David Salyers is a former Vice President of Marketing at Chick-fil-A, where he worked for 37 years. He began his career on the day he graduated in 1981, joining a two-person marketing department in a converted warehouse. Over the years, he contributed to the growth of Chick-fil-A, which now has over 2,300 restaurants and a marketing team of more than 200. The company has achieved over 50 years of sales growth and is a leading brand in the U.S.
David played a key role in developing the iconic ‘cow campaign’ and helped elevate the marketing department to international recognition. He is known for his marketing expertise and commitment to servant leadership. In 2016, he published a book titled "Remarkable!", which shares leadership lessons aimed at improving workplace culture. He is also the co-founder of Champion Tribes, an initiative to strengthen father-son relationships.
David serves on the boards of several organisations, including CenterState Banks, ExecuTrain Corporation, and the Atlanta Sports Council. He has also been involved in various startups and nonprofits, such as the Growing Leaders Foundation and reThink.
In the community, David was the original director of Eagle Ranch, co-founded Davar Partners International, and served as an envoy for the 1996 New Zealand Olympic team. He has supported the University of Georgia’s Terry College, leading a $1.2 million campaign to establish an endowment in honour of Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy. In 2017, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.
In his talk, former Chick-fil-A Marketing VP David Salyers explores how remarkable organisations prioritise creating raving fans over merely increasing sales. He shares insights from Chick-fil-A’s successes, highlighting strategies that foster deep customer connections. Attendees will learn how to identify their brand’s competitive advantage and transform their business from within, ultimately leading to loyal customers who are willing to pay full price, visit more frequently, and promote the brand to others.
In his signature talk, David Salyers reveals how Chick-fil-A distinguishes itself from competitors through a unique 20% of its operations. While 80% may be similar, this distinctive approach drives exceptional results for customers, employees, and stakeholders. Attendees will explore key themes of culture, values, and mission, gaining insights on how to create their own remarkable 20% to enhance organisational performance and achieve transformative results.
In his engaging talk, David Salyers will introduce the concept of “moment-ization,” shifting the focus from merely addressing negative customer experiences to creating “remarkable moments.” He will challenge organisations to rethink their approach to hospitality and service, drawing on Chick-fil-A’s “Second Mile Service” strategy. Attendees will learn how to generate significant ROI by fostering memorable experiences, transforming their businesses into opportunities for both monetization and meaningful customer engagement.
In his insightful talk, David Salyers delves into the true essence of leadership, challenging the notion that it revolves around power or recognition. He emphasises the importance of creating a lasting impact that transcends individual achievements. By exploring the connections between leadership, stewardship, and culture, David illustrates how a service-oriented mindset can foster collaboration and inspiration. Attendees will learn how to harness their leadership calling to effect positive change within their organisations and beyond.
In this session, David Salyers, a father of three, shares his transformative journey towards actively shaping his children's lives. He realised he wanted to be more than a spectator in their defining moments. Inspired by a bar mitzvah experience, he developed Champion Tribes, a programme designed to guide children into adulthood. Attendees will learn the importance of blessing and affirming their children, and how to coach them not just in sports, but in life.
