Guillermo Perales

Guillermo Perales began his journey into the world of franchise ownership with a single store and an ambitious dream in 1997. Crediting a combination of “luck, hard work, and a constant quest to expand”, his Sun Holdings’ portfolio today features over 1200 locations that employ over 20,000 people and generate revenue of over $1 billion dollars a year. Sun Holding’s stores include Burger King, Popeyes, Arby’s, McAlisters, IHOP, Applebees, Papa Johns, Cici’s, Golden Corral, GNC, T-Mobile, Taco Bueno, and several airport restaurant outlets.

His impressive acquisitions have positioned Perales as the third-largest franchise group in the United States by Mega 99, and is among the 101 most influential Latinos.

Perales’ tremendous success in restaurant operations, real estate, and general management are all 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 seemed to follow for 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 Latino business community.