BY KERRY PIPES & EDDY GOLDBERG
2016 MVP WINNERS Honoring outstanding multi-unit franchisees
ranchisees work hard , provide jobs , help their communities , and inspire countless others to follow in the
F footsteps of their well-earned success . That ’ s why we recognize the best of them each year with our Most Valuable Performer ( MVP ) Awards . Ten qualifying franchisees were chosen from a worthy group of their peers and honored at this year ’ s Multi-Unit Franchising Conference at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas .
Choosing MVPs is a lengthy , arduous process — also incredibly rewarding as we learn more about the lives and achievements of the many candidates . To qualify , franchisees must have at least five operating units and have been in a franchise system for a minimum of two years . This year ’ s winners are power players , innovators , and creative thinkers with big hearts who genuinely care for both their employees and their communities and are working to make the world a better place .
During the conference , before a general session filled with hundreds of their peers , each MVP took the stage to receive a plaque commemorating their achievements . The presentation was sponsored by Church ’ s Chicken . Congratulations to these franchise operators who exemplify the best of what franchising has to offer .
AMERICAN DREAM AWARD Ali Shahid Butt is president of AR Group of Restaurants , which operates 25 Popeyes locations in 5 states . The Pakistani-born franchisee and his wife Arian Rahmani are a classic example of the American Dream . He recalls working 18 to 20 hours a day in the beginning and is proud to have achieved success and provided opportunity for his employees . His growth plan for the next decade is to add more than 100 locations .
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD Adam Saxton is chief business officer and co-owner of The Saxton Group , founded by his father Kelly Saxton . The company operates 67 McAlister ’ s Delis , with another 10 in the pipeline . This family-run business has always been active in its communities and hosts weekly fundraisers at all its locations . Last December , when a tornado struck a Dallas suburb near one of their stores , the manager provided free meals and shelter to first responders .
INFLUENCER AWARD FOR A HUSBAND & WIFE TEAM Brooke and Les Wilson opened their first franchise location as newlyweds in 2004 . Today they operate 5 Two Men and A Truck territories in North Carolina and Georgia . They ’ ve learned to blend their personal and professional lives to achieve a balanced life . Their well-defined boundaries and responsibilities , hard work , and sense of fun have helped them build a successful franchise business together .
INNOVATION AWARD Michael Geiger is president of Big Plan Group , which operates 7 Moe ’ s Southwest Grills in the Pittsburgh area . He and his partner John Iaquinta are passionate about creating innovative ways to build their business . From Free Queso Day promotions to unique mobile loyalty program ideas , the company is opposed to “ allowing complacency in operations ,” he says , and plans to saturate the Pittsburgh market with Moe ’ s in the next 5 years .
MEGA GROWTH LEADERSHIP AWARD Jeff Davis chairs United States Beef Corp ., the country ’ s largest Arby ’ s franchisee . US Beef operates 333 Arby ’ s locations and 6 Taco Bueno locations in 8 Midwestern and Western states . Far from done , US Beef plans to add 70 new restaurants by 2020 and remodel 123 existing stores . Sounds like a mega growth strategy to us !
MULTI-BRAND LEADERSHIP AWARD Sunny Ghai is president and CEO of Ghai Management Services in Pleasanton , Calif . The company operates 60 Burger Kings , 9 Taco Bells , 2 Corner Bakery Cafes , and 1 Blaze Fast-Fire ’ d Pizza ( with more on the way ), plus convenience stores and gas stations . He ’ s now looking to move into fast casual .
NOBLE CAUSE AWARD Todd and Kelly Mulvahill , operators of 6 Papa Murphy ’ s Pizza stores , recently signed on as the pioneer franchisees of The Gyro Shack to develop 14 stores in the Seattle area . They have long been passionate about helping their community , especially children . Longtime supporters of St . Jude ’ s Children ’ s Research Hospital , they also work actively on programs that benefit the local partner hospitals of Starlight Children ’ s Foundation .
SINGLE BRAND LEADERSHIP AWARD Ed Wolak is the founder and CEO of The Wolak Group , which operates 96 Dunkin ’ Donuts stores in Maine , New Hampshire , and New York . With the brand for 42 years , he ’ s looking to open his 100th location in the next 12 months . He has served as a leader at every level of the brand ’ s advisory system and has been honored nationally for retail excellence and as developer of the year . If Dunkin ’ Donuts is pondering a new product , it ’ s likely made a test run in his organization .
SPIRIT OF FRANCHISING AWARD Dan Ponder is president of Ponder Enterprises , which operates 36 Hardee ’ s in Alabama , Florida , and Georgia . He ’ s based in Donalsonville , Ga ., pop . 3,000 , but don ’ t let that fool you : Ponder publishes the local newspaper , is the mayor , and is leading an effort to make his town the nation ’ s first Smart Rural City .
VETERAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD Fred Howard is principal of Fresno-based F & M Rally ’ s , which operates 11 Rally ’ s locations . The military veteran , who opened his first Rally ’ s in 1992 , was recognized for outstanding performance and leadership . He previously was named Rally ’ s Franchisee of the Year three times . ( Editor ’ s note : Howard was unavailable for a profile .)
2016 MULTI-UNIT 50 RANKINGS Looking for a new brand ? Don ’ t miss this year ’ s “ Multi- Unit 50 ” lists , ranking brands by the greatest number and percentage of multi-unit franchisees in their system .
12 MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISEE ISSUE III , 2016