This class is designed for business owners ready to cultivate a team that consistently delivers remarkable customer experiences. We'll start by helping you clearly define the strategic role of customer service within your unique business and then pinpoint the exact service standards your customers genuinely expect. You'll gain practical insights into hiring employees who naturally excel at customer service in a small business setting, ensuring your team is built for success from day one.
Beyond hiring, this course provides actionable methods for training your team on consistent service protocols and effectively navigating diverse customer interactions. You will discover how to implement simple systems for gathering and responding to customer feedback, turning insights into continuous improvement. Finally, we'll guide you in developing supervisors who are not just managers, but coaches who can model and foster a culture of service excellence throughout your organization. Your customers and your bottom line will thank you.
This course is part 4 of 5 of the South Fulton Business Accelerator program. Other courses in the this series include:
Module 1: Fund It and Run It: Your Roadmap to Smart Business Finances
Module 2: AI Powered Marketing for Small Business Success
Module 3: Think Big, Plan Smart: Roadmap to Success
Module 5: Streamlining Operations for Success

Thursday, October 29, 2026
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM


As the Area Director in Augusta, 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. With an MBA and a BBA alongside his background, Rick is a go-to person for any consultant or client in the SBDC.
The UGA Small Business Development Center is a Public Service and Outreach unit of the University of Georgia. This program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and is supported by federal taxpayer funds. Our federal funding disclosure can be found at www.georgiasbdc.org.
By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations. All programs are open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
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