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.

Delores Williams

One of the best ways I’ve ever shown a client appreciation was after helping a young family purchase their first home. They were relocating to South Florida for a new job opportunity and were understandably stressed about the transition. Throughout the process, I could tell how much finding the right home meant to them—it wasn’t just about the house, but creating a space for their growing family to thrive. Read more>>

Sativa Papi

My passion for exceptional customer service is deeply rooted in my family’s entrepreneurial legacy. Growing up, I spent countless hours observing my grandparents, successful Jamaican business owners. They owned and operated several thriving hair and nail salons, where I watched them meticulously attend to each client’s needs and create a welcoming atmosphere. More than just providing services, they were building relationships and creating memorable experiences. Read more>>

Doug Giesler

Presence, listening attentively, and focused on being the solution for them! That’s the way I live my life. When you are “all in” with the person in front of you, whether that be in your personal or professional life, people take notice. They appreciate it, and in the professional world, they know from that moment on that you are here to serve! Service is an attitude, and a habit. It offers people the comfort to know that it isn’t about “ME”! It’s about being present 100% dialed in to create WIN WIN relationships and solutions in the moment…fulfilling wants & needs for clients. Read more>>

Emily Thompson

As a cosmetologist, going above and beyond for your client means creating an experience that is not just about delivering a service but about cultivating trust, comfort, and confidence. It begins with listening—truly hearing your client’s needs, concerns, and goals—and then tailoring your expertise to exceed their expectations. It’s taking the time to explain processes, recommend personalized solutions, and educate them on aftercare to ensure they feel empowered long after they leave your chair. Read more>>

Carmen Govea

The best way I’ve ever shown appreciation to a customer is by genuinely contributing to their success—whether in their business or personal life. At the end of the day, we are all human, facing struggles and challenges, regardless of our roles as business owners, professionals, or individuals trying to improve our lives. I’ve always believed that true success is not just about transactions, but about the relationships and trust we build along the way. Read more>>

Christine Frey

Whenever I work with a client, I am always grateful and I know that it is truly an honor and a privilege to share safe space with them. I teach my clients that not everyone is allowed in their energetic space, and they will thrive when they surround themselves with safe, emotionally mature people who truly care about them. Listening to someone as they share their story is an extremely important healing practice for people who are struggling, feeling less than and lonely. Many of my clients are judged and told by others to suck it up and just get over something, however that is not helpful. These behaviors can damage someone’s fragile self-esteem and cause them to not share their pain, angst, grief and heartache with anyone else. Read more>>