Welcome to the Week... Would it be Missed?
David Osterweil
Founder & CEO @ Fitlife Foods | Strategic Entrepreneur | VC, Private Equity & EOS Visionary
There’s an old saying that “distance makes the heart grow fonder.” This past week, we experienced that distance firsthand, and it wasn’t just felt—it was deeply missed. Our brand, Fitlife Foods disappeared from people’s lives due to the tragedy of Hurricane Milton and the extended power outage at our Culinary Center.?
For nearly a week, we were absent. And while operating a company means we can’t just “shut it down for a test run” to see if we’re missed, that’s exactly what happened when we were forced offline.
What I’ve learned over the years about brands is this: the true value of what you do is reflected not only in the moments you’re there but also in how much you’re missed when you’re gone.?
The question is, would anyone notice if your brand disappeared tomorrow? Would people care? Or would life go on without a hitch?
This week, we got our answer. The response was overwhelming: Yes, Fitlife Foods was missed. And it wasn’t just customers saying it.?
I can speak for myself. Without our meals, I found myself scrambling for poor quick solutions—bananas, protein bars, frozen burritos. It wasn’t just about what I was eating, it was about the mental energy I had to pour into making this decision (or lack thereof). I wasn’t alone. Our customers voiced the same feelings: “I’m lost without you.” “I miss not having to think about my meals.” The convenience, the nutrition, the trust in what we provide—these were the things that people longed for when we weren’t there.
But beyond that, what truly made me proud was our team. While we were shut down, our team didn’t sit idle. They rose up. Our team helped organizations like Feeding Tampa Bay. They strategized on how to restart operations, communicated with customers, and embodied what Fitlife stands for in Feeding People’s Journey.?
领英推荐
It’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you react to it—and our team reacted with purpose and heart.
Moving forward, we’ve learned some valuable lessons, ensuring that even in the most extended emergencies, we’re prepared and we never let this happen again. Every crisis brings with it opportunity—if you’re willing to look for it.
We now have a clearer sense of the deep value we bring to our customers and our community. Knowing that, we have an opportunity to rise above even our own expectations. We have the chance to not only bounce back but to exceed what we thought was possible for Fitlife Foods.
As we step into this new week, let this be a reminder: It’s not just about being a company that provides a service. It’s about being a company that would be truly missed if it disappeared.?
For every business out there, that’s the question we should all be asking. If you went away tomorrow, would people notice? Would they feel the loss? For us, the answer was a resounding yes. Think about your company and some of your other favorite brands.
Here’s to a powerful restart and to being a brand that truly matters.
Go Feed Your Journey,
David
Printing & Packaging | Carton Box Manufacturing | Offset | Direct Mail | Foil, Emboss, Diecut
1 个月YES.... my fitlife lunches were greatly missed! Soooo happy ya'll are back on track.
Director of Omni Channel Operations - Communications at SalonCentric - A Division of L'Oreal USA
1 个月You ate a frozen burrito?! I’m shocked! I’m also fully stocked after the easiest pop in at the St. Pete location! Thanks for giving me endless time back today! Shout out to Sarah for holding it down!??