After United Wireless went bankrupt in 1912, Grebe began working for Telefunken and spent three years onboard the British tramp tanker Saranac, traveling as far as India.

In 1914 he issued his first catalog, and set up a factory in Richmond Hill on the same property where his home was located, which soon became able to produce all the components needed to assemble a radio, and which contained research laboratories as well.

By 1922 he tore down his home to build a larger factory on the site.To stimulate public interest, he set up several radio stations.

Grebe's publicity manager, Bill Schudt, Jr., stayed with CBS after the sale of WABC.

They had three children: Stephanie, Camille, and Alfred Jr., [2] In 1935 Grebe underwent a stomach operation at Post-Graduate Hospital in Manhattan.