Dave Hunt

I hate hearing people who are just in a horrible, toxic work environment. It's the worst; I was there early in my career, right out of the military. I've had folks leave TS and BD, but I can't imagine anyone ever saying it was a toxic place. Even when we had to let folks go because it wasn't a good fit and impacted culture - severance was still paid and taken care of because we are still humans. Is that the norm? No. We aren't the norm. We care about everyone helping one another and having a positive work culture. I'm incredibly thankful for that early career toxic place because it taught me how to never treat people, especially co-workers. While I might be the "CEO" or the "founder" it's a title and only a title of what I'm supposed to be doing. That means nothing. If I didn't have the brilliant and incredible folks at my company kicking ass every day, there would be no company. It's best to recognize that and realize people aren't just "bodies." Your innovation and success come from the people who work there. Treating them as peers of yourself and making sure egos are checked at the door, and you all have a mission to charge forward to is the best advice I can give any founder/owner of a company. Protect your culture at all costs, which is comprised of your co-worker's happiness and success.