Overwhelmingly, media coverage of team building, hiring, training, etc. is often geared towards the issues faced by HR at Fortune 500 sized companies. Even when it’s positioned as advice for small business owners it is often coming from an executive or consultant working primarily with giant corporations. We think it’s far more relevant to hear from small and medium business owners who have successfully grown their businesses – and so we asked some very talented folks to tell us the stories of their initial hires and the struggles and lessons they can share.

Sherrie Phillips

I started in my family business that had two employees. I was brought in with the purpose of expanding the business but first I had to learn all aspects as an employee. I did everything from manufacturing, to selling, finances, and marketing. Because I learned in a hands on fashion I was able to find some of the best employees possible for the various jobs my company has. One aspect of my business is selling our wooden mugs at festivals. I found my first festival employees in the festival environment. I watched how individuals acted in that environment and then made offers. Because I worked so closely with my with my initial crews, and treated them as my professional equals in the job, whenever we had openings they were quick to bring someone else onboard. Read more>>

Leisa Minor

I took over the operations of the Atlanta office of Compudopt in April 2024 as Senior Director of Community Impact. Compudopt opened the doors of the Atlanta office in 2022. One of my tasks during the first 6 months was recruiting a team that shared the passion, excitement, and commitment that it would take to uphold our mission. I began recruiting individuals that had a footprint in the Atlanta community. During the interviewing process, the candidates needed to possess a certain vibe and synergy. Each candidate selected went through 3 rounds of interviewing to ensure we were making the right selections and to make sure that they were a fit for the brand that I was tasked at building. If your team doesn’t believe in your mission, the business will not be successful. Read more>>

Nick & Leigh Calkins

We are very lucky to have such an amazing team that most have been with us for so many years!
We are not the traditional (especially corporate) hiring/training company. In 2007, both Nick and his old business partner were working many hours along side of the new hires they found from different sources, Craig’s list, ads, etc. Over time, word spread it’s more FUN to work at Canoe Club. Previous co-workers from our employees came to work for us instead. Getting referrals from people we know have worked out best for us! Plus, treating our staff with respect and rewarding them anyway we can. Read more>>

Michelle Dunlap

When I first started doing wedding hair and makeup, it was just me—fresh out of beauty school, fueled by excitement and the desire to make people feel beautiful. That was 18 years ago. At the time, it was a side passion that began to take shape through word-of-mouth. I would offer to do friends’ hair and makeup for proms and formal events, and soon, their friends were reaching out too. That’s really where it all began—on a foundation of passion and connection. Read more>>