Should You Hire Friends? Hard Truths Every Founder Must Hear | Ep. 33 | Start It or Scrap It Podcast

Hiring a friend can feel like the perfect solution—built-in trust, easier communication, shared vision. But what happens when things go sideways?

In Episode 33 of Start It or Scrap It, Mike and Gummi dig into one of the hardest business decisions: should you hire friends or family? From mismatched effort and pay issues to the potential for destroyed relationships, we break down real-life stories and tactical advice you can use to avoid costly mistakes.

We also dive into questions about handling employees at top pay, dealing with unpredictable clients, and how to keep your business afloat during economic uncertainty.

🎯 You’ll Learn:

Why hiring friends or family can be riskier than you think

How to protect personal relationships while growing your team

When to use contractors vs. full-time employees

How to plan for pay ceilings without destroying morale

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Should you hire your friend?
10:00 – Stories of business partnerships gone wrong
20:00 – Family businesses and how to set clear boundaries
30:00 – Employees hitting top pay ceilings
40:00 – Navigating client drop-offs during uncertain times
1:00:00 – Tactical ways to market your small business when times are tough
1:15:00 – Free marketing at Shopping Centers
1:19:45 – New shop stealing old customers
1:32:56 – The guys call it a show!

👉 Watch the full episode now: https://youtu.be/3Z0DkXb7VDI

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