Late-night munchies? Thank this guy

If you need any proof that college-age entrepreneurs can make their mark, look no further than Eric Martell.

Martell co-founded EatStreet as a 19-year-old to create a “digital food court” and online ordering for mom-and-pop restaurants serving hungry college students. His startup has now grown to 110 cities, with 50 full time employees and more than 10,000 restaurant clients. In some college towns (maybe yours?), half of the student body use EatStreet regularly. Martell talked with EIX editor Jon Eckhardt about how a food delivery man sparked the idea for EatStreet, his company’s approach to problem-solving, and his make-or-break moments — including turning down high-paying jobs for the uncertain life of an entrepreneur.