Representatives from Chick-fil-A recently came to the University of West Georgia to highlight their shared values with students during the UWG Richards College of Business Chick-fil-A Showcase. The event, held during the college’s Chick-fil-A Day, was open to students, faculty, and staff, giving them the opportunity to hear from Chick-fil-A professionals about their philosophies on leadership, purpose, and customer service.

During UWG's Richards College of Business’s recent Chick-fil-A Day, students had the opportunity to talk one-on-one with representatives from local and corporate Chick-fil-A before heading to the showcase later in the evening.

“Values help steer your life,” David said. “When you make decisions and you ascribe to a set of values, it will help make decisions really easy for you.”

David said his decision to open a Chick-fil-A restaurant was, in fact, an easy one. He has been running the Chick-fil-A in Carrollton for the past 29 years and started his journey at Chick-fil-A at age 15 in Tucker, Georgia. Even at that young age, David said he saw the value in the company’s principles.

“When you choose a career, it’s an investment in your life,” David said.

The four principles that David found so appealing were something Chick-fil-A customers still recognize when entering any of the company’s restaurants: make eye contact, greet customers with a smile, speak up with an enthusiastic tone, and make it personal.

Anthony Bishop, director of Record Sales & Brand Growth for Carrollton’s Chick-fil-A, spoke about his 14 years working under David and the impact just one person can have on the world.

“Each one of you can have an impact on others in this world through business,” Anthony said. “What you’ve heard tonight will work in any business, and that’s why I’m at Chick-fil-A – to make an impact in our community and in the lives of our customers.”

David and Anthony reminded those gathered for the showcase to go above and beyond in whatever career they choose and to S.E.R.V.E.: See and shape the future, Engage and develop others, Reinvent continuously, Value results and relationships, and Embody the values.

UWG senior Kayana Wilson attended the showcase and said she found the words of all the representatives very aspirational and energizing.

“I felt really good seeing these people talk, and it gave me insight on how I can succeed in the future,” Kayana said.