Smash Notes
#21 Alissa Leinonen

What Fuels You

#21 Alissa Leinonen

Alissa Leinonen started Gourmondo, Seattle’s leading catering and gourmet box lunch company, 24 years ago. Back in 1996, Alissa had a dream that she turned into a reality by refinancing her car and opening a 470 square-foot, four table café. Gourmondo has now tripled the size of the company in the last three years, serving between 3,000-4,000 guests per…

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Notes

  1. How Did Alissa Leinonen Start Gourmondo While Planning to Be a Mom? at 10:35

    On What Fuels You, Alissa Leinonen says she loved restaurant work in Seattle but, after a business degree at the University of Washington, wanted a food… Full answer

  2. What Changed Gourmondo When Alissa Leinonen Entered Corporate Dining? at 18:52

    Alissa Leinonen tells What Fuels You that Gourmondo never had one giant order that transformed the company. The shift was entering new markets. Full answer

  3. What Are Tangible Ways to Handle Failure When Running a Business at 22:32

    A business owner must put the shame and frustration of failure aside and think critically on how to overcome tough, emergent situations. Full answer

  4. How Can CEOs Continue to Add Value to Their Businesses at 27:50

    CEOs often feel the pressure to work all of the time, wear every hat, lead by example, etc. Full answer

  5. What Should Entrepreneurs Keep in Mind When Hiring Employees at 29:13

    Individuals who are smart, more educated, and more experienced are beneficial. However, it is more than that. Full answer

  6. How Did Alissa Leinonen Ease Part-time Guilt at Gourmondo? at 35:09

    Alissa Leinonen tells What Fuels You that guilt showed up when her schedule and her promises did not match. Full answer

  7. What Traits Does Alissa Leinonen of Gourmondo Want to Model for Her Children? at 36:51

    On What Fuels You, Alissa Leinonen, founder of Seattle caterer Gourmondo, says the lesson she took from her father was humility. Full answer

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