 million annually in coverage.
But before all that, John faced a wrongful arrest for workers’ comp fraud, brought by a brokerage firm trying to protect its reputation. The charges were dropped, and John won a settlement. That experience became a turning point, driving his mission to fight for small business owners and help others avoid the traps he once faced.
Outside of work, John is still a baseball fan and enjoys golfing, bodybuilding, and boating. He prefers building systems that actually work over chasing attention. If you ask him why he does it all, he’ll probably just say, “Because someone has to.”
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I’m the CEO of WorXsiteHR Insurance Solutions. We created a benefits plan called HealthWorX that gives no-cost healthcare to workers who typically get left out—like part-time or seasonal staff. I’ve spent the last decade building systems that work better for small businesses and the people who run them.
How would you describe your personal or professional vibe in 3 words?
I’d describe my vibe as focused, because I stay locked on what matters; resilient, because I’ve faced serious challenges and bounced back; and strategic, because I always look at the big picture before making a move.
What’s one fun fact about you most people don’t know?
I almost went pro in baseball. That was my original plan until an injury changed everything. It was tough, but it set me on a new path, and I think it made me better at solving hard problems.
What’s your favorite TV show right now?
I’ve been watching The Bear on Hulu. The pace, the stress, the way the team pulls together, reminds me a little of running a startup when everything’s on fire and somehow you still deliver.
What’s your most-used social media app these days?
LinkedIn. I use it to keep up with trends, thought leaders, and what other business owners are doing in the HR and insurance world.
What was the first social media app you ever joined?
Facebook. Back when it was still kind of new. I remember being surprised that people I hadn’t seen in 20 years could suddenly pop into my life again.
Are there any influencers or creators you never miss content from?
I follow Scott Galloway pretty regularly. His takes on business, leadership, and disruption always feel on point. He says what most people are afraid to.
Are there any must-follow accounts or pages for people in your industry?
Employee Benefit News is solid. Also, SHRM posts good breakdowns about HR law, compliance, and trends that matter to business owners like me.
Do you listen to any podcasts related to your field or niche?
I listen to Business Wars from Wondery. It’s not strictly about benefits, but the storytelling helps me think differently about competition and strategy.
What’s the best advice you’ve heard from a podcast or interview?
From an episode of Masters of Scale—“You have to build the parachute after you jump.” That’s definitely how it felt launching a healthcare model no one had tried before.
If you could collab with any influencer or celeb, who would it be?
Probably Mark Cuban. He’s already doing things in healthcare with Cost Plus Drugs, and I think there’s alignment in our missions. Plus, I like people who challenge the system from the inside.
What’s a habit, hack, or tool you swear by for staying informed or inspired?
Reading court rulings. I know that sounds weird, but it keeps me sharp on how policy gets interpreted in real life. It helps me protect my clients better.
Follow John Theodore Zabasky online via LinkedIn
