06/20/2026
When you’re a newer business owner, your first employee isn’t just “help.” You’re all figuring it out together. You’re learning how to lead at the same time they’re learning how to work under you. A lot of the time, you’re still out in the field with them, still building the standard as you go.
That’s why it’s hard when that chapter changes.
Alex was my first employee in every way that actually mattered. He was out in the field handling jobs, representing Elite Finish when I wasn’t there, and learning the craft while I was still learning how to be a better leader. He finished his last day with me out in the field today, and that chapter just came to an end.
What makes it even more real is that he started as a complete stranger to me, but over time it turned into something that felt a lot closer — like brothers by the end of it.
Blake is still with me and still in the mix, but even with that, I’ve realized how much your first hires shape you as an owner. I’ll be honest — I know I’m not the easiest person to work with yet. I’ve never been a boss or business owner before this, and I’m still learning as I go. But both of them have taught me a lot just through the process of working together.
Grateful for the time, the work, and everything built along the way. Moving forward, I’m carrying those lessons into how I lead from here.
