Guillermo Perales began his journey into franchise ownership with a single restaurant and an ambitious dream in 1997. Crediting a combination of “luck, hard work, and a constant quest to expand,” Sun Holdings today manages over 1,800 locations, employs more than 33,000 people, and aims to surpass $2 billion in annual sales. Sun Holdings’ management portfolio includes Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill® and Bar®, Arby’s®, Burger King®, GNC, Golden Corral®, IHOP®, McAlister’s Deli®, Papa Johns®, T-Mobile®, and Taco Bueno®, and is one of the top ten largest Hispanic businesses in the USA.

Continuous growth through acquisitions and the development of new stores has positioned Perales as the second-largest franchise owner in the United States and the largest Hispanic franchisee in the country.  He is perennially included on such lists as 100 Hispanic Leaders in the USA and Most Influential Restaurant CEOs, as well as being recognized as one of the most powerful people in food service.  He was the winner of the Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year, MUFSO Golden Chain Award, and many other accolades.

Perales’ tremendous success in restaurant operations, real estate, and general management are rooted in his commitment to education. He graduated with high honors from the Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey as a CPA before moving to the United States and earning his MBA from Texas A&M University. The meteoric company growth that has followed Perales often has industry peers and colleagues calling him a “rock star” in the franchise realm. Yet, Perales remains deeply grounded and passionate about the importance of sharing his leadership and experience with new generations of entrepreneurs, especially those in the Hispanic community.