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Dear Former Team Member,
Like a review from that comes from our customers, reviews from both current and former team members are just as important so thank you for voicing your opinion. My only wish is that you and all team members would bring this type of feedback to us while they are in the organization. We foster that culture. At Fitlife Foods, we live by our vision and our 8 values of Contagious, Courage, Accountability, Passion, Grit, Gratitude, Connection and Fun. When you and all team members are hired at Fitlife Foods, we hope that it is not only an incredible work experience, but you learn a great deal and add value.
If an opportunity did not come available that matched your performance or skill set, then we should have done a better job to be radically candid about where you had an opportunity to improve. If that did not want to be heard, then of course that is unfortunate.
In terms of some of the specific feedback listed herein. First of all, related to me specifically, I do not apologize for “nit picking” at details because these details are exactly what the customers demand from us. Business of any kind is always competitive and too many team member’s careers are on the line for us to not care about these details. Those details as to how we greet customers, how we merchandise our product and how we take care of every customer interaction can never be something that we, or any organization who deeply cares about their customers can take for granted. If this ever came off as rude in specific interactions, I apologize as perception is reality, but in terms of caring about the details, I cannot apologize for that. I do thank you though, as I will continue to be mindful about tone.
In terms of the compensation changes, yes, we did make adjustments to reward those who were achieving results vs. just sitting back. Stores actually do not vary in results for the most part because of the location, our company’s results vary because of the team that exists in a store. To get those results to a more consistent place, finding a compensation plan that rewards results vs just being opinion based, brings more equity to a team. Because we identified this, we wanted to make sure that those who were demonstrating our values, making a difference to customers and finding results were rewarded (with their results) so yes, we did change the comp.
In terms of my ego, I started this business by mortgaging my house and putting my life savings into it after being inspired by having a special needs child. My ego is one that is focused on being the best for our team and our customers, this is also why I do “nit pick.” Ego in many situations means you care about what you do and you take pride in the work that you drive towards each day. I want the best for my team and our customers; if that is ego, then yes, I am afraid I have a big one.
In terms of our changes in personnel, this could not be further from the truth. Please always remember that there are over 200+ Fitlife Foods team members working their hearts and souls off every day. They are working to help change people’s lives by giving them the gift of time and health. What was failed to mention is that we also hired an equal amount who transitioned out within two weeks. We needed to add more people in more prioritized roles. This is the nature of business; companies evolve.
Businesses, which are made up of people also make some mistakes, but if an organization is willing to continue to learn from mistakes and continuously improve, then that is what makes organizations thrive.
Your comments, while appreciated are clearly deep rooted. At one point, we brought you in with mutual joy and there was a path that was forged from that day on. I never believe that any one side is the root cause for all challenges and frustrations that transpire, but if you email me directly at davido@eatfitlifefoods.com I am happy to setup a time to listen so we can learn where the root cause of this frustration began so we can take your experience and ensure at least on our end it is not repeated.
My Very Best,
David Osterweil
Founder & CEO
