From being a McDonald’s crewmember at high school to global recognition as an outstanding business leader and community supporter, Auckland’s Sam Maharaj has come a long way.
Sam and his wife Angela have won a number of Awards in recent years, the most notable among them being ‘McDonald’s Franchisee of the Year’ in 2011 and the ‘Golden Arch Award,’ the highest global recognition for a McDonald’s Franchisee in 2012.
Sam and Angela received the Golden Arch Award at the McDonald’s Worldwide Convention in Orlando in April 2012 in the presence of 13,000 people.
Presented biennially at the McDonald’s Worldwide Convention, ‘Golden Arch’ status is awarded to the top 1% of Franchisees who deliver a superior customer experience and passionately give back to their communities.
Steady progress
After working at McDonald’s as a crewmember at high school, Sam went back part time while studying at university and climbed his way up the ladder to Director of Operations for McDonald’s New Zealand before becoming a Franchisee eight years ago.
Sam and Angela now own six McDonald’s restaurants across Auckland including Royal Oak, Dressmart, Penrose, St Lukes, Balmoral and Mt Roskill (Stoddard Road), employing more than 300 staff.
Their stores offer McCafe, Drive Through, Play Place (except in malls).
The couple are also deeply involved in the community, with their support extending to schools, sports groups, community groups and several fund-raising events.
Community support
Sam is a Trustee and Board Member of the ‘Friends of Fiji Health,’ the ‘Ronald McDonald House Charities’ and Chair of the McDonald’s New Zealand Franchise Leadership Group.
Maharaj Corporation is a Sponsor of the Indian Newslink Indian Sports Awards since they were launched three years ago.
“We decided to participate in the Awards as a part of our efforts to bring the communities together and as a source of encouragement for younger members of the society to play sports,” he said.
Mr Maharaj said that there were numerous opportunities for the members of the Indian community to become high achievers and that there must be proper avenues for them to shine in their chosen field.
“The Indian Sports Awards help people to get involved at a much higher level. They also encourage our young people to realise their potential and promote their skills. I have always believed in promoting sports and sportspeople in our communities,” he said.
Several Awards
Sam and Angela also won the ‘Pullman Auckland Business Excellence in Restaurant Trade Award’ of the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards (2011), the ‘Hugh Morris People Award for Fantastic People Practises’ (2007), the ‘Mac Black Status for consistently being rated as a High performing Franchisee (2010) and the ‘Westfield’s St Lukes Top in Category Award.’
Sam brings fortitude, business acumen, vision, spirit of adventure and fun that are special attributes of people of Fijian origin to business.
