Supervisor Skills for the Modern Manager

Rebecca Mixson

Business Consultant

Augusta Office, Consultant

Rebecca is a dynamic, visionary business consultant who has been with the UGA SBDC in Augusta since November 2014, initially as a Program Coordinator then transitioned into the role of Business Consultant. Her teaching of such programs as “Starting A Business,” “Business Plan Essentials,” and “Winning Through Customer Service” enhances her ability to understand cross-functional business operations. Ms. Mixson works with established and aspiring entrepreneurs regarding basic business information and direction in growth as a business owner by helping assess opportunities and facilitate strategic planning for successful implementation. Her extensive business and educational background provides a solid foundation to guide clients toward success.

Ms. Mixson relates directly to small business owners. Her background in retail markets, staff management, and leadership blend well with the demands of small businesses. She reads market trends, develops target marketing for small businesses, develops visually appealing displays, and provides image consulting. She is certified to teach Maximum Service courses through the SBDC and works to develop other opportunities related to client needs including personal presentation and improvement. Her background aids in identification of skilled and unskilled labor markets for growing businesses as well.

Rebecca lived in Missouri before moving to Georgia. There she completed a successful career in education, training, coaching, owned and operated her own retail business, and continues involvement in agriculture through family farm operations. Recognitions in business and education include being named “Young Careerist” by the Business and Professional Women, State Runner-Up in Individual Development Program through BPW, Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, and District Elect Rep for “Distinguished School Performance Award.” She has presented at various conferences at the local, regional, and state levels on the topics of “Stress Management,” “Workplace Safety,” “Crisis Mitigation,” and “Personal Improvement.” Rebecca believes that attitude, flexibility, and a sense of humor are keys to success in business and in life.

Education

• MBA, Augusta University Hull College of Business
• MSE, William Woods University (Leadership and Administration)
• BSE, Central Missouri State University (Mathematics Education)

Rick McMurtrey

Area Director

Area Director, Augusta Office

Rick brings over 33 years of business experience to the UGA SBDC. Prior to joining the SBDC, Rick spent more than 20 years as a Sonic Drive In franchisee, developing the Augusta, GA market to 13 stores and over 500 employees. Rick brings extensive knowledge in franchise development along with significant experience in marketing, advertising, human resources, and personnel management needed to grow from a one store operation to a mid-size business. He served two terms on the Sonic Franchise Advisory Council and was heavily involved in moving Sonic Corporation into its national cable advertising program. Rick served on the committee that interviewed ad agencies and selected a former agency, Barkley & Evergreen Partners, which developed and implemented the national cable advertising program. While a franchisee, Rick was awarded the Brand Leadership Award and the Marketing Award.

Prior to becoming a Sonic Drive In franchisee, Rick spent 13 years at Southwestern Bell Corporation in Oklahoma. He graduated from ECU in December of 1980 and began his SBC career in January of 1981 as an entry level marketing manager in Lawton, Oklahoma. Rick worked his way into middle management while working in Marketing, Public Relations, Installation and Maintenance and Human Resource departments. Rick received significant training in marketing, management, leadership, human resources and management development training that he utilized to start and grow his own successful company and now brings to the UGA SBDC.

Education

• MBA, Oklahoma City University
• BBA, East Central University (Marketing)