Lauded for his leadership skills by the Tulsa Regional Chamber, local Chick-fil-A owner David Chen shared several nuggets of advice Thursday night at the Tulsa Small Business Awards.
One of them is “commit to being a better boss,” the Chamber’s 2026 Small Business Person of the Year said.
“Let (employees) know that they are more than just a number in our business, and they are individuals who have tremendous values,” he said. “If you invest in your team, a cared-for team will take care of your guests.”
Chen took home top prize at the event, which was held before about 350 people at the Arvest Convention Center.
Tom Biolchini, managing director of Vast Bank and 2023 Chamber chair, served as emcee and starred in a cold-open video that spoofed his struggle to become a Tulsa Small Business Award honoree.
Others celebrated on Thursday were Inspyral, LLC (Young Entrepreneur); R.K. Black (Family Owned Business); Metal Panels, Inc. (Manufacturer of the Year); and Topeca Coffee (Entrepreneurial Success).
Owner of two Chick-fil-A restaurants, Chen has epitomized success. From 2020 to 2024, his eatery at Southroads Shopping Center became the highest-volume franchise location in the state, surpassing $14 million in annual sales.
Continually asked about his commercial “secret sauce,” Chen said he has a stock answer.
“I always tell them that it’s our people,” he said. “It’s the ability to attract and retain top talent.”
It also is imperative to remind employees of what is possible.
“Give your teams a bigger vision because if they do,” Chen said, “they will work with so much purpose.”
Erran Persley, chief economic development officer for the City of Tulsa, spoke about the impact small businesses make.
Small business owners account for nearly 52% of Oklahoma’s workforce, he said, adding that national digital magazine WalletHub rated the state fourth nationally in entrepreneurship in 2026.
“Small business owners are resilient,” Persley said. “You know how to weather the storm. Small business owners don’t know how to quit. You keep going until you achieve your goals. And thirdly, small business owners are nimble.
“You know how to move with the changes of your customers and your market. Small business owners are pretty dynamic people.”
The event was presented by Vast Bank.
