Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Arie Weissmann. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Arie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Talk to us about building a team – did you hire quickly, how’d you recruit the first few team members? Any interesting lessons?
No, I started alone. In the beginning, it was just me handling everything—from managing clients to taking care of operations and even the smallest tasks like bookkeeping. It was a challenging but rewarding phase, as it gave me a firsthand understanding of every aspect of the business.
As the workload grew, I realized I couldn’t do it all myself and started hiring. My first hires came after reaching out to my network for recommendations. I was looking for people who not only had the skills but also shared my vision and drive to grow something meaningful.
The recruitment process was informal at first, focusing on conversations rather than rigid interviews. I wanted to understand their motivations, values, and how they would adapt to a startup environment where flexibility and a willingness to wear multiple hats were key.
Training was hands-on, with no formal manuals or structured onboarding. It was a lot of learning by doing, shadowing, and real-time problem-solving. While it wasn’t perfect, it created a collaborative environment and brought us closer as a team.
If I were starting today, I’d focus on building a stronger foundation from day one. Having a clearer structure for onboarding, setting up operational systems earlier, and maybe hiring sooner could have made the process smoother.
That said, starting alone taught me resilience and adaptability, which shaped the firm’s culture and set the tone for the journey ahead.
Arie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I got into the industry about 15 years ago, starting with marketing. It began as a personal interest—I was curious about how brands connect with people and how strategies could drive results. I taught myself everything I could, diving into books, online resources, and experimenting with small projects.
Over time, I started working with other people and companies, taking on freelance projects and gaining hands-on experience. Each project was a learning opportunity, exposing me to different industries, challenges, and strategies. Slowly, I built a network, refined my skills, and gained the confidence to take on bigger roles.
It wasn’t a straight path; there were plenty of ups and downs. But those early days of learning and experimenting laid the foundation for everything I do today. It’s been a journey of continuous growth, and I’m grateful for every step that brought me here.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients for me has consistently been referrals and word-of-mouth. When you deliver excellent work and build strong relationships, clients naturally become your advocates, sharing their positive experiences with others in their network.
In addition to referrals, building a strong online presence has also been instrumental. Through targeted marketing efforts, social media, and maintaining a professional website, I’ve been able to reach and engage potential clients who align with my services.
Lastly, networking—whether at industry events, local meetups, or online communities—has opened doors to collaborations and new opportunities. The combination of personal connections and a reputation for delivering quality work has been the key to sustaining and growing my client base.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One lesson I had to unlearn is that doing everything myself is the best way to ensure quality. Early on, I believed that if I wanted something done right, I had to do it personally. While that mindset served me in the beginning, it quickly became unsustainable as the business grew.
I realized that trusting others, delegating effectively, and allowing people to bring their unique skills and perspectives to the table is not just practical but essential. It’s not about controlling every detail; it’s about building a team and processes that align with the overall vision.
Letting go of this “do-it-all” mentality was challenging, but it taught me the power of collaboration and the importance of empowering others to take ownership. It’s a lesson that transformed the way I work and manage my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://supremegaragedoortx.com