In episode 39 of the "Never in Reverse" podcast, hosts Jeremy Axel and Doug Cox break down the truth about hiring your first employee and why it’s not always the success milestone people think it is.

They share real-world lessons on what can go wrong and right when bringing someone onto your team, from hiring friends or family to setting clear expectations and avoiding early hiring mistakes.

If you’re an entrepreneur, startup founder, or small business owner, this episode delivers practical insights on leadership, accountability, and team building, helping you make smarter hiring decisions that actually support your growth.

For detailed show notes, navigate using the timestamps below:

(00:00:00) The Gamble of the First Hire
Discussing the misconception of the first hire as a milestone, emphasizing it's actually a significant gamble for entrepreneurs.

(00:00:19) Introduction

(00:01:23) The Excitement and Fallacy of the First Hire
Exploring the emotional high and unrealistic expectations entrepreneurs have when making their first hire.

(00:02:23) Delegation and Lack of Structure
Challenges of delegating responsibilities without clear structure or expectations for the new hire.

(00:03:04) Personal Experiences with First Hires
Hosts share their own stories about hiring too early and the lack of preparation and clarity.

(00:05:09) The Importance of Setting Expectations
Discussing how crucial it is to set clear expectations and follow through with accountability for new hires.

(00:07:09) Risks and Costs of Hiring Too Early
Examining the dangers of premature hiring, including ego, onboarding costs, and lack of readiness.

(00:09:22) Delegation, Trust, and Maturity
The need for maturity, trust, and proper delegation as the business grows beyond startup mode.

(00:10:50) Goal Setting and Alignment
Importance of having clear short- and long-term goals and ensuring new hires align with them.

(00:12:32) Firing Fast and Avoiding Dead Weight
Learning to let go of underperforming employees quickly to maintain a healthy company culture.

(00:13:55) Loyalty, Friendship, and Business Boundaries
Navigating the complexities of hiring friends, maintaining boundaries, and separating business from personal relationships.

(00:16:07) Hiring Friends and Family: Pitfalls and Growth
Reflecting on the challenges and necessary maturity when hiring friends or family members.

(00:19:12) The Resume vs. Reality
Warning about the gap between a candidate’s resume/interview and their actual performance in a startup environment.

(00:21:34) Dealing with Bad Hires and Firing
Sharing experiences with bad hires, the importance of reviews, and the difficulty of firing employees.

(00:23:33) Growth Stages and Team Evolution
Discussing business growth milestones and the need for team members to evolve and level up with the company.

(00:25:59) Evaluating Fit and Employee Aspirations
Encouraging honest conversations about whether the company is the right vehicle for employees’ personal goals.

(00:27:42) Letting Go and Maintaining Culture
Recognizing when team members are no longer growing with the company and the importance of maintaining a strong culture.

(00:29:32) Listening to the Team and Making Changes
The value of feedback from employees and making necessary changes to support collective growth.

(00:30:02) Final Thoughts and Practical Hiring Tips
Concluding advice: treat the first hire as a gamble, be strategic, check references, and consider trial periods.

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