Aldo Boccaccio, Owner Al Gusto Coffee Company
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in trends, technology, and trying to stand out on social media; but at the core of every successful business is something timeless: great customer service.
So what is customer service? I say it is the center of any business. It’s the art of making people feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s more than just a friendly greeting or a speedy transaction, it’s about anticipating needs, solving problems with grace, and creating a positive experience from start to finish. It’s that extra step, that genuine smile, that moment of kindness that makes all the difference.
I’ve been in the hospitality industry for over 25 years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: people will forget what you said, and they might even forget what you did, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel. Whether I was working as a hotel reservations agent answering hundreds of guests calls, at a full-service family owned restaurant, or now on a coffee truck serving up drinks to the Marana community, that principle has never failed me.
Marana’s small business community continues to grow, with each business bringing its own unique personality to the table. But the ones that build true, lasting loyalty are the ones that go beyond simply offering a product....they serve people. They greet you with a smile, remember your name, and make every customer feel valued.
Exceptional service means being eager to make an impact during every interaction. It’s about clear communication, attention to detail, showing up on time, staying consistent, and having a genuine desire to go above and beyond. In the end, it’s not just what you offer—it’s how you make people feel that sets you apart.
Nothing is perfect, and we’re all going to have off days, but what matters is the effort in wanting to showing up each day with the intention to do better, serve better, and care a little more. That is what will evolve into making a lasting impact and a memorable experience for each customer who will, in turn, will want to come back for more.
As our community continues to grow, let’s not lose sight of the personal touch that makes Marana feel like home. The next time you serve a customer, ask yourself: Am I making this moment memorable?
Because in business, kindness, attention, and a those extra efforts still go a long way.