Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat. Reflections
Section A2: People
Chapter 8: First Hires – Pay Your People with Love, Ownership, and Freedom
Author: Brent Parker, Resilience Repurposed LLC
When building a startup, hiring is more than a transaction—it’s a transformation. In Chapter 8 of Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat., Campbell teaches that your first hires are foundational to your culture, values, and long-term scalability. He urges entrepreneurs to think beyond the paycheck and instead focus on love, ownership, and freedom as the real currencies of startup success (Campbell, 2023).
It’s Not All About Money: Employee Happiness and Development
Money matters, but it’s not everything. Campbell notes that early employees—often drawn in by your passion and mission—need to feel seen, valued, and inspired. Their happiness and development are key performance indicators, not side effects (Campbell, 2023).
Create Transparency from the Beginning
Startups thrive on trust. Campbell suggests setting clear expectations from day one and embracing radical transparency around roles, equity, and culture. When people know where the company is headed and how they fit in, they engage more deeply (Campbell, 2023).
Pay Your People with Love
Campbell writes, “In the same way that love can help direct you to the best idea, it can help direct you to the best people.” Leadership is emotional. Building authentic relationships, giving recognition, and cultivating psychological safety go further than any perk (Campbell, 2023).
Hire for Attitude, Not Just Skill
Referencing Simon Sinek, Campbell emphasizes the value of character over credentials. “You don’t hire for skills, you hire for attitude. You can always teach skills” (Sinek, 2009). This has proven true at Resilience Repurposed—we prioritize grit, alignment, and curiosity.
Pay Your People with Ownership
Giving equity, decision-making power, or a sense of impact builds loyalty. Ownership isn't always about stock—it’s about feeling a part of the mission and future of the business (Campbell, 2023).
Pay Your People with Freedom
Freedom is a force multiplier. Campbell encourages founders to let go of micromanagement and create autonomy. When people are trusted to solve problems their way, they rise to the occasion (Campbell, 2023).
Make it Easy for People to Work for You
Don’t just attract great talent—make it easy for them to stay. Reduce unnecessary meetings, create systems, and support flexibility. Make your startup a place where people want to build their best work (Campbell, 2023).
Conclusion
First hires set the tone. They are your culture carriers, early adopters, and future leaders. Chapter 8 reinforces that when you pay your people with love, ownership, and freedom, you’re investing in more than labor—you’re building legacy.
📚 References (APA Style)
Campbell, C. C. (2023). Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat. Wiley.
Sinek, S. (2009). Start with why: How great leaders inspire everyone to take action. Portfolio.
