B.U.I.L.D 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 program—it'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 business—you 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 change

  • Leadership Potential: Others naturally look to you for direction, and you're comfortable taking responsibility for outcomes

  • Growth Mindset: You view challenges as opportunities to learn and consistently push yourself beyond your comfort zone

  • Results Orientation: You're motivated by measurable achievements and take pride in exceeding expectations

  • Team Player: You understand that great businesses are built through collaboration and know how to elevate those around you

  • Communication Skills: You can articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and adapt your style to connect with diverse audiences

  • Educational Foundation: College degree or equivalent experience, with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

  • Commitment to Excellence: You understand that exceptional results require exceptional effort and attention to detail

Program 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 program—it'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.

Internship Experience:

Harry: “The internship at CFA Orange has been one of the most unique and worthwhile learning experiences I have had. It is something no class can replicate and has taught me fundamental skills in not only running a business, but in life in general. Over the summer, I learned to create practical financial spreadsheets as well as how to operate a fast food restaurant. I was shown the in and outs of every aspect of the business. In addition, Kyle and Michael were great mentors and I deeply appreciate their support in my career development. This was an opportunity that I was incredibly fortunate to have and I would highly recommend any student to attain.”

Director of Training and Finance, Chick-fil-A  

Orange, TX  

“After working at Dell Technologies for a year-and-a-half—half of which was spent working nights at Chick-fil-A—Michael Smith realized he enjoyed his five-to-nine more than his nine-to-five. It was a return to Smith’s childhood roots in hospitality from helping at his father’s restaurants in Spring, Texas. After graduating with Business Honors and taking his skills to Dell Technologies, he still had a calling to use entrepreneurship in the service of his community. Smith decided with his wife, a UT alumna, to transition to Chick-fil-A because of its values and operator business model. Smith hopes to one day operate his own Chick-fil-A franchise and plans to apply for their leadership development program, where he will rotate through restaurants across the country. “I am just glad that I am enjoying my life and my youth, and though the road ahead isn’t guaranteed by any means, I’m enjoying myself,” Smith says. “We’re happy, and we’re together, and I think I’m just excited for the possibilities.”  

Michael Smith, BBA ’22