Customer obsession, delivering results, and moving with extreme velocity and focus are just some of the 10 core principles that make up the fabric of who we are as a company.
We’re here to serve our customers and users. Work backwards from their needs and obsess over giving them the best experience possible.
Results matter, not effort. Done is better than perfect. Finish what you start. A documented mistake of an idea that didn’t work is positive. Constantly release, test, and deploy small chunks instead of waiting for a single large deployment.
Velocity matters. Our customers operate production lines where even brief downtime can be incredibly costly. Ship quickly, stay focused on what matters, and work both smart and hard.
If enough smart people are in the room, we’ll figure it out. Hire deliberately, not just to fill a role.
Be direct. No passive aggression. If someone isn’t doing something right, tell them. Give honest, candid feedback, and trust your teammates to do the same.
The best idea wins, not your seniority. Use logic to support your thinking. Always discuss the idea, never attack the person. Once a decision is made, disagree and commit fully.
Assume your ideas are wrong and constantly stress-test them. The default is that you have to prove an idea is right—not the other way around. Seek diverse perspectives. Always ask why, why, why. Break problems down to first principles, then build back up.
Have just enough and no more. Constantly simplify. Always ask: How could I accomplish what I’m trying to with 10x less money?
Play for the name on the front of the jersey, and people will remember the name on the back. We all have individual goals, but by doing what’s best for the company in the short term, you’ll be better off in the long term. When you’re unsure how to make a decision, ask: Is this in the true, authentic best interest of Chef?
Figure out what needs to be done without anyone telling you, and then win. We’re here to win, not just collect a paycheck.
