In the early days of StandOut Design, as my business was beginning to grow, I hit a pivotal moment: I needed help. The demand for graphic design and websites was picking up, and while I totally understood social media, I just didn’t have the time to keep up with it anymore. I needed someone who could jump in and take some of the load off. Enter my nephew, Dylan.
Dylan was a talented artist, young, energetic, and he actually knew the ins and outs of social media. It felt like a natural fit—he needed a job, and I needed someone who could bring a fresh perspective to the business. So I hired him, and just like that, StandOut Design officially had its first employee.
At the time, I was working out of a one-room office, which was great for a solo operation but not exactly designed for two people. Picture the two of us working elbow-to-elbow, trying to juggle computers, papers, and clients. It didn’t take long for me to realize we needed more space. Luckily, another office opened up in the same building on Fulton Road. It wasn’t exactly ideal—it was upstairs in a converted house, and to get to it, you had to walk through someone else’s office downstairs before climbing a creaky staircase to reach ours. The floors groaned under every step, the décor was outdated, and the place definitely needed some love, but hey—it had one major upgrade: its own bathroom. Sure, the shower didn’t work, but at that stage of the business, it felt like luxury.
Dylan and I worked in that quirky little office for about a year. He was great at what he did, and having him on the team made a world of difference. But eventually, like many young people, he decided it was time for a change. He told me he wanted to explore California while he was still young, and I couldn’t blame him for wanting to chase his dreams. I wished him well, but that left me with an empty chair and the challenge of finding a new social media designer.
Here’s where the story takes an unexpected turn. The year before, at my wife’s uncle’s wedding, I had met her uncle’s new stepson. He was interested in graphic design, and I had invited him to shadow me for a while to see if it was something he wanted to pursue. He came by a few times, gave it a shot, and then drifted off. I figured he’d moved on to something else and hadn’t thought much about it since.
Fast forward to when Dylan was planning on leaving. I was scrolling through my contacts, wanting to call and catch up with my longtime friend, Josh. Or so I thought. As fate would have it, I accidentally dialed “Josh the Shadower” instead. When he answered, I was caught off guard but figured, why not make the most of this opportunity? I asked him, “Hey, are you still interested in working with me?” To my surprise, he said yes, and just like that, my accidental phone call turned into my next hire.
Josh ended up working with me for about four years, growing alongside the business and sticking with me through three different office moves. He was dedicated, talented, and eager to learn, and his contributions were invaluable during that time.
Looking back, every single employee who’s been part of StandOut Design’s journey has played a role in shaping the business. From Dylan’s creativity and social media expertise to Josh’s willingness to dive in and grow with us, each person has left a lasting impact. They’ve taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, adaptability, and the power of taking chances—even if those chances start with an accidental phone call.
From nephews to creaky stairs, misdialed numbers to unexpected opportunities, those early hires weren’t just about building a team—they were about building the foundation of what StandOut Design would become. And for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
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