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Ralph Little
Owners that listen to what I say, make more money.
Professional Background
Ralph K. Little is a highly esteemed figure in the world of small business advocacy and education, recognized for his unwavering commitment to helping entrepreneurs thrive. Named the 2018 Small Business Advocate of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Ralph has devoted the last five years of his career to leading groups of small business owners through transformative courses and personalized consulting sessions. His expertise and innovative approach have resulted in staggering outcome: many of these business owners have reported sales increases of up to 180% and profit margins soaring as high as 310%.
Ralph's impact on the community was particularly evidenced when the Sandy Chamber of Commerce sought his expertise to enhance services for local businesses. His collaboration with the Chamber resulted in a game-changing course that significantly elevated their offerings. Greg Summerhays, the President of the Sandy Chamber of Commerce, remarked, "Hiring Ralph to teach this course was a game changer for the Chamber of Commerce." His contributions enabled the Chamber to evolve from a local entity to a regional powerhouse, expanding membership and influence across multiple cities.
After successfully selling his business interests at the age of 45, Ralph transitioned into academia, marking the beginning of his teaching career at the University of Utah in 2004. Within a year, he earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) and was immediately hired by the university to revitalize an underperforming Entrepreneurship course. With his wealth of entrepreneurial experience, Ralph infused the course with dynamic content and practical insights that not only engaged students but also inspired them to pursue their own business ventures. This endeavor was magnified by one of his personal entrepreneurial successes, which was recognized on the INC 500 list of the fastest-growing companies in America, demonstrating his profound knowledge of business growth and sustainability.
From 2004 until 2015, Ralph played a critical role in the academic environment, teaching a combination of undergraduate and master’s level courses—sometimes as many as three courses per semester. His engaging teaching style and practical approach made him a sought-after instructor, capable of bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Even after his tenure at the University of Utah, Ralph's talent as an educator did not go unnoticed. He currently serves on the faculty at Brigham Young University (BYU) and has taken on guest lecturer roles at Utah Valley University (UVU). His expertise has also been recognized by local government; the Chief Administrative Officer at Sandy City engaged him to develop a comprehensive leadership course for department heads, further showcasing his versatility and impact beyond the classroom.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Ralph excels as a private business coach, where his skills truly shine in one-on-one settings. He specializes in coaching CEOs and business leaders to optimize their management practices and enhance operational profitability. Ralph's diverse clientele includes professionals from high-tech industries, venture capital, finance, social media, and even traditional trades like plumbing and HVAC. His extensive experience positions him as a valuable resource for businesses across various sectors, solidifying his reputation as a trusted advisor and expert in business management.
Education and Achievements
Ralph Little holds a robust academic background complemented by practical expertise. He completed his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance at the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business, laying a strong foundation for his future endeavors in entrepreneurship and business management. Following this, he pursued his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the same institution, further enhancing his skills in business theory and practice.
Additionally, Ralph's commitment to lifelong learning is evidenced by his studies in Small Business Management at Harvard Business School, which equipped him with invaluable insights into the nuances of managing a successful small business.
Ralph's professional journey has included various roles, including:
- Principal and Consultant at Ralph Little & Company
- Former Consultant & Instructor at Interise
- Former Adjunct Instructor at Brigham Young University
- Former Owner at Little & Company
- Former Program Director / Entrepreneurship at LDS Business College
- Former Instructor at University of Utah
- Former Senior Consultant at Business Consultant
Notable Achievements
Ralph’s achievements go beyond titles and accolades; he has made a tangible difference in countless business owners' lives. His innovative approach and personalized consultations have led to remarkable growth in his clients’ businesses, showcasing his expertise in fostering entrepreneurship and driving results. Notably, his recognition as the 2018 Small Business Advocate of the Year serves as a testament to his dedication and effectiveness in promoting small business success. Furthermore, his course revitalization at the University of Utah not only enhanced the educational experience for students but also prepared the next generation of entrepreneurs for the challenges of the business world. Ralph's ongoing involvement in local government through leadership training and his coaching endeavors further highlight his multifaceted contributions to business education and community development.
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