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.

Jen Patterson

Starting Patterson Consulting Group (PCG) marked the beginning of an exhilarating chapter in my professional journey. From the outset, I partnered with Madison, a seasoned HR professional whom I had collaborated with in the past. Read more>>

Vee Gibbs

No, my business did not have any other employees, besides myself from day one. I moved to Georgia after Hurricane Katrina I knew maybe 2 people here. I moved here with my 1 year old, my sister and her 4 children. Read more>>

SHANNA JOHNSON

We are committed to providing opportunities to qualified individuals who deserve a second chance, even if they have a criminal background. We believe in creating successful outcomes for everyone involved. Read more>>

Josh Norris

When I started Aftershock Enterprises in 2008, it was just me. I started out offering general marketing services such as graphic design, email marketing and marketing material printing. Read more>>

ALAN FIGUEROA

As an employee for LADWP for over 20+ years. I needed to find a safe space and welcoming run club for people to be able to come together without intimidation. I reached out to the Employees’ Association and inquired the steps to create a club. Read more>>

Cynthia Dearnbarger

I did not have employees from day one, I actually waited a year to hire on my first team member! I was feeling a little overwhelmed at the time and a friend of mine had been visiting quite frequently at the shop so we got to chatting one day and I asked her if she would consider coming along side me and helping out! Read more>>