We recently connected with Andrew Glantz and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Andrew, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
My generosity finds its roots in the values my parents instilled in me from an early age. They always emphasized the importance of giving back to others and making a positive impact in the lives of those less fortunate. Growing up, I witnessed their commitment to extend a helping hand whenever possible. For instance, when I was in elementary school, my mom would volunteer alongside me to help tutor underprivileged children in reading.
As I embarked on my journey to create GiftAMeal, that intrinsic desire to give back became a driving force. Witnessing the struggles faced by individuals and families dealing with food insecurity ignited a passion within me to address this critical issue. I firmly believe that no one should have to go to bed hungry, and this belief became the cornerstone of GiftAMeal’s mission.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
At its core, GiftAMeal is a platform that bridges the gap between restaurants, their patrons, and individuals facing food insecurity. We’ve created a powerful way to fight hunger by turning dining out into an opportunity to give back. When customers use the GiftAMeal app at participating restaurants, they unlock a meal donation to someone in need with every photo they take of their meal. It’s a win-win scenario: restaurants gain exposure, customers engage in a meaningful act of charity, and individuals struggling with hunger receive the nourishment they deserve.
What excites me the most about GiftAMeal is its ability to seamlessly integrate charitable giving into people’s everyday lives. We’re tapping into a powerful trend—social sharing—and using it to make a significant impact. By simply taking a photo of their delicious meal and sharing it on social media, individuals can contribute to the fight against food insecurity. It’s a beautiful way to connect technology, social behavior, and altruism to create meaningful change.
As for new developments, we’re constantly working on expanding our reach and impact. We’re excited to announce that we now have over 700 partner restaurants in 35 states, and we recently reached 1.5 million meals provided to families in need through our program.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey with GiftAMeal, three qualities stand out as pivotal in shaping my path. These aspects have not only been impactful for me, but I believe they are essential for anyone embarking on their own journey of entrepreneurship and making a meaningful impact:
Empathy and Understanding: One of the most crucial qualities I’ve cultivated is empathy. Understanding the needs and challenges of those you aim to serve is fundamental. When I began GiftAMeal, I sought to learn more in-depth about the issue of food insecurity, engaging with individuals and communities affected by it. I also spoke with many restaurants to learn what they were looking for in marketing and give-back programs. My advice to those starting out is to actively seek out opportunities to connect with your target audience. Listen to their stories, understand their pain points, and let their experiences guide your solutions.
Adaptability and Resilience: Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. Being adaptable and resilient is key to overcoming challenges and evolving your ideas. There were times when things didn’t go as planned, but by staying open to change and learning from setbacks, I was able to pivot and grow stronger. My advice is to embrace uncertainty and view challenges as opportunities to learn and refine your approach. Surround yourself with mentors and a supportive network who can provide guidance and encouragement during tough times.
Collaboration and Networking: Building a successful venture is rarely a solo effort. Collaborating with others and building a strong network is invaluable. I reached out to fellow entrepreneurs, experts in the field, and potential partners to share ideas and gather insights. These connections not only provided me with valuable advice but also opened doors to opportunities I couldn’t have accessed alone. To those starting their journey, I recommend actively seeking out networking events, workshops, and online communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals. Cultivate genuine relationships and be willing to offer your expertise and support in return.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal clients are restaurants who care about supporting the communities they serve, but don’t currently have an efficient way to do so that also drives a marketing benefit.. Restaurants that value community engagement, social responsibility, and building lasting relationships with their patrons align well with our mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.giftameal.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/giftameal
- Facebook: facebook.com/giftameal
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/andrewjglantz
- Twitter: twitter.com/giftameal
- Other: Download the Free GiftAMeal App: giftameal.com/download
