Ron Kaufman
Founder & Chairman of UP! Your Service, New York Times Bestselling Author
Biography
For more than three decades, Ron Kaufman has helped companies on every continent build a culture of uplifting service that delivers outstanding business results year after year. Making transformation his mission, Ron is one of the world’s most sought-after educators, consultants, business thought-leaders and motivational customer service keynote speakers on the topic of achieving superior service. Any business can say the customer is king, and many spend a lot of time and money on incremental service improvement. But Ron understands the only reliable way for a company to achieve and maintain a competitive edge is to build a culture that empowers every employee to surprise and delight customers and colleagues every day with truly uplifting service. Ron is the author of the New York Times bestseller Uplifting Service and 14 other books on service, business and inspiration. Ron has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and USA Today. In 2018, GlobalGurus rated Ron the #1 customer service guru in the world. Ron works with a successful clientele of government agencies and multinational corporations including Singapore Airlines, Xerox, Nokia Siemens, Marina Bay Sands and Changi Airport. He delivers powerful business insights and global best practices enabling organizations to gain a sustainable advantage through service. Ron’s methodology includes a set of proven service principles, leadership rules, culture-building blocks and implementation roadmaps that apply effectively across all industries and cultures. This methodology is easily customized to suit the unique needs of each organization, including all departments and team members from leadership to frontline. Ron’s proprietary architecture for building an uplifting service culture is now available in one comprehensive volume, Uplifting Service. Finally, leaders at all levels have a blueprint for making uplifting service a part of everything they are and everything they do. Find out why companies like Federal Express, Citibank, Singapore Airlines, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft and ExxonMobil booked Ron as a motivational customer service keynote speaker for their most important company events.
Speech Topics
Uplifting Service: Exceeding Customer Expectations One Action at a Time
In today’s economy, customer expectations in every industry are rising. What was once considered a perk, bonus or plus is now a promise clients expect – and even demand. Packed with powerful principles and proven techniques, this keynote will educate, motivate and inspire your team. Key take-aways include: Seeing the world from your customer’s point of view, 6 proven steps to leap from “Basic” to “Unbelievable!”, and 3 strategies for managing customer expectations.
Leading the Service-Focused Culture: Creating Superior Service from the C-Suite
The driving force of a service-focused organization is a group of inspired leaders who are committed to the long-term value of service. This keynote will engage your leadership team to embrace a common service vision – and take the actions required to make your vision a reality. Key Take Aways • Creating alignment and service commitment across functional teams • Choose compelling language for an engaging service vision • Engage everyone in a continuous cascade of positive communications
Capturing the Power of a Superior Service Culture: Creating a Sustainable Competitive Advantage
Companies with a powerful service reputation the best talent, achieve market leadership and enjoy sustainable success. This keynote explains how the world’s best organizations win with service and what leaders must do to succeed. Building a service-focused culture today is no longer an option – it’s a competitive necessity. Key Take Aways • 3 strategies to build a sustainable competitive advantage • How to align the 12 Building Blocks of service culture • How to track, improve and measure the value of your service culture
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Ron Kaufman's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Ron Kaufman's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Ron Kaufman for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Ron Kaufman's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Ron Kaufman through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Ron Kaufman

Roy Firestone
Critically acclaimed as a performer, monologist, humorist, musician and impressionist, Roy Firestone is one of the nation’s most sought after live corporate performers, keynote speakers and lecturers. Firestone has performed in more than two thousand venues spanning two decades. He recently shared the stage with performers Josh Groban, Reba McEntire, David Foster, Forrest Whitaker and Jon Bon Jovi.
Fee Range: $25,000–$32,000
Travels From: CA

Robert B. Tucker
Robert B. Tucker is a renowned global futurist and innovation keynote speaker with a client list that includes over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies. President and founder of Innovation Resource Consulting Group, Tucker is an internationally recognized pioneer in the field of innovation, Tucker’s highly interactive presentations lead audiences on a guided tour inside the world’s most creative companies. Through stories and examples, Tucker shows leaders how to tap into the mindset, skill set and toolset to embrace change, discover opportunity and avoid obsolescence. Known for his in-depth customization, Tucker provides today’s leaders with practical strategies, cutting edge insights, and inspiration to take action once back at the office.
Fee Range: $9,000–$20,000
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