After tens of thousands of conversations with business owners, we’ve concluded that one of the key determinants between thriving and struggling businesses is how appreciated customers feel. While that insight might seem fairly commonplace, what’s rare is discussion on how business owners go about making their customers feel appreciated. So, we reached out to some of the most loved and admired entrepreneurs and small business owners in the community and asked them to open up about how they show appreciation to their customers.

Bill Shoe

I chose this question because I whole heartedly believe that the only reason our establishment survived the pandemic was because we went out of our way to show our appreciation to the community at large who helped sustain us during the carry out only nightmare that resulted from the Covid-19 shutdowns. Cars lined up down the street from our restaurant to pick up their orders and we knew that we had to pay it forward. Read more>>

Lakischia Smith

It is our mission at WHO DAT BarberShop to unite philanthropy with the Barber Industry. We embody the value of “To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Required”. We gladly support the community that supports Us. We provide free meals, free haircuts, school supplies, Christmas toys, and free mentoring among other essentials to our community. Read more>>

Javonna Gist

I am extremely passionate about what i do. Everything I do is with a genuine heart. I’ve done so many amazing things to give back to my clients to ensure them that I care more about them,than the money. I will say out of the many great things I’ve done thus far, there is one specific moment that stands out the most. I have a client who is a very hard working mother of three. Read more>>

Haley Sferra

I do not have a specific instance to share regarding customer appreciation; but rather, my entire approach to my business and our core values revolve around our appreciation for our clients. I do not think there will ever be a point in my career where I am not tickled by the idea that someone wants *me* to make their wedding cake. What an honor! The first step in my process is meeting for a consultation, this one-on-one meeting with the client has always been such an important launching point to my creative process. Read more>>

Jaclyn Velardo

nurturing my audience (sometimes they follow a long time before they trust you) sending gifts and notes
connecting with people (going the extra mile) Read more>>

Scott Markman

Currently we have a client, based in Dallas, called Americase. They design and manufacture custom shipping containers to transport valuable but potentially hazardous or fragile components such as batteries or helicopter blades for the world’s largest companies. Their job is to design and then rigorously test best-in-class, cannot-fail metal boxes or high technology bags to prevent major fires or other catastrophic events. Read more>>