| I started as a “programmer” for a similar sized company, we’ve 2.5x and I’m the CTO now. I can share a great deal of input if you would like to chat sometime, message me/I’ll make a point to check tomorrow. Quick notes
* projects that add structure to data, but remain flexible to manual overrides are the most successful + fit logistics. * full automation is almost never possible. You can automate PIECES of the puzzle, but focus on building software for humans. * Broadly skilled technical jackrabbits are what you want. Fullstack Developer with great data modeling skills/dangerous with SQL (can DBA, can optimize queries, designing for future analysts) If you can find a unicorn, that wants to be a #1 and take on the challenge - grab and grow organically. Don’t throw bodies and money at it. Let them learn the business/bring them to meet everyone and see their processes and - if he’s good - he’ll find small improvements on existing systems/processes that help stabilize the sanity while he continies noodling the big picture. The big picture will take time / start small and see if you like the results before going two feet in and handing over operations to them. Attracting talent is easy for #1 show them the size of the company and potential opportunity. The right person has a long-view in mind and so long as they’re successful, keep them happy and the rest takes care of itself. Hard to leave an institution like that |