How Jeff Courey Built a 100-Year-Old Startup

Welcome to the $100M Blueprint, your go-to podcast for real-world business lessons and entrepreneurial insights. Hosted by Goodfood founders Jonathan Ferrari and Neil Cuggy, the series offers behind-the-scenes stories of scaling their company to $150 million and beyond. Each episode features candid conversations with top entrepreneurs who have built companies worth $ 100 million or more, delivering honest advice, leadership strategies, and hard-learned lessons for ambitious business owners. In this episode, hosts Jonathan Ferrari and Neil Cuggy welcome Jeff Courey, President and CEO of George Courey Inc., to discuss Jeff’s journey of leading a 115-year-old family business into the future. Jeff shares how he turned a traditional textile company into a “100-year-old startup” by innovating B2B operations, expanding into the U.S., and tripling recurring revenue. He reveals how to manage generational leadership transitions, adapt in times of crisis, and stay agile in mature industries. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs modernizing legacy businesses while staying true to their roots. Visit www.makegoodfood.ca to learn more about Goodfood, Canada's No.1 Meal Kit!

Welcome to the $100M Blueprint, your go-to podcast for real-world business lessons and entrepreneurial insights. Hosted by Goodfood founders Jonathan Ferrari and Neil Cuggy, the series offers behind-the-scenes stories of scaling their company to $150 million and beyond. Each episode features candid conversations with top entrepreneurs who have built companies worth $100 million or more, delivering honest advice, leadership strategies, and hard-learned lessons for ambitious business owners.

In this episode, hosts Jonathan Ferrari and Neil Cuggy welcome Jeff Courey, President and CEO of George Courey Inc., to discuss Jeff’s journey of leading a 115-year-old family business into the future. Jeff shares how he turned a traditional textile company into a “100-year-old startup” by innovating B2B operations, expanding into the U.S., and tripling recurring revenue. He reveals how to manage generational leadership transitions, adapt in times of crisis, and stay agile in mature industries. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs modernizing legacy businesses while staying true to their roots.

What you will learn:

How to successfully transition leadership in a family business
The "100-Year-Old Startup" principle for balancing tradition with innovation
Why focusing on specific market segments beats competing with industry giants
How to pivot during crisis situations and turn challenges into expansion opportunities
The strategy behind expanding from Canada to US markets
How to modernize B2B operations while preserving customer relationships
Why maintaining operational flexibility and avoiding fixed assets can lead to better adaptability in global markets
The framework for developing next-generation leadership while preserving family business values

Jeff Courey is the President and CEO of George Courey Inc., a 115-year-old textile company serving the healthcare and hospitality sectors. A fourth-generation leader, Jeff has reimagined the business as a “100-year-old startup,” tripling recurring revenue since 2019 and expanding across North America. During COVID-19, he scaled PPE production dramatically and opened five U.S. distribution centers. Known for blending legacy with innovation, Jeff offers expert insights on sustainable growth, global expansion, and navigating complex family business transitions.

Visit www.makegoodfood.ca to learn more about Goodfood, Canada's No.1 Meal Kit!