B.U.I.L.D. Leadership Program
Where Future Leaders Learn to OWN Their Success
Program Overview & Mission
B.U.I.L.D. (Business Understanding, Innovation, & Leadership Development) is an elite entrepreneurial development program that transforms ambitious young professionals into business-ready leaders. Operating like a mini-MBA within a thriving Chick-fil-A restaurant, B.U.I.L.D. provides the rare opportunity to learn business fundamentals while gaining real-world experience in a high-performing operation.
This isn't just another leadership programit's your pathway to ownership. Whether your vision is becoming a Chick-fil-A Operator or launching your own entrepreneurial venture, B.U.I.L.D. equips you with the strategic mindset, operational excellence, and leadership capabilities that separate successful business owners from the rest. You'll work alongside seasoned entrepreneurs, make decisions that impact real business outcomes, and develop the confidence to lead with purpose.
In B.U.I.L.D., you don't just learn about businessyou live it. Every day brings new challenges, measurable results, and the kind of hands-on experience that can't be taught in a classroom. You'll graduate not just with knowledge, but with a proven track record of driving results and leading teams.
What Participants Will Learn
- Financial Mastery : P&L management, cost control, revenue optimization, and key performance indicators that drive profitability
- Operations Excellence : Supply chain management, quality systems, efficiency optimization, and process improvement methodologies
- Leadership in Action : Team building, conflict resolution, performance management, and creating culture that drives results
- Customer Experience Innovation : Service design, loyalty building, market research, and creating memorable brand experiences
- Strategic Thinking : Competitive analysis, market positioning, growth planning, and long-term business strategy
- Sales & Marketing : Local store marketing, community engagement, digital marketing, and revenue growth strategies
- Entrepreneurial Mindset : Risk assessment, opportunity recognition, innovation processes, and building sustainable competitive advantages
- Communication & Influence : Public speaking, stakeholder management, negotiation skills, and executive presence
Program Structure
Duration : 24-month intensive program with ongoing alumni network access
Core Components :
Rotation Experience - Spend focused time in every aspect of the business, from kitchen operations to financial planning, gaining deep understanding of how each function contributes to overall success.Executive Mentorship - Direct access to successful business operators and entrepreneurs who provide personalized guidance, share real-world insights, and help you navigate your career path.Project Leadership - Lead high-impact initiatives that directly affect business performance, from launching new marketing campaigns to optimizing operational processes.Peer Learning Cohort - Join a selective group of driven individuals who challenge each other, share insights, and build lasting professional relationships.Skills Workshops - Monthly deep-dive sessions on essential business topics led by industry experts and successful entrepreneurs.Capstone Project - Design and present a comprehensive business plan or improvement initiative that demonstrates your readiness to take on significant business responsibility.Ideal Candidate Profile
B.U.I.L.D. is designed for ambitious individuals who possess :
Entrepreneurial Drive : You're not content with the status quo and actively seek opportunities to create value and drive changeLeadership Potential : Others naturally look to you for direction, and you're comfortable taking responsibility for outcomesGrowth Mindset : You view challenges as opportunities to learn and consistently push yourself beyond your comfort zoneResults Orientation : You're motivated by measurable achievements and take pride in exceeding expectationsTeam Player : You understand that great businesses are built through collaboration and know how to elevate those around youCommunication Skills : You can articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and adapt your style to connect with diverse audiencesEducational Foundation : College degree or equivalent experience, with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilitiesCommitment to Excellence : You understand that exceptional results require exceptional effort and attention to detailProgram Outcomes : What Winning Looks Like
Upon completion of B.U.I.L.D., successful participants will have :
Proven Business Acumen - Demonstrate mastery of financial management, operational efficiency, and strategic planning through measurable business results achieved during the program.Leadership Track Record - Successfully lead teams and projects with documented impact on performance, culture, and business outcomes.Entrepreneurial Readiness - Possess the skills, confidence, and strategic thinking required to successfully operate a business, whether as a Chick-fil-A Operator or independent entrepreneur.Professional Network - Build relationships with successful business leaders, fellow entrepreneurs, and industry professionals who become lifelong career assets.Clear Career Path - Graduate with specific next steps toward business ownership or senior leadership roles, supported by mentor recommendations and proven performance.Competitive Advantage - Stand out in the marketplace with unique combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience that most MBAs lack.Personal Brand - Develop executive presence and communication skills that position you as a thought leader in your chosen field.Ready to B.U.I.L.D. Your Future?
This is more than a programit's your launch pad to business ownership and entrepreneurial success. Join the ranks of leaders who didn't just learn about business, but learned to BUILD it.
Applications accepted quarterly. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention and maximum impact.