Said Abulafia, CEO of a historic family-owned bakery business established in 1879, is speaking out on the importance of resilience, operational discipline, and community-centered business practices in today’s uncertain economic climate.
After navigating years of disruption—from global pandemic shutdowns to ongoing regional instability—Abulafia is using his experience to raise awareness about what it truly takes for local businesses to survive and grow sustainably.
“Success to me is creating lasting value and having a positive impact on people,” Abulafia says. “In uncertain environments, consistency and discipline matter more than anything else.”
Why Local Business Resilience Matters More Than Ever
Small and mid-sized businesses are a critical part of global economies:
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According to the World Bank, SMEs represent about 90% of businesses worldwide
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They account for over 50% of global employment
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During COVID-19, many small businesses experienced revenue declines of 30–50% or more
In the hospitality and food service sector, the pressure has been even greater. Rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and unpredictable demand continue to challenge operators globally.
Abulafia has experienced these challenges firsthand.
“One of the main obstacles has been building and sustaining a business during a turbulent period,” he explains. “From COVID-19 straight into ongoing instability, it tested resilience and leadership on a daily basis.”
From Survival to Stronger Systems
Rather than waiting for conditions to improve, Abulafia focused on strengthening internal systems.
“At one point, margins were getting squeezed from both sides—rising costs and unpredictable demand,” he says. “Instead of waiting it out, I made structural changes.”
Those changes included:
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Streamlining operations to improve efficiency
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Strengthening supplier relationships
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Focusing on consistency and quality
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Building a stronger brand presence beyond foot traffic
“What initially felt like a setback made the business more resilient,” he adds.
A Call for a Shift in Mindset
Abulafia believes that long-term stability in business does not come from rapid growth or trends, but from discipline and execution.
“Discipline matters more than motivation,” he says. “Relationships matter more than transactions, and staying calm under pressure is a real advantage.”
He is encouraging business owners and individuals alike to rethink how they approach both work and support for local businesses.
What Individuals Can Do to Support Sustainable Businesses
Abulafia emphasizes that supporting resilient businesses is not only the responsibility of policymakers or industry leaders—it starts with everyday actions.
He suggests:
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Supporting local businesses consistently, not just during crises
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Valuing quality and reliability over convenience alone
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Building relationships with businesses in your community
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Being patient and understanding during periods of disruption
“Customers who come back consistently are what make a business stable,” he says. “That trust is built over time.”
Balancing Performance and Well-Being
Another key issue Abulafia highlights is the connection between personal well-being and business performance.
“When personal well-being is neglected, business performance inevitably suffers,” he says.
With burnout affecting a growing number of professionals—recent studies show over 40% of workers globally report high stress levels—he stresses the importance of sustainable work habits.
Building Stronger, More Stable Businesses
Abulafia’s message is not about rapid change, but about steady improvement.
“The biggest lesson is that instability can either expose weaknesses or force you to eliminate them,” he says. “If you respond correctly, you come out stronger.”
As industries continue to face uncertainty, his approach offers a clear framework: focus on what can be controlled, prioritize people, and build systems that last.
Call to Action
Abulafia encourages individuals to take small, practical steps:
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Choose one local business to support consistently
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Focus on long-term value in your own work
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Build discipline into your daily routines
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Invest in relationships, not just transactions
“Consistency and discipline create results over time,” he says. “That applies to business, and to life.”
About Said Abulafia
Said Abulafia is a Tel Aviv–Jaffa–based CEO and business leader in the hospitality and food & beverage industry. He leads a historic Arab family-owned bakery business established in 1879 within a predominantly Jewish environment, with a focus on operational excellence, long-term growth, and resilience. His work centers on building sustainable businesses through discipline, adaptability, and strong community relationships.
Media Contact
Company Name: Said Abulafia
Contact Person: Said Abulafia
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Country: Israel
Website: https://www.said-abulafia.com/
