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—survived the COVID-19 pandemic and 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.
In this episode of Leader Generation, Tessa Burg chats with Matt Bretz and Gary Goodman, two seasoned veterans in the games and entertainment space. With decades of experience, Matt and Gary share their journeys from working in Hollywood and gaming to leading creative teams at Mod Op. They discuss the evolution of the industry, the importance of data and AI, and how both play a role in crafting emotionally resonant marketing strategies. If you’re interested in understanding the power of combining creativity with technology to connect with audiences, this conversation offers valuable insights into how AI and data are reshaping marketing in gaming and entertainment.
Brokers know the drill: Open Enrollment rolls around, and suddenly you’re juggling tech questions, client confusion, and a whole lot of noise. This week, Joe Fernandez, Chief Strategy Officer of Selerix, joins the show to explore the often-overlooked strategies that help brokers deliver genuine solutions to their clients during open enrollment season. From better processes to real talk on personalization and tech overload, Joe provides his insight on the gaps brokers wish vendors would finally fill. Whether you’re a benefits broker, HR pro, or just someone who’s been through a chaotic OE season, this episode includes some “finally someone said it” moments you’ll want to hear.
Local SEO just got a reality check. Darren Shaw, founder of Whitespark, joins Rooted in Revenue to debunk some widely held myths while sharing what actually drives results for small businesses trying to dominate local search. If you’re a real estate agent sharing office space with ten competitors, a service provider working from home, or any brick-and-mortar business wondering why your Google rankings aren’t improving despite “doing everything right,” this conversation will change how you approach local SEO forever. Shaw breaks down the local filter that’s silently crushing businesses sharing addresses, reveals why citation consistency isn’t the ranking factor everyone thinks it is, and explains why your Google Business Profile needs constant attention, not a “set it and forget it” approach. Additionally, he addresses the long-standing question about Yelp’s practices and reveals the one ranking factor that outweighs almost everything else.
When someone asks for help, they’re being brave. Host Susan Finch sits down with her niece Susan Arias, Chief Growth Officer at MAAC—recently named one of California’s Nonprofits of the Year for 2025. For 60 years, MAAC has demonstrated that comprehensive community support is effective. From Head Start preschool to affordable housing, workforce training to innovative EV car loans, they meet people where they are and help them build the lives they want. Susan shares how her childhood of making “kid packs” for homeless neighbors shaped her nonprofit career, why one unexpected bill can change everything, and the transformative story of a Head Start student who went on to attend Harvard. This isn’t about handouts—it’s about pathways. Whether you’re curious about nonprofit careers, seeking volunteer opportunities, or wondering how real community change happens, this conversation offers hope and practical insights into empowering others while filling your own cup.
We hope you enjoy this week’s playlist.
