• Home
  • Episodes
  • Books for Leaders
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Contact Us
  • Our Sponsors
  • Blog
  • Our Newsletter
The Leadership Podcast

The Leadership Podcast

We Study Leaders

Hangry: A Startup Journey

January 2, 2023

Hangry: A Startup Journey

GrubHub founder Mike Evans reveals the inside story of how he grew a multibillion-dollar behemoth that changed the way we eat.

Hungry and tired one night, Mike wanted a pizza, but getting a pizza delivered was a pain in the neck. He didn’t want to call a million restaurants to see what was open. So, as an avid coder, he created GrubHub in his spare bedroom to figure out who delivered to his apartment. Then, armed with a $140 check from his first customer and ignoring his crushing college debt, he quit his job. Over the next decade, Mike grew his little delivery guide into the world’s premier online ordering website. In doing so, he entered the company of an elite few entrepreneurs to take a startup from an idea all the way to an IPO.

GrubHub’s journey from Mike’s bedroom to Wall Street doesn’t fit into how business schools teach entrepreneurship. In Hangry, he details step-by-step the grind of building an innovative business, with each chapter including sharp lessons for entrepreneurs and startups that Mike learned on the fly as he piloted GrubHub by the seat of his pants. Hangry reveals a decade of eighty-hour work weeks, detailed steps of how Mike garnered his first customers, his hunt for financing dollars, cliffhanger acquisitions, the near collapse of his marriage, a brutally difficult merger, and a pair of tumultuous quit/unquit moments, all to steer the company to become one of the most successful startups in the world. With a razor-sharp wit, Mike reveals hard-won truths about how startups succeed—and even harder-won truths about how startups fail.

Shocking everyone, at the pinnacle of startup success, Mike leaves it all behind, quitting the company he started to bike across the United States in search of balance. But eventually, the grand vistas of America bring the lessons of the past into focus, driving the realization that for entrepreneurs a hunger for success doesn’t end, and he starts another company, even more ambitious than the first.

Order Now!
About the Book

GrubHub founder Mike Evans reveals the inside story of how he grew a multibillion-dollar behemoth that changed the way we eat.

Hungry and tired one night, Mike wanted a pizza, but getting a pizza delivered was a pain in the neck. He didn’t want to call a million restaurants to see what was open. So, as an avid coder, he created GrubHub in his spare bedroom to figure out who delivered to his apartment. Then, armed with a $140 check from his first customer and ignoring his crushing college debt, he quit his job. Over the next decade, Mike grew his little delivery guide into the world’s premier online ordering website. In doing so, he entered the company of an elite few entrepreneurs to take a startup from an idea all the way to an IPO.

GrubHub’s journey from Mike’s bedroom to Wall Street doesn’t fit into how business schools teach entrepreneurship. In Hangry, he details step-by-step the grind of building an innovative business, with each chapter including sharp lessons for entrepreneurs and startups that Mike learned on the fly as he piloted GrubHub by the seat of his pants. Hangry reveals a decade of eighty-hour work weeks, detailed steps of how Mike garnered his first customers, his hunt for financing dollars, cliffhanger acquisitions, the near collapse of his marriage, a brutally difficult merger, and a pair of tumultuous quit/unquit moments, all to steer the company to become one of the most successful startups in the world. With a razor-sharp wit, Mike reveals hard-won truths about how startups succeed—and even harder-won truths about how startups fail.

Shocking everyone, at the pinnacle of startup success, Mike leaves it all behind, quitting the company he started to bike across the United States in search of balance. But eventually, the grand vistas of America bring the lessons of the past into focus, driving the realization that for entrepreneurs a hunger for success doesn’t end, and he starts another company, even more ambitious than the first.

Details
Author: BBB Guests - Main
Series: Mike Evans
Tags: Business, Change, Entrepreneurial, Focus, Non-Fiction, Practitioner, Success
ASIN: 0306925532
Order Now
Buy from Amazon
Share
Facebook Twitter Google+
Preview
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
In Praise of Slowness: Challenging the Cult o...
The Decoded Company: Know Your Talent Better ...

Related Posts

  • TLP238: The Ministry of Common Sense
  • TLP120: Why Trusting Your Gut is Hard
  • TLP236: On Latinx Leadership
  • TLP175: Leadership at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works
  • TLP262: The Heart of Business
iTunes
Spotify
Audible
SoundCloud
iHeartRADIO

Instagram Feed

westudyleaders

#leadership #leadershiptraining #leader #westudyleaders

Remember when the internet was full of weird rabbi Remember when the internet was full of weird rabbit holes? Sara Sabin warns that AI's laser focus might be killing our curiosity. If all you see is what you already agree with, you're not stretching your mind, you're shrinking it. Sometimes, the best growth comes from what challenges us, not what comforts us.Catch the full conversation on https://bit.ly/TLP-477?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full conversation https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-477?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #CriticalThinking #AIandCreativity #Curiosity #TheLeadershipPodcast
Nicola Ilic explains why creating fear is the olde Nicola Ilic explains why creating fear is the oldest leadership trick in the book, and why it works so well. Once you see this pattern, you can't unsee it everywhere from politics to your own workplace.Full episode on https://bit.ly/TLP-475?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-475?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#leadership #psychology #democraticleadership #workplace #fear
Leaders often fail to recognize how pressure disto Leaders often fail to recognize how pressure distorts their perception, leading to micromanagement and overuse of authority. Sabina Nawaz @sabinacoaching shares powerful insights on how pressure—not power—can corrupt leadership. Tune in to discover how coaching can transform even the most reactive leaders into role models! https://bit.ly/TLP-464?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #SelfAwareness #Coaching #LeadershipDevelopment #Authenticity #PressureNotPower #VulnerabilityInLeadership #EffectiveLeadership #GrowthMindset #LeadershipCoaching #LeadershipTransformation #LeadershipInsights #TLPPodcast
TLP472: Embracing Uncertainty with Dr. Margaret He TLP472: Embracing Uncertainty with Dr. Margaret Heffernan Our latest episode with Dr. Margaret Heffernan https://bit.ly/TLP-472?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLP472%3A%20Embracing%20Uncertainty%20with%20Dr.%20Margaret%20Heffernan #leadership #EmbracingUncertainty #LeadershipDevelopment #MargaretHeffernan #LeadershipPodcast #DecisionMaking #StrategicThinking #CreativeLeadership #ArtistsAndBusiness #ManagingUncertainty #BusinessStrategy #InnovationLeadership #RiskManagement #OrganizationalLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #MindfulLeadership #AdaptiveLeadership #WanderingForInsights #ListeningSkills #BoardLeadership
TLP467: Navigate Uncertainty with Kevin Eikenberry TLP467: Navigate Uncertainty with Kevin Eikenberry Our latest episode with Kevin Eikenberry https://bit.ly/TLP-467?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLP467%3A%20Navigate%20Uncertainty%20with%20Kevin%20Eikenberry #leadership #LeadershipPodcast, #KevinEikenberry, #FlexibleLeadership, #DelegationIsAnInvestment, #LeadershipWisdom, #TrustAndLeadership, #IntentionalLeadership, #WorkplaceEngagement, #LeadWithConfidence, #ModernLeadership, #ContextMatters, #RemarkableLeadership, #SelfLeadership, #TheLeadershipPodcast, #LeadershipDevelopment
True leadership isn't about reacting on autopilot. True leadership isn't about reacting on autopilot. It's about intentionality — slowing down to assess what really works and adjusting your approach. Kevin Eikenberry challenges leaders to pause, reflect, and consider how their choices impact the team and results. This mindset shift is the heart of flexible leadership. Listen to the full episode to learn how to lead with purpose and clarity in changing times. https://bit.ly/TLP-467?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders Watch the full episode here: https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-467?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #FlexibleLeadership #IntentionalLeadership #PauseReflectAct #Leadership #LeadWithPurpose #Leadership #ManagementTips #Leadership #Leadership #RemoteLeadership #Teamwork #Leadership #LeadWithIntent
Leadership, Legacy & the Power of Character In th Leadership, Legacy & the Power of CharacterIn this special Mastermind Episode of The Leadership Podcast, retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal returns for a powerful conversation on the defining choices that shape who we become.Hosts Jan Rutherford and Jim Vaselopulos go deep with General McChrystal, former commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, bestselling author of Team of Teams, and CEO of the McChrystal Group to explore how conviction and discipline build real character.From candid stories of failure at West Point to the lessons learned through loss, moral dilemmas, and war, this episode is an unfiltered look into the heart of leadership.Whether you're leading in business, the military, or your own personal growth, this conversation is a reminder that leadership is not about the leader. It's about the mission, the team, and the values we refuse to compromise.🎧 Listen now: https://bit.ly/TLPMM012?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-qnt0VWJ1S8?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders
Barry Jesinoski's take on remote work might surpri Barry Jesinoski's take on remote work might surprise you, especially his reasoning behind keeping his team mostly in-person. He runs Disabled American Veterans (DAV) headquarters in Kentucky where 180 employees work together daily.Like Barry, sometimes the unpopular stance might be the right one for your organization.#Leadership #RemoteWork #DAV #WorkplaceCulture #VeteranLeadership #TeamBuilding
Dan Manning reminds us: your audience doesn't owe Dan Manning reminds us: your audience doesn't owe you their attention, you have to earn it. If they don't see how your story helps them, you've already lost them. Whether you're on stage, Zoom, or sharing online, your message must matter to them. Real influence begins when people believe what you're saying is useful to their world. https://bit.ly/TLP-466?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders Watch it on our YouTube channel https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-466?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#LeadershipPodcast #DanManning #BuildAStory #BusinessStorytelling #AudienceConnection #PublicSpeakingTips #StorytellingThatWorks #KnowYourAudience #SpeakToLead #CommunicationMatters #HumanConnection #CaptivatingContent #ZoomPresentationTips #WinTheirAttention #TheLeadershipPodcast
The people who challenge you matter more than the The people who challenge you matter more than the people who comfort you. Anne Marie Anderson explains why your front row shouldn't be filled with yes-men or people who just want to keep you safe. Sometimes you need someone to tell you the hard truth.Full conversation at https://bit.ly/TLP-474?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-474?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #FrontRow #Mentorship #CareerAdvice #PersonalGrowth #PodcastClips #LeadershipDevelopment
In this week's episode of The Leadership Podcast, In this week's episode of The Leadership Podcast, General Stanley McChrystal reminds us that character isn't inherited, it's chosen. Again and again. In the small, quiet decisions when no one's watching. In the moments of failure, discomfort, and hard-earned growth.It's not charisma. It's not confidence. It's conviction multiplied by discipline.In this conversation, General McChrystal opens up about near-misses at West Point, personal setbacks, and the deep introspection that shaped him into one of the most respected military leaders of our time.If leadership is about anything, it's this: choosing, every day, who you want to be.🎧 Hear the full conversation on The Leadership Podcast: https://bit.ly/TLPMM012?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-qnt0VWJ1S8?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders
TLP471: How Fear Drives Behavior and Why Tradition TLP471: How Fear Drives Behavior and Why Traditional Leadership Backfires with Kurt Gray Our latest episode with Kurt Gray https://bit.ly/TLP-471?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLP471%3A%20How%20Fear%20Drives%20Behavior%20and%20Why%20Traditional%20Leadership%20Backfires%20with%20Kurt%20Gray #leadership #leadership #psychology #moralpsychology #teamdynamics #workplaceconflict #vulnerability #outrageculture #socialmedia #humanbehavior #evolutionarypsychology #communication #teambuilding #organizationalculture #conflictresolution #empathy #neuroscience #decisionmaking #moraljudgment #workplacerelationships #employeeengagement #leadershipdevelopment #workplacepsychology #civilconversation #harmnarratives #preynotpredator
In every dark moment lies a seed of growth. Dr. An In every dark moment lies a seed of growth. Dr. Andreas Stamatis reminds us that adversity isn't just a challenge—it's an opportunity for transformation.Tune in and rethink resilience today! https://bit.ly/TLP-465?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersYou can also watched in The Leadership Podcast YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/RAzQPtYfVZE?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders #MentalStrength #GrowthThroughAdversity #LeadershipPodcast #MindsetMatters #ResilientLeadership #TransformativeLeadership #MentalToughness #ExistentialPsychology #LeadersGrow #TheLeadershipPodcast #SelfReliantLeadership #PositivePsychology #CrucibleMoments #BounceBackStronger
Anne Marie spent 36 years in sports TV constantly Anne Marie spent 36 years in sports TV constantly reinventing herself. Her secret? She doesn't just accept failure, she seeks it out. If you're succeeding at everything, you're probably playing it too safe.Listen to Anne Marie's full story at https://bit.ly/TLP-474?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-474?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Audacity #Failure #Leadership #Resilience #SportsMedia #PodcastLife #Leadership
Ever wonder why throwing facts at people never wor Ever wonder why throwing facts at people never works? Kurt Gray's research reveals the uncomfortable truth about how our brains actually process disagreements. Spoiler: it's not about the data.🎧 Full episode breaks down why we argue the way we do - https://bit.ly/TLP-471?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders // https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-471?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Facts #Psychology #Arguments #Communication #Research #Leadership #Podcast
When organizations prioritize outputs over people, When organizations prioritize outputs over people, they fall into the performance trap. Andreas Stamatis reminds us: sustainable success starts with valuing human behavior first. Build strong foundations — the outcomes will follow. https://bit.ly/TLP-465?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersYou can also watched in The Leadership Podcast YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/RAzQPtYfVZE?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #HumanCenteredLeadership #MindsetFirst #SustainableSuccess #TeamCulture #BusinessLeadership #CorporateCulture #LeadershipMindset #PerformanceMatters #PeopleOverProfits #LeadershipPodcast #WorkplaceWellness #CompanyCulture #WorkCulture #TeamDevelopment #HumanCapital #SuccessMindset #LeadershipCoach #MindfulnessAtWork #Inspiration #Management #HighPerformanceTeams
You can hustle hard and still miss the point. Jan You can hustle hard and still miss the point. Jan shares how a hallway chat reshaped his career—and it had nothing to do with performance. Sometimes, the best "networking strategy" is simply showing up for coffee. https://bit.ly/TLP-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersYou can also watch it in our YouTube channel - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#LeadershipDevelopment #CareerGrowth #NetworkingTips #WorkLifeBalance #HumanConnection #BuildRelationships #LeadershipPodcast #MentorshipMatters
Discover the hidden power behind mental toughness Discover the hidden power behind mental toughness with Dr. Andreas Stamatis! From Greek Special Forces to high-performance coaching, his journey reveals how adversity can fuel greatness.Dive into the science of mental performance and leadership now. 🚀 https://bit.ly/TLP-465?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersYou can also watched in The Leadership Podcast YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/RAzQPtYfVZE?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders #LeadershipPodcast #MentalToughness #MindsetMatters #AdversityToStrength #LeadTheWay #GrowthMindset #MentalPerformance #LeadershipDevelopment #PodcastLife #SelfReliantLeadership #WinningMindset #PerformancePsychology #LeadByExample #StayStrong #LeadersWhoInspire #ResilientLeadership #TheLeadershipPodcast #AthleteMindset
Makes you think twice about that doom scroll, does Makes you think twice about that doom scroll, doesn't it? Our brains are basically ancient alarm systems getting hijacked by modern tech. No wonder we're all so on edge.🎧 Listen to the full convo - https://bit.ly/TLP-471?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders // https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-471?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#SocialMedia #Psychology #Leadership #MentalHealth #Podcast #Awareness
ESPN broadcaster Anne Marie Anderson was sobbing o ESPN broadcaster Anne Marie Anderson was sobbing outside the stadium before her first live TV appearance. Her solution? Take your worst fears to their most ridiculous conclusion. Sometimes you need to catastrophize to realize how unlikely your nightmare scenario actually is.Full episode at https://bit.ly/TLP-474?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-474?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #ESPN #Audacity #CareerChange #SportsMedia #Motivation #PodcastClips
Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • TLP489: Quitting – Knowing When to Walk Away
  • TLP488: From Fleeting Moments to Sustained Momentum
  • TLP487: Three Ways to Motivate Teams and Align Strategy
  • TLP486: Unruly: Deconstruct the Rules, Defy the Norms, and Define Your Success
  • TLP485: Transform Your Life (Before 8AM)

Recent Comments

  • Anonymous on TLP478: The Consequences of Inaction with Nick Cooney
  • Anonymous on TLP477: Myths About Intuition with Sara Sabin
  • Anonymous on TLP478: The Consequences of Inaction with Nick Cooney
  • Anonymous on TLP468: The Power of Doing Nothing with Jim and Jan
  • Anonymous on TLP459: Small, Consistent Actions Over Time with Adam Contos

Tags

adaptability assumptions athletics business change coaching communication corporate crucible culture Curiosity decision making education emotional intelligence entrepreneur financial hiring history humor innovation interview Jan Rutherford Jim & Jan Jim Vaselopulos leader leadership leadership development military neuroscience Patagonia Personal Growth philosophy practitioner productivity relationships resilience sales speaker sports stories team development teamwork thought leader trust veterans

Copyright © 2025 Rafti Advisors, LLC & Self-Reliant Leadership, LLC - All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy