Chobani CEO Slept on Factory Floor for Five Years Building Business

Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya recently shared that he slept on the factory floor for his company’s first five years, demonstrating the extreme dedication required to launch a successful business. The 53-year-old CEO explained on the “Rapid Response” podcast that when he started Chobani in 2005 in remote New Berlin, New York—nearly 200 miles from New York City—there were no nearby hotels or restaurants, making factory sleeping a practical necessity that became a symbol of his commitment.

Doubling Down on Dedication

Ulukaya didn’t limit this intensive approach to the startup phase. When Chobani built a new factory in Idaho in December 2012, he remained at the facility for six to seven months without leaving. He emphasized that such sacrifice is critical in high-growth environments, stating: “You’ve got to make those kinds of commitments. Unless you make those kinds of commitments, especially in a high-growth environment, it will go south really fast.”

Results Speaking for Themselves

Ulukaya’s dedication has yielded remarkable results. Chobani is projected to generate $3.8 billion in net sales this year—a 28% increase from the previous year. The company recently announced a fresh $650 million fundraising round, bringing its total valuation to $20 billion. Today, Ulukaya says he remains actively involved in operations, spending most of his time “either in the factory or in the field” growing the company.

Ulukaya’s approach mirrors that of other notable CEOs like Elon Musk, who has famously slept in Tesla factories to demonstrate commitment to his team and motivate employees during critical growth phases.