Emerge 2025: Together, We ELEVATE

Our AOP Review

At Emerge, we believe leadership isn’t reserved for a few — anyone can rise, lead, and leave a legacy. We build people to reach their full potential, and in Q1 of 2025, that belief has never been clearer. Across every restaurant, department, and team, our people are showing up, rising up, and leaving a footprint in every corner of the business.

Our Annual Operations Meeting (AOP) isn’t just a checkpoint — it’s a celebration of where we’ve been and where we’re headed. It’s how we align around what matters and ignite the energy that will carry us through the year. At AOP 2025, we didn’t just review—we refueled. Together, we recommitted to the climb ahead.

The Leadership Mindset: How We Win at Emerge

What makes our culture stand out? It’s more than performance—it’s the belief that anyone, regardless of their story, can emerge. That spirit came alive in every word from Kamal Singh, Founder and President, and Mick Rosckowff, Cofounder, Partner, and COO, as they reflected on building Emerge from the ground up.

And it all comes down to leadership: the kind rooted in Honor, driven by Urgency, strengthened by Persistence and fueled by Love. Leading isn’t just managing—it’s modeling what it means to show up with intention, grow others, and stay the course through every high and low.

Let’s spotlight a few leaders doing exactly that:

• Mili and Wynter are proving what happens when you lead with purpose and push with persistence. They’re beating the numbers—and the odds—while raising up the next generation of leaders.

• Gregory Bradford is leveling up what leadership means at the store level. His work with our Multi-Leadership classes is embedding ownership and healthy competition across the board.

• And in the words of Rachel, backed by Cristal and many Emerge leaders:

“Leaving your footprint means showing up with intention and driving business impact.”

Building Blocks: How We Climb Together

Growth doesn’t happen in silos. We move faster—and further—when we move as one. AOP 2025 gave us a glimpse of that alignment in action, and what’s ahead is even more exciting.

Clear communication stood out as a major unlock. Financial knowledge is power, and tools l follow-up sessions will help RGMs make smarter decisions that impact the bottom line.

We also saw a renewed push for operational unity across brands. Every brand has its own rhythm, but we’re all climbing the same mountain. Adding brand-specific updates into future meetings will drive clarity and collaboration across teams.

And of course, recognition continues to be one of our most powerful drivers. When people feel seen, they lead stronger. Whether it’s a shoutout, a training moment, or a trophy, recognitions often make the biggest difference in building trust and culture.

Always Looking Forward

“We climb together, no matter what brand we represent.”

– Mick Rosckowff

That message captured the heart of AOP and the spirit of our path forward. Emerge wins not because of one team or one brand, but because of a shared commitment to growth — and to each other.

This year’s AOP reminded us what we’re made of. We’re not just leading stores. We’re shaping futures, building legacies, and climbing with heart.

And we’re only getting started.

Let’s keep rising.

Let’s keep leaving our footprint and elevating.

Let’s keep climbing — together!