Our Founder

Where It All Began

In 1975, David Merage co-founded Chef America, a national frozen food manufacturer known for inventing and marketing Hot Pockets©, Lean Pockets©, and Croissant Pockets©. David and brother, Paul, sold Chef America to Nestlé in 2002. Chef America is known for being one of the most successful food companies in the world.

 

After the sale of Chef America, David Merage founded Consolidated Investment Group (CIG), a Denver-based investment management company specializing in capital markets, private equity, and commercial real estate.

Social Impact

David Merage is a passionate venture philanthropist, and together with his wife Laura, has founded the David & Laura Merage Foundation which invests in social change resulting in children, families, and communities improving the quality and circumstances of their lives. CIG actively supports the work of the foundation by providing office space, resources, and human capital to ensure that the foundation can focus on tackling complex societal problems and creating lasting solutions within the community.

 

Recognition

In 2013, David Merage received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, an award given to U.S. immigrants and native-born citizens who have made substantial contributions to American society. In receiving this prestigious award, David joined the ranks of distinguished medalists, including six United States presidents, Nobel Prize winners, and the leaders of industries, educations, the arts, and sports. As such, Governor John Hickenlooper proclaimed May 11th as “David Merage Day” in Colorado.

Honor