We recently connected with Freda Crump and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Freda , thanks for joining us today. So, what do you think about family businesses? Would you want your children or other family members to one day join your business?

Family businesses can be incredibly rewarding, but they also come with unique challenges. One of the things that works well in our family-run business is the deep sense of loyalty, shared vision, and mutual respect. There’s a level of trust you don’t always find in other environments, and it’s inspiring to see generations building on a legacy together. As time passes, trends, technologies, and even ways of life change drastically. But when different generations are open to and understand said trends, it’s easier to combine “old school and new school” ideas. Family members often have a deeper understanding of the values that drive the business, and that can create something really special.

On the flip side, the lines between personal and professional relationships can blur, leading to tension or conflict. When you bring family dynamics into the workplace, decisions can become more emotionally charged, and that can be a pitfall if not managed carefully. There’s also the challenge of balancing business priorities with maintaining healthy family relationships, which isn’t always easy.

As for whether I’d want my children to join the business—it’s a tough call. On one hand, it would be amazing to see them carry on what I’ve built and bring their own ideas to the table. On the other hand, I wouldn’t want them to feel obligated to take on that responsibility. It’s important that they follow their own passions, whether that leads them into the family business or not. In my family’s case, I don’t necessarily want to continue in my family’s restaurant business, but have found my own branch within the family tree that opens a totally different lane to continue on the 30+ year legacy in the food and beverage sector.

These experiences have shaped my belief that clear boundaries, communication, and mutual respect are essential to making a family business thrive.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who may not be familiar with Freda Crump- CEO OF MCWD, vs Freda the friend, daughter, sorority sister …. Etc my journey into this business is deeply rooted in community, family, and a passion for serving others. I’ve had the honor of building a business that reflects not just what I love but what I believe can make a difference in lives of other small business owners.
Miss Crumpy’s, my primary business, started as a way to provide high-quality, fresh food to restaurants, food truck owners and catering teams at a fraction of the inflated cost. During Covid, I noticed a huge gap in access to fresh, affordable food, and I wanted to create a space where anyone could shop online with ease, knowing they’re getting nutritious, diverse options in all four major food categories. But it’s more than just providing food—it’s about creating dignity in the shopping experience, offering secure, seamless transactions, and making sure everyone, no matter their circumstances, feels valued.
What sets us apart is our dedication to personalization. From the warehouse distribution model that ensures freshness, to the healthy meal prep program for seniors, every aspect of the business is built around understanding and anticipating our clients’ needs. I’m especially proud of our food truck/catering division that allows us to bring our services to the community directly, and the way we’ve integrated joy into that service by adopting daycares and celebrating birthdays for kids. These small touches are what I believe make a business more than just a business—it becomes a part of the community.
Most recently, I’ve expanded into the product development and assisting businesses to become portfolio builders for capital markets. This venture is about bringing people together and gaining access to opportunities . It’s another way I want to serve my community, blending convenience with quality.
At the end of the day, what I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve been able to make—whether it’s helping families access healthier meals, offering seniors an easier way to eat well, or simply putting smiles on kids’ faces. I want people to know that our brand isn’t just about selling products or services; it’s about creating connections, providing meaningful support, and making life a little easier for those who trust us to serve them.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

My journey into manufacturing is quite interesting… The first 3 months, were spent getting door after door shut in my face telling me this space is not for women, I didn’t look strong enough, or I didn’t have $250k to apply as a retainer, so I wasn’t ready. These reactions fueled my fire!
After about 6 months, I accidentally stumbled upon a person at poultry warehouse where I was purchasing chicken for my restaurant, and we just chatted while we waited on our orders. During that conversation, he gave me a list of things to do along with his phone number. He told me to give him a call after I completed that list and he would introduce me to someone that could help.
Two months later, true to his word, we sat with the completed list and he assigned me a chemist to work on my products. Turned out he was a manufacturer and became my first Copacker. I was shocked that he was the owner of the plant and manufacturer and he was shocked that I actually completed the list. We now have over 30 products under my IP.

The biggest lesson I learned in manufacturing and distribution, is learn the industry. Know where you want to go and learn that industry front and backwards and then obtain your own bar codes for your products. NEVER allow a company to give you bar codes. Thats the easiest way a company can “steal” your product.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I originally wrote my business plan for the warehouse, it was centered around local hot wing restaurants—many of which had ties to my family. I thought they would be the foundation of my business. It never crossed my mind that these would be the very businesses that wouldn’t support my venture at all.
This reality hit hard, but it forced me to pivot quickly. What I had planned as my year 3 goals suddenly became 6-month objectives. We had initially mapped out federal and local contracting for the third year of operation, but now we’re actively bidding on contracts every day. This unexpected shift taught me the importance of flexibility and perseverance in business. It’s not always the people you expect who will support you, but being ready to adapt is what keeps you moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.misscrumpys.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misscrumpys?igsh=MWloYXY0NHNyMzY0Mw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/SPFDquT5Xxf8F747/?mibextid=LQQJ4d