Who is Dhanani Private Equity Group (DPEG) and what do you do?
Dhanani Private Equity Group (DPEG) is a leading real estate developer and syndicator which specializes in providing attractive investment opportunities through a variety of development and acquisition approaches.
History of DPEG:
Our company was formed on the basis of helping friends and family to invest in real estat. However, over the past decade, our performance and accessibility led to our growth beyond our immediate community. Our extensive portfolio of multifamily developments, retail shopping centers, office buildings, land, hotels, and convenience stores has generated remarkable returns for our investors since its’ inception.
Generally, the returns from our projects have produced a wide range of returns, from a minimum annual return on a capital of 7.7% to a notable return of 266.6% just recently in November 2023. However, our conservative target annual return of 20-35% remains the same, and we have consistently met or outperformed this benchmark.
What is your Vision and Mission?
Our mission is: to convert people’s hard-earned money into wealth. People who have money to invest with us, convert their money into wealth.
As a saying from Nick Dhanani goes as follows: “making money is the easy part, everyone has to do it in order to survive. Taking that money and carefully investing it into something that can be enjoyed by both you and your generations to come is a skill and in my opinion, it is the only skill that I possess.”
How did you achieve so many investors?
In the past decade, we have grown from having only friends and family invest with us to now having 2,500 unique investors across 23 different U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. Our growth has been completely organic – word of mouth has been the primary catalyst for our tremendous growth, and our own investors have become brand ambassadors for our company based on their positive experiences and returns.
From only $20 million in AUM to crossing $1.3 billion in 2023, we understand that we have a fiduciary responsibility to bring the right deal to the table at the right time. While continuing to adhere to the discipline we have had in picking and choosing our deals, we aim to take this company to $10 billion by 2030. With this momentum, we can pursue bigger and better deals, fostering financial success and security for our investors.
Could you shed some light on the services that DPEG offers?
Although Dhanani Private Equity Group was formed with a core focus on its real estate investment platform, the company has expanded its service offerings to encompass insurance, energy, construction, lending, and foundation work.
Through its foundation, DPEG also actively engages in philanthropic efforts and community development initiatives, reinforcing its dedication to social responsibility and long-term value creation.
Enlighten us about your wow factors that amazed your investors in the recent years?
The biggest “wow” factor from an investor perspective is that of our returns. Commercial real estate definitely has fruitful returns, but making 40%, 50%, 60% annually on a five-year project and doing so consistently for the past decade is something that is unheard of. Our returns are all over the map, but we take immense pride in the fact that across 145 projects spanning 13 years, we have never lost a dollar of investor principal. Our weighted average annual return based on the exits we made and the equity that we raised was 33% in 2021 and 46% in 2022, so we have been meeting or exceeding our benchmark of doubling up our investors’ equity over an investment hold period of three to five years.
Additionally, Nick Dhanani came from humble beginnings and during his journey as a businessman, he learned that talent and skill are not the only factors that make a good businessperson – there is a lot of hard work and blessings needed in the path to success, along with a little bit of luck.
Keeping in line with these life lessons, DPEG has implemented an exit strategy that has very little impact on our investors’ returns; however, it exerts significant influence on the community.
With every project undertaken by DPEG, 1% of the net profit is dedicated to charities of the investors’ collective choosing, allowing the members of our community to support causes close to their hearts. Additionally, 1% of the net profit is allocated to the provision of employee bonuses in order to recognize our back office’s indispensable role as the backbone of our company. It is a “wow” factor from an investor perspective that we operate with a commitment to social responsibility and employee appreciation ingrained in our core values. This dual approach ensures that as we succeed and grow, we also give back to the community and reward the hard work and dedication of our team members who are going 100 miles an hour behind the scenes to make it all happen.
How do you stand out from the rest in the industry or is there something that sets you apart from the rest?
Choosing DPEG means choosing a partnership that prioritizes your success above all else. Unlike others in the industry, we believe in equality, which is why we proudly refuse to incorporate promoting fees. When you invest in DPEG, there is no back-end split, no waterfall distribution, no slices forcefully cut out of everyone’s pie. Not only does this allow for the alignment of interests between DPEG’s leadership team and its investors, but also enables maximization of investor returns, all with no hidden costs or surprises along the way.
We value the input of our investors:
Whenever there is a major decision to be made, we call all our investors for a meeting to discuss the options that we have on the table. Whether you join in person or through a video call, our collective decision-making approach ensures that every voice is heard, and every perspective is considered, regardless of the monetary figure that underlies your investment.
Partnering with us is not just a matter of choosing an investment firm — you are committing to a long-term relationship with individuals who are committed to your growth, who value transparency in their undertakings, and who prioritize the project above all else, ensuring success for all those within it.
Why should one choose DPEG for the investment when compared to other competitors in the industry? What kind of advisory board do you have to offer to the investors?
More than anything else, our commitment to transparency sets us apart from the rest of the industry as we provide our investors with unprecedented access to every aspect of their investments. We like to say that we treat our passive investors like active partners, showing them exactly what they would see if they were managing the projects themselves.
From closing statements to detailed bank transaction history and manual accounting models, we offer real-time visibility into their financial portfolios, ensuring complete peace of mind and trust in our partnership. Furthermore, we provide quarterly investor updates so that our investors know exactly what is going on with our projects at all times. Our dedication to the idea of partnership is unwavering — we operate with our investors’ best interests at heart, ensuring that their needs and goals are prioritized above all else.
In our pursuit of excellence, we prioritize quality over glamour, demonstrating our dedication to prudent decision-making and financial stewardship.
Advisory Board:
The DPEG Leadership Team is supported closely by an esteemed Advisory Board comprised of trusted advisors and seasoned professionals representing diverse industries. The extensive experience, broad networks, and insightful perspectives brought to the table by our Advisory Board are fundamental to the success of DPEG.
We are proud to have individuals with decades of expertise in energy, real estate law, property management, corporate lending, business operations, healthcare, fast food, and professional sports management among our ranks. Their collective wisdom and guidance play a vital role in shaping DPEG’s strategic direction and contributing to our ongoing growth and achievement.
What kind of plans do you have to offer to this industry in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, we will be working on a project that holds a special significance for DPEG’s CEO, Nick — a passion project changing the concept of senior living. Telfair 55+ Senior Living Condos, a visionary luxury concept located in the vibrant heart of Sugar Land, is an initiative not just about providing upscale accommodation for seniors; it’s about empowering our investors, particularly those from South Asian backgrounds, to prioritize their own well-being and upgrade their lifestyles after years of selfless dedication to their families.
The two-bedroom condos, ranging from 1600 – 2100 SF in size, aim to reflect a tight-knit community that seamlessly blends with contemporary amenities. Drawing inspiration from South Asian communal living while embracing Western luxury, our project embodies the celebration of diversity and the promotion of unity. At Telfair, residents will experience the height of cultural fusion, where comfort and tradition bind to create an unparalleled living experience.
With the development of these condos, we are taking luxury to new heights with a lifestyle of convenience and an impressive array of amenities not found in any other senior living concept. Residents can enjoy leisurely rounds of mini-golf, immersive movie experiences in our cutting-edge theater, and thrilling adventures in our gaming and VR room. From the tranquility of our spa to the social atmosphere of our banquet hall, every aspect of Telfair Senior Condos is designed to provide residents with the ultimate luxury living experience.
Who is the CEO of DPEG? Please give us a brief introduction about your CEO.
Nick Dhanani, the CEO of DPEG, is the driving force behind the company’s remarkable success. With over three decades of experience in the real estate industry, Nick’s journey — from working night shifts at a gas station to eventually owning and developing commercial properties — exemplifies his unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial spirit.
Despite his role as CEO, Nick remains deeply involved in every aspect of the business, forging personal relationships with investors and actively participating in deal-making processes. His hands-on approach ensures that each investment aligns with DPEG’s mission and vision, while also maximizing value for investors.
Nick’s leadership, expertise, and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in propelling DPEG to new heights, earning the trust and respect of investors, and strengthening business relationships with industry peers who positively contribute to the success of our projects. As the driving force behind the company’s growth, Nick continues to inspire and lead by example, shaping the future of DPEG with integrity, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Company Name – Dhanani Private Equity Group
CEO – Nick Dhanani
Website – dhananipeg.com
