The article lists many things that "operations management" people in early-stage startups do that would be applicable to a remote company as much as an in-person one: taxes, accounts payable, hiring management, equipment management / basic IT, various accounting and finances, travel planning, and so on.
Having someone manage operations is just as essential in a remote company as it is in an in-person one.
I do agree that the crappy snacks management / trash organization facet goes away to a large extent in a remote environment, but I certainly don't think that makes the role described in the article any less essential.
fair point.. although I personally lump accountants in with lawyers as something you can't live without but hopefully don't need full time. Hiring is much easier when you're remote for the reasons already mentioned in the book and for many organizations it's something a small team of developers can handle themselves.
Having someone manage operations is just as essential in a remote company as it is in an in-person one.
I do agree that the crappy snacks management / trash organization facet goes away to a large extent in a remote environment, but I certainly don't think that makes the role described in the article any less essential.