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Recognizing the people that actually make your products or deliver your service

By Tim Morris

November 14, 2019

I had a very interesting opportunity this last month to attend a large meeting for an iconic Texas-based restaurant quick serve (fast food) company:  Whataburger. The meeting was attended by approximately 3,000 people (family members). This company refers to their employees as “family members”. Hence, this meeting is referred to as a “family convention” and occurs every two (2) years. 

Over the last 35+ years, I’ve had the opportunity to attend many different conferences and conventions hosted by technology companies as well as my employers. I was fascinated at this particular meeting format for a number of reasons.

The most fascinating thing was that this company’s focus on recognizing the top “burger flippers” and maintenance crews that keep their stores running.  Imagine that: rewarding and recognizing the folks that actually prepare the products and serve the end customer! BTW, Allen, Texas Whataburger restaurant took home 1st place!!! See link below.

Most conventions or user meetings that I’ve attended focus on recognizing top sales performance.  I am keenly aware of the importance of sales. I love the saying that says, “nothing happens unless somebody sells something “. However, after a sale happens, the product or service must be delivered to meet and exceed the customer expectations. Otherwise, sales will suddenly stop!