"The Fight Of My Life" feat. Christina Stembel, CEO & Founder of Farmgirl Flowers
Future Commerce · with Christina Stembel · May 1, 2020 · 37 min
Summary
Faced with the imminent collapse of her business due to COVID-19 lockdowns, Christina Stembel, CEO & Founder of Farmgirl Flowers, shares her incredible story of resilience and rapid adaptation. This episode offers a raw, honest look at the operational gymnastics required to pivot a perishable goods business under extreme duress, providing invaluable lessons in supply chain agility, team leadership, and the sheer grit needed to survive an existential threat.
Key takeaways
When faced with an existential threat, immediately assess all available resources and pivot with extreme urgency; Farmgirl Flowers moved 85% of their operations to Ecuador in less than 12 hours.
Be prepared to make difficult decisions, such as temporary furloughs, to ensure the long-term survival of the business.
Build redundant supply chain capabilities proactively; Farmgirl's previously 'crazy' decision to establish an Ecuadorian distribution center saved the company when their primary San Francisco operations were shut down.
Empower your team and partners to execute rapidly, even under imperfect conditions, fostering a culture of 'getting it done' rather than striving for perfection.
Prioritize customer communication and transparency during disruptions; Farmgirl's customers showed grace due to open communication during shipping delays.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
When faced with an existential threat, immediately assess all available resources and pivot with extreme urgency; Farmgirl Flowers moved 85% of their operations to Ecuador in less than 12 hours.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Be prepared to make difficult decisions, such as temporary furloughs, to ensure the long-term survival of the business.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Build redundant supply chain capabilities proactively; Farmgirl's previously 'crazy' decision to establish an Ecuadorian distribution center saved the company when their primary San Francisco operations were shut down.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Empower your team and partners to execute rapidly, even under imperfect conditions, fostering a culture of 'getting it done' rather than striving for perfection.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Prioritize customer communication and transparency during disruptions; Farmgirl's customers showed grace due to open communication during shipping delays.
