In this episode of Founders Future, host Jae Encarnacion sits down with Melissa Bonner, co-founder of The Hire HR, a people-first HR consulting firm revolutionizing how startups, veteran-owned businesses, and small-to-medium employers navigate human resources and compliance. With over 15 years of experience, including roles in fintech and corporate HR leadership, Melissa shares the real-world challenges that inspired her to launch The Hire HR in 2022.

She discusses the misconceptions around HR for early-stage companies, how her firm offers tailored solutions from audits to offer templates, and how she's scaling the business through referrals, social media, and grassroots marketing. Melissa also opens up about the growing pains of wearing multiple hats, the importance of working on the business versus in the business, and her vision for empowering companies as they grow.

Whether you’re a founder wondering when to implement HR systems or a small business aiming to avoid compliance pitfalls, this episode is packed with practical insights and heartfelt advice from a mission-driven leader.