Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue I, 2016 | Page 30

BY HELEN BOND

Success-ion Story
Family business diversifies to expand

A

s senior vice president and chief
investment officer of Impact Properties, Shirin Kanji is in charge
of all of the Tampa-based company’s investment-related activities. As
with most family businesses, however,
his real job goes far beyond just getting
a deal done. “Since I was a teenager, my
role covered anything that would help
support the operating team,” says Kanji,
who has been busy adding more to his
business plate.
This past October, the company acquired 40 Rent-A-Centers, further diversifying a portfolio that already included
six hotel franchise brands, Firehouse Subs,
and BurgerFi. “We had gotten close on
a handful of other targeted deals along
the way, but ultimately I feel we got the
right fit with Rent-A-Center,” says Kanji.
“We have the ability to continue to grow
within this brand and view it as a core
holding for us in the years to come.”
NAME: Shirin Kanji
TITLE: SVP/chief investment officer
COMPANY: Impact Properties
NO. OF UNITS: 40 Rent-A-Center;
6 franchised hotels (Starwood,
Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Motel 6,
Ascend Collection), 2 hotels
currently under development with
Marriott and Hilton; 7 Firehouse
Subs; 1 BurgerFi (3 more under
development); 1 Starbucks; 1
independent fine dining restaurant
AGE: 35
FAMILY: Wife, Swathi, daughter,

Serena
YEARS IN FRANCHISING: 7-plus
YEARS IN CURRENT POSITION: 7-plus

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