Guest: Jeff Grass

In this powerful commentary episode, Deborah Fell reflects on her recent conversation with Jeff Grass and the stark reality facing mid-market businesses today. Drawing from hundreds of CEO conversations, she reveals why some companies thrive during crisis while others struggle for years—or don't survive at all.
The Three Types of Companies in Crisis:
Those that thrive (like Jeff's Hungry Marketplace)
Those still struggling five years later
Those that didn't make it
Deborah unpacks the counterintuitive truth that the key to rapid growth is subtraction—eliminating the activities that cloud real results. When every department shows green but business growth shows red, it's time to focus on what truly matters: your customers' biggest pain points.
What separates thriving CEOs from the rest?
They clarify direction and required outcomes
They make 2-3 big strategic decisions per year
They lead with inspiration, not just management
They ensure every team member understands their role in the bigger picture
This episode includes powerful excerpts from Jeff Grass's interview, highlighting how culture built in good times becomes your lifeline during the storm. As Deborah puts it: "Where the eyes are focused, the mind and body go. Get your team looking up and to the right."
This episode is perfect for CEOs facing current market headwinds, leaders struggling with focus amid distractions, and executives who want to understand why some businesses defy market trends while others wait it out.
Listen to Jeff's full episode here - #110.
About HUNGRY Marketplace
HUNGRY’s mission is to deliver happiness & wellbeing to the workplace by providing amazing food and food experiences. HUNGRY has a comprehensive platform for office catering, group order, special events, pantry, markets & snacks which enables complete customization to client need.  HUNGRY now operates in 19 major cities across North America. and is rapidly disrupting the $60 billion office food industry.  Learn about HUNGRY at www.TryHungry.com
 

Deborah Fell sits down with Jeff Grass, CEO and co-founder of Hungry Marketplace, to explore how exceptional leadership and company culture can turn a 95% revenue loss into a thriving business.
Jeff shares the remarkable story of how Hungry Marketplace—a food tech platform connecting local chefs with corporate clients—not only survived the COVID-19 pandemic but emerged stronger than ever. When office catering disappeared overnight, Jeff and his team didn't just adapt—they innovated their way out of crisis, ultimately delivering 1.5 million meals per month to underserved communities and partnering with organizations like World Central Kitchen.
About HUNGRY - HUNGRY’s mission is to deliver happiness & wellbeing to the workplace by providing amazing food and food experiences. HUNGRY has a comprehensive platform for office catering, group order, special events, pantry, markets & snacks which enables complete customization to client need.  HUNGRY now operates in 19 major cities across North America. and is rapidly disrupting the $60 billion office food industry.  Learn about HUNGRY at www.TryHungry.com