The winners of Fast Company's 2006 Customers First Awards transform ordinary transactions into entertaining experiences -- delighting customers and showing everyone else the way.
This special online section builds on Fast Company's September 2006 cover story on the winners with more winners and lots of multimedia. Find out who else we think is worthy of a mention, hear directly from some of the winners in podcast interviews, and take a look through our slideshows.
And let us know what you think about customer service. For the first time, Fastcompany.com has built a special database to capture your votes and your experiences. Scroll down for the Customers First rating and commenting tool and weigh in on companies and their customer service. Browse through the ones we've included or add a new listing of your own.
Select one of the search fields below to browse, rate, and comment on companies' customer service.
The Enlightenment of Richard Branson
In a world where companies routinely bedevil customers, the Virgin chief is an angel, because he truly puts customers first.
Lewis Black Feels Our Pain
Our customer-service curmudgeon suffers for all of us--but not in silence.
Basic Training
There are no shortcuts on the road to a great experience.
Grand Masters
Past winners share their customer service experiences.
Customer Champion Podcasts
American Girl
Julia Prohaska, Director of Brand Marketing, American Girl, talks to Fast Company about putting customers first.
Life Time Fitness
Mike Brown, Senior VP of Operations, Life Time Fitness, explains how his company puts customers first to beat out the competition.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Wolgang Hultner, CEO for the Americas, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, discusses how to satisfy finicky customers.
NASCAR
Paul Brooks, President, NASCAR Broadcasting and Digital Entertainment, NASCAR, on utilizing creative technology to engage his company's customers.
Burton Snowboards
Bryan Johnson, VP of Global Marketing, and Cathy Quain, VP of Global Retail, Burton Snowboards, on impacting customers with a personal touch.
Find out where you land on the customer service rage curve.
Customer Satisfaction Means Having to Say You're Sorry
Playing the Telephone Game
Playing the Email Game
It's 11 O'clock. Do You Know What Your Customers Are Worth?
Becoming a Customers First Company
Customer Champions Interactive Map
Explore the companies that love their customers on an interactive map.
Honorable Mentions
