Always answer your phone and show up before the other guys

Never be the cheapest one in town

This might sound repetitive to some, but if even one person reads this and gains something valuable from it, then it’s worth sharing.

The market is tough right now, and staffing challenges are everywhere. But one crucial lesson I’ve learned is this:

Only hire someone you’d trust to carry your brand’s reputation on their shoulders, even when no one’s looking.

A single bad hire doesn’t just underperform—they can hurt your reputation, drag down morale, and cost you more in the long run. It’s better to be short-staffed than to fill a role with the wrong person.

I’ve rushed to fill vacancies, only to spend double the time, resources, and headache; fixing the fallout from poor choices. It’s like trying to plug a leaky boat with duct tape.. temporary relief, but the underlying issue remains. 

I know this is easier said than done, but here's my advice: Be patient and selective. Hold out for the right fit. In the meantime, stay creative! Cross-train your team or seek out ways to optimize workflow. Quality always beats quantity when it comes to building a strong team.

Just like my signature says, “It's not how you work when you're being watched. It's how you work when you aren't being watched!!”