By: Maria Williams
The Multi-Unit Franchising Conference has recently revealed the Most Valuable Performer (MVP) Award winners. Among the recipients is Al Bhakta, Founding Principal of CMG Companies (CMG), who was honored with the Multi-Unit Franchise Mega Growth MVP Award. This accolade attests to his exceptional leadership and contributions to the franchising industry through CMG.
Based in Dallas, Texas, CMG is a dynamic business organization led by a team of entrepreneurs committed to long-term investments primarily focused on multi-unit operations and franchising. Its strategy of scaling and consolidating by rolling up smaller franchisees, acquiring corporate units through divestiture, and prioritizing new unit development has positioned the company as a trusted partner in the franchising landscape.
CMG collaborates with top-tier franchisors and brands, including restaurants, hotels, fitness, sports, healthcare, retail, automotive, health and beauty, wellness, business, and home services. Its diverse portfolio showcases the company’s dedication to aiming a steady stream of high-quality investment opportunities aligning with its growth objectives.
Best friends Al Bhakta, Ron Parikh, Nik Bhakta, Manish Patel, and Pushpak Patel established the company with prioritizing people over profit in mind. This people-centric approach stems from the founders’ focus on establishing close bonds and extending the ethos of respect and compassion to all stakeholders. “We leave our egos at the door. Our philosophy is all about being compassionate and valuing one another. We extend this not just to ourselves but also to our employees and customers. We made sure to instill this ethos in CMG from the beginning,” Bhakta remarks.
The founding principals faced challenges when they began their journey in 2001 operating restaurants but continued to overcome those challenges and grow in the franchised quick service restaurant sector. CMG’s expansion into the hotel sector in 2010 and sports franchising in 2014 with the Caribbean and Indian Premier League cricket teams showcases its versatility. It has continuously explored new opportunities, venturing into automotive franchises and retail. CMG’s commitment to innovation allowed it to expand into other franchises like KFC, Taco Bell, Sonic, Hilton, Rent-A-Center, Ace Hardware and Valvoline, operating across more than 30 states with over 450 outlets today.
Thanks to CMG’s leadership and expertise, the forward-thinking company has become a leading multi-unit franchise operator, ranking within the Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Mega 99.
Ultimately, Al Bhakta receiving the Mega-Growth Leadership MVP award highlights not only his individual accomplishments but also the strength and dedication of the partnership among the five founding principles. This prestigious recognition serves as a testament to Bhakta’s leadership and vision, reflecting the core values that have driven the collective success of CMG. Built on a foundation of decades of persistence, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to community and excellence, CMG has grown into a model of entrepreneurial achievement. The award symbolizes the culmination of the founders’ shared efforts to foster growth, innovation, and meaningful impact, both within the organization and in the broader communities they serve. It underscores the importance of teamwork and the synergy between the founders, whose shared vision has propelled CMG’s continued success and positioned them as leaders in their field.
Published By: Aize Perez
