CMG Companies (CMG) founding Principal, Ron Parikh is one of the founding members of the team. In addition to providing strategic thinking at CMG, he also engages in brand development and management for CMG portfolio brands. His primary function currently is to spearhead all of the back office functions of all of the various portfolio companies. He also leads the charge on business development and new relationships.

Previously, he served as Genghis Grill’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) from 2004 to 2014. His primary responsibility had been to lead all of the marketing and advertising for Genghis Grill brand and to oversee the brand persona. Through his brand leadership, Genghis Grill has been recognized by major trade publications. Currently, he is in charge of 2 of CMG’s portfolio restaurant brands, and also focuses on international development and growth for those brands.

After graduating from the University of Texas at Dallas in early 2000s, Ron continued his employment with Bank of America in retail, sales and finance along with operating a billiards parlor and a game room with his friends and business partners. Ron feels that his time with Bank of America has helped him to become successful, yet he also credits his early experiences at CMG Companies and growing Genghis Grill brand with the ability to learn on the job. The group became initial franchisees of Genghis Grill in 2001 and eventually in 2004 purchased the entire brand to grow it from 6 to 90+ locations in the US.

Speaking on the CMG team, Ron adds, “We work together as a team. No one drives for personal recognition. Each of us provides value and serves a strategic and active role, but at the end of the day, the goals and dreams of the team are more important than individual awards and accolades.”

When asked why he enjoys coming to work each day, Ron notes, “I get to work with my friends. I don’t come into the office thinking how much work is there. I love spending time with the smartest guys I know, bouncing ideas off of them while learning and growing our brands together. Sure, there are plenty of ups and downs, but together, we have always made progress. I can make money anywhere I want, but working with friends and family gives peace of mind. I’m like a sponge for knowledge and my friends are not only fun to hang out but extremely smart and talented,” he notes.

Ron and his family came from a very humble beginning as his family moved from India at the age of 13. He learned the value of money and hard work at an early age by not only seeing his mom and dad work multiple jobs but he also had his first job at a grocery chain at the age of 16.

When it comes to hobbies and time away from work, Ron is fond of watching sports especially football, basketball and cricket, but he’s also a fan of movies and catching up on the latest industry news online. He loves spending time with his 2 daughters, wife and family.