A nationally known business coach from Grand Rapids, Mi., Mr. Starks has spent 18 years (including five years with Sandler) mentoring entrepreneurs and business owners across the United States, including Fortune 500 leaders. In his new role at Sandler Training in Chattanooga, Mr. Starks will continue working with business owners, entrepreneurs, sales managers and directors who are frustrated with their company growth, prospecting (or lack thereof) and closing ratios. He teaches a widely regarded methodology developed by Sandler Training that reinforces the behavior, attitudes and techniques needed to take personal and business success to the next level. His core training focus has been in education, philanthropic fund development, manufacturing, professionals and athletic teams.

A Midwest native, Mr. Starks was drawn to Chattanooga by its dynamic business climate and its reputation as a premier outdoor destination. Mr. Starks has completed eight marathons and numerous triathlons.

“Chattanooga’s fast-paced economy is raising entrepreneurs and business owners in almost every sector – leaders who are asking for one-on-one mentoring and rigorous training in leading their organizations to the top. Ron brings years of experience as a trusted mentor to industry leaders in various sectors, and our clients will love his energy and commitment. With Ron on board, Sandler’s capacity for mentoring the next generation of Chattanooga business leaders is expanding significantly,” said Lisa Nausley, CEO of Sandler Training in Chattanooga. “Ron brings a different insight to training. He is known throughout the industry for his fun, but challenging class exercises that engage clients.”

Mr. Starks has also served in various fundraising, youth mentoring and governance capacities in community organizations such Hospice, Boys and Girls Club, United Way, Lions Club and the Symphony.

Mr. Starks holds a degree in executive management from University of Notre Dame and a bachelor’s in business/communication from Hanover College. In the 1980s, he appeared in episodes of the legendary TV sitcom Cheers, cast in a supporting role alongside his college roommate, Woody Harrelson.

Sandler Training in Chattanooga is one of the top 10 Sandler firms in the world with a team of mentors offering decades of experience in management, business development, customer service and training. Sandler’s Chattanooga team offers a variety of training courses, high-energy boot camps and interactive coaching strategies to train business leaders and sales professionals to achieve consistent, measurable success, boost self-esteem and confidence, build a stronger team and improve performance in all areas. Founded by Lisa Nausley in 2008, Sandler Training in Chattanooga is certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

Sandler Training’s international organization, founded in 1967 by visionary leader David Sandler, now spans across 27 countries and continues to grow. Sandler Training serves businesses of all sizes from single entrepreneurs to Fortune 25 companies with a variety of programs to offer continuous coaching, counseling and support in sales, management/leadership, customer service, executive coaching, communications and team building. The company’s innovative “reinforcement training” philosophy is based on the psychology of human behavior with decades of proven success. More information is available by calling 423 702-5579.