The reputation of a great boss is not only measured in profits, but by the success of their team. Each of South’s 2021 Greatest Bosses contest winners were not selected by financial margins, but by the endorsement of their employees, community and peers. They come from a variety of different fields—medicine, real estate, food service, creative, etc.—but all share common leadership qualities; and, they can’t stop talking about their teams!

Photos: Blake Crosby

1. Rick Terrell: Savannah Coca Cola

Rick Terrell’s leadership philosophy starts with being available for his team. He says it is important to make time for every associate and be able to deliver a response to any concern in a timely manner. Additionally, he says that following the golden rule has proven time and time again to be one of the most important characteristics of a boss. Finally, he notes it is key to share with your team the goals and ambitions you have for the business, this way each person is on the same page. Terrell believes that the delegation of tasks is a skill he wished he had mastered sooner in his career saying that it is critical in the building of a strong team. An important lesson he has learned since becoming a boss is maintaining the ability to listen and plan ahead. While it is important to focus on near-term goals and issues, having a set plan long-term makes the future a little less daunting. In a final remark, Terrell offers advice to new bosses saying they must start their business on a set of core values. With these values in place, you are held to a standard and are better able to lead by example.

South Magazine: What is your “boss philosophy?” Or leadership philosophy?

Rick Terrell: First, be available for your team. Make time for every associate and deliver a response in a timely manner. Secondly, it is important to treat people like you want to be treated. Third but certainly not a final philosophy, share with your team the goals and ambitions you have for your business.

SM: What is one key skill that makes a great boss that you wish you’d learned or mastered sooner?

RT: Delegation of tasks. This is critical in building a strong team and preparing your associates for advance and succession.

SM: What is one important lesson you’ve learned since becoming a boss?

RT: To listen and plan ahead. Take the time to ask and listen to your team’s ideas and feedback. Also, it’s critical to plan for the future. Don’t be focused only on the near term. Plan months and years into the future to deliver your vision.

SM: How would you describe your team?

RT: Awesome and on the journey to elite. Our team is focused on creating a great work environment with great people, providing the best customer service in our business and delivering the profit goals to the owners of our company. This is listed in order of importance.

SM: How does somebody become a “better boss?” What is your advice for a new boss?

RT: Have a set core values. You have to follow these values and lead by example, with confidence. I like a quote from author Stephanie Lahart, “Say what you mean and mean what you say.”  Get to know your team quickly. Show them you can do what they do. A great saying is, “One team, one goal.” Remember that first impressions are everlasting, so gain integrity and respect minute one, day one.

Savannah Coca Cola
912.748.0033
cocacolaunited.com

2. Dr. Karen Cooper: Smile Designs

Smile Designs by Dr. Karen Cooper offers the highest quality care rooted in long-term relationships and a passion for success. Dr. Cooper leads by example in her practice with the understanding that her attitude is going to reflect on the attitudes and behaviors of the team. In regards to one important lesson Dr. Cooper has learned since becoming a boss, she says that relationships must be symbiotic in order for everyone to feel like they’re receiving something in the relationship. Dr. Cooper says that she currently has one of the best teams in the 15 years she has been in Savannah. She wants only the best for her team inside and outside of the business setting.

South Magazine: What is your “boss philosophy?” Or leadership philosophy?

Dr. Karen Cooper: It starts with me as the leader; I can’t ask them to do something I wouldn’t do. I have to lead by example. My attitude is going to reflect on their attitude, and I believe in giving them a little grace. It’s not always black and white.

SM: What is one key skill that makes a great boss that you wish you’d learned or mastered sooner?

KC: As a boss, it’s okay to have fun with your team! You can still have a level of understanding and respect and still have fun each and every day. People have advised me, “If you laugh and joke with your team too much, they’re going to disrespect you.” And that’s not always the case. If we all respect our boundaries, we can all have a really good time and laugh and joke and eat together. I don’t believe in that separation.

SM: What is one important lesson you’ve learned since becoming a boss?

KC: If you put all the work on your team, it’s just not going to work. I’m a workaholic. I do a lot and I make a lot of sacrifices. We talk about making things work for both sides. If you want long term relationships, whether it’s business or personal, everyone has to feel like they’re receiving something. It has to be symbiotic. If your team sees you putting in that 110%, then they see the passion you have for what you do, and they pick that up. That ethic is contagious. The team can see the value.

SM: How would you describe your team?

KC: I have an awesome team—I have one of the best teams I’ve had in the 15 years I’ve been here. I don’t just mean business-wise; I want my team to be well all around. If they’re well all around, they’re going to be well inside the business. We pray together—I try to support them; I honestly want the best for them. This job may not be forever and I’m not trying to hold them back. We’re a family.

SM: How does somebody become a “better boss?” What is your advice for a new boss?

KC: To listen. I’m slow to act. I’m very methodical. My team will tell me something and I’ll say, “Uh huh.” It doesn’t mean the actions are going to happen then—I have to really think about it. I want my team to have a say and I want them to feel like I’m really listening to what they need.

Smile Designs by Dr. Karen Cooper
912.920.6202
savannahsmiledesigns.com

3. Engel & Völkers: Dicky Mopper

“Remember we all are learning every day and bosses must continue to improve if they want their team to perform efficiently.”

– Dicky Mopper

South Magazine: What is your “boss philosophy?” Or leadership philosophy?

Richard Mopper: I believe that in order to be a good boss, it is important that each employee and the boss have a definite job description that completely outlines the job requirements and responsibilities. This streamlines everyone’s workload and makes it easy to review accomplishments and improve productivity.

SM: What is one key skill that makes a great boss that you wish you’d learned or mastered sooner?

RM: I like to believe that I take the time to understand what it takes for each employee to be successful and to allow them to be a true part of the organization with the freedom to make corrective suggestions to improve the daily operations.

SM: What is one important lesson you’ve learned since becoming a boss?

RM: You cannot do it alone! It is so important to be able to delegate and have full confidence that your team will make good decisions.

SM: How would you describe your team?

RM: Our office is really lucky to have dedicated, knowledgeable people with high ethical standards. I trust our team daily to perform their tasks at exceptional and predictable outcomes.

SM: How does somebody become a “better boss?” What is your advice for a new boss?

RM: Remember we all are learning every day and bosses must continue to improve if they want their team to perform efficiently. All bosses, new or experienced, must remember that all of us are human and that mistakes will be made. When an error occurs, blame is the last issue to address, the first is for everyone to work together to rectify the problem.

Engel & Völkers Savannah
savannah.evrealestate.com
912.238.0874

4. Paige Henderson: JDH Decks & Fences, Inc.

Paige Henderson likes to inspire and lead through action. Her leadership style is leading by example, a philosophy that has served her well in her years as a boss. One key skill that makes a great boss that she wishes she had learned sooner is the art of delegating responsibilities to all employees. She stresses the importance of trusting your staff and listening to the needs of others. Jimmy Henderson [JDH President] also ensures the same “boss philosophy.”

South Magazine: What is your “boss philosophy?” Or leadership philosophy?

Paige Henderson: Jimmy and I like to inspire and lead through action. Leading by example is the most meaningful method.

SM: What is one key skill that makes a great boss that you wish you’d learned or mastered sooner?

PH: We’ve learned to delegate responsibilities from us, the owners, to all employees. It’s important to trust your staff—their hard work is the reason our business runs.

SM: How would you describe your team?

PH: Our team has the ability to communicate well and listen to our customers. Part of what sets JDH Decks & Fences apart is our reputation for first-in-class service and our team and crew embodies that every day. They are what make us trustworthy and top-notch. It starts with them.

SM: How does somebody become a “better boss?” What is your advice for a new boss?

PH: It is important to recognize the efforts of the team. Do not let hard work go unnoticed, or accomplishments unrecognized.

SDH Decks & Fences, Inc.
912.748.1907
jdhdecksandfences.com

5. Dr. Stephanie Sweeney: Savannah Dental

Dr. Stephanie Sweeney, dental professional at Savannah Dental, maintains a team mentality on her staff as she says, “We would not be anything without our amazing team.” She believes a key element every great boss must have is letting the team do their job. Trying to micromanage your staff will make both you and your team fall into a frenzy. Being understanding of them and accepting that perfection is the enemy of good will be better overall for the group. Finally, Dr. Sweeney encourages her team to help each other and build one another up. This way, if the team is happy, then the patients are happy.

South Magazine: What is your “boss philosophy?” Or leadership philosophy?

Dr. Stephanie Sweeney: It is so important to always work as a team. Savannah Dental would not be anything without our amazing team.

SM: What is one key skill that makes a great boss that you wish you’d learned or mastered sooner?

SS: Hire amazing and talented people—and then, get out of the way! While you need to be kept aware of some things, you need to let your team do their job. You can’t try to micromanage; it’s important to be understanding when team members make a mistake. None of us are perfect—“Permission to Screw Up” is a great book I’ve read that helped me learn this!

SM: What is one important lesson you’ve learned since becoming a boss?

SS: People say it takes a village to raise a child, and I would say it takes a team to build a great business. Surrounding yourself with people who excel where you may struggle is vital. Creating and maintaining a cultural standard is key. We create a positive team environment. If everyone enjoys their job and works to help each other and build each other up, then we will be a great office. Happy team members create happy patients—positivity grows exponentially to everyone you interact with.

SM: How would you describe your team?

SS: At Savannah Dental, we hire people based on our core values. Everyone is service driven, maintains personal values, embraces and drives change, pursues growth and learning, is open and honest, is positive, humble and environmentally mindful.

SM: How does somebody become a “better boss?” What is your advice for a new boss?

SS: Be supportive but encourage people to think for themselves. Place rules and structure but allow them to be bent. Compliment on great work more often than you criticize.

Savannah Dental
912.355.8821
savannah.dental

Honorable Mentions

Travis Sawyer: Creative Approach

Travis Sawyer at Creative Approach has learned throughout his years as a boss that it is important to learn from your mistakes, be able to laugh at yourself and always keep moving forward. Sawyer says he treats his team as an extension of himself, giving them the utmost respect for what they do for him and encouraging them to grow as professionals.

Teresa Cowart: Teresa Cowart Team / RE/MAX Accent

Teresa Cowart, head of the Cowart Team, believes that leadership is not a title or position, but rather an action that you have to act on daily. She says that great leaders or bosses set out with the intention of being a leader, they set out wanting to make a difference. Cowart emphasizes that the best of leaders are those who inspire others to believe in themselves. Since becoming a boss, Cowart says the most important lesson she has learned is to lead with the heart. Being able to leave a legacy of good is her daily goal.

Jessica Ingacessnas: By Jessica & Co Beauty Lounge

Jessica Ingacessnas says that her job as a boss is to uplift her team and make them feel known. She says her business is not about her, but rather her team. Without a strong, supported team, Ingacessna’s business would be nothing she says.

Nate Shaffer: Wiley’s BBQ

Nate Shaffer says that since becoming a boss himself he has learned to roll with the punches. At Wiley’s Championship BBQ, the goal is to always seek satisfaction in all that they do.

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