Serving thousands of fast food items every minute of the day (and in many cases night as well) may appear as easy as flipping a hamburger but operating a chain of one of the world’s best-known brands has its challenges and problems.
Yet, Dinesh and Anita Mani, Directors of the Mani Group, which is a McDonald’s franchisee with five restaurants (two of them round-the-clock) in West Auckland, go about their business with the belief that they are among their 300 staff.
That was in fact how they began- as employees of the ‘Big Arch,’ all those years ago.
Modest means
Born and raised in a family of modest means, he abandoned full-time studies to launch his career at McDonalds in New Lynn in 1987 (he later obtained a Diploma from the National Institute of Management).
It was hard and harsh but he knew that there more on his menu of progress when he climbed the management ladder.
He became a franchisee in 2005 and today owns McDonalds located in New Lynn, Kelston, Avondale (Ash Street), West City and Lynn Mall.
“Focus and determination enabled me to succeed as a franchisee but I always believed that I would achieve what I have built today,” he said.
Share responsibilities
His wife has had similar experience and as a former McDonald employee, she knows the rules of business and the importance of customer service and care and good employer-employee relations.
Her responsibilities include restaurant operations, people development, training and customer service.
Good partnership at home does not always translate itself into success in business but in the case of Dinesh and Anita, it has been a happy marriage on both counts.
Anita believes that similarity of experience and family background has been a binding factor, in addition to their common goals in life and career.
“Both of us are dedicated to our business and we set our priorities in accordance with our core responsibilities. It is our understanding, not just of the business, but also of each other, that has enabled us to grow from one franchise to five within a short period of time,” she said.
Their son Anish also works for the family company, imbibing their qualities of leadership, humility and community responsibility.
The three form a majority of ‘McDonald’s people’ at home, but that is hardly the place to discuss business.
“Sometimes there would be inevitable discussion of business at home. It is natural with three of us involved with the same Company,” Dinesh said.
Scholarship for employees
The couple do not allow their personal relationship to cloud the decision-making process, as both of them are aware of the demands and challenges of a McDonald’s enterprise.
“As former employees, we not only realise and pursue a high level of integrity but also keep in perspective the career ambitions and livelihood of our 300 staff,” they said.
That belief was evident in a decision taken last year.
As reported in our August 1, 2012 issue, Dinesh and Anita converted a cash award of $6000 received from United as winners of the West Auckland Business Awards into a scholarship scheme to assist their employees in their higher education.
Maintaining balance
Running a home that includes Dinesh and their two sons and a chain of restaurants that witness heavy traffic may sound formidable but Anita has proved to be a high achiever over the years.
She said that she uses her planner (manual and electronic) extensively.
“I plan my weekly and monthly tasks for work in advance and follow them meticulously. I am still able to devote time for my family. Dinesh and I ensure that we have a proper balance in life,” Anita said.
Their positive attitude towards business, employees and the community is perhaps the single most important contributor to their impressive progress and prosperity.
“We both understand our areas of responsibility; we are both accountable for our decisions but we are constantly aware of the fact that we have to maintain and promote the image and products of a global brand,” Dinesh said.
Gender equality
Indian women have proved their prowess in management and as leaders of corporate entities, irrespective of the scale of operations. As we meet couples like these, we also realise that the bond, created by mutual self-respect and goodwill, helps them to steer their destinies and of those around them with vision and expertise.
Dinesh believes in gender equality in all spheres of human existence, including home, office and entrepreneurship.
“I strongly believe that women should not be discriminated against holding positions of power in any business. Productivity and profitability improve not because of gender but by the knowledge and skill of individuals,” he said.
Dinesh and Anita have also shared the stage and the glory at the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 2010, 2011 and 2012, winning in more than one category.
According to Chad Wilkie, Chairman of the independent panel of judges, “The Mani Group undertakes extensive market research on the demographics, spending and lifestyle choices to manage their menu. Relationships formed include a school program where healthy lunch choice options are made available at a very special rate and school classes visit their restaurants, learn about the range of menu items, and how the restaurant works, and nutrition.
About Couples in Partnership
This is a new column highlighting the success achieved by couples (one of them should be of Indian origin) who own, operate, manage and franchise a business or groups of businesses. If you are interested in being featured, please write to us with details. While we reserve the right to edit, rewrite or not publish materials received, we are committed to promoting our people, which are indeed the objectives of our other two brands– The Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards and the Indian Newslink Indian Sports Awards.
Email: editor@indiannewslink.co.nz
