HAMMER. HAMMER. HAMMER.

I don't have an assistant.

I've tried it, but here's the reality: I need someone who can match my pace, not someone who “keeps the candy bowl full”.

Think “Hollywood agent's assistant”, not admin.

A hard charger who is paying their dues… not a career admin.

Most business owners default to hiring an EA because it feels like the responsible thing to do.

But an EA's job is to manage logistics, not HAMMER HAMMER HAMMER (What I want).

The problem with traditional EAs is that you get one of two types:

The "white tennis shoes" crowd who've mastered Outlook but move at half-speed…

…or KILLERS who should be running departments, not booking flights and ordering for you off Amazon.

Neither type works for what I actually need.

I don't just need admin—I want HORSEPOWER.

So I hire APPRENTICES instead.

For six months, they're attached to my hip.

Yes, they handle some logistics, but more importantly, they're building context about how the business (AND I) work.

They're in meetings that matter.

They're solving problems.

Their futzing with AI and new technology I’m playing with.

They're keeping pace.

Most crucially, they know this is temporary.

After six months, strong performers get promoted into bigger roles.

UP OR OUT.

If they are still standing after six months, they identify and train their replacement, and skeeeeeedadle.

What roles do they take over?

WHATEVER.

They are well prepared for almost anything in the companies I run.

They might run a team, lead key initiatives, or take over entire business units.

The specific role depends on their strengths - we figure that out during the apprenticeship.

This attracts a different breed.

When you post for an apprentice role with a clear growth path, you get hungry people who want to build things and HAMMER.

I look for people like former restaurant types, recent grads who hustle on side projects - people with raw horsepower and drive.

They might lack polish or a nice resume, but they're quick studies who can match my tempo.

I've had many former “apprentices” go on to run significant operations within our company…. the two names you might recognize are Binsi and Germaine - who both run big teams now.

They succeeded because they learned the business from the ground up, understood how I think and our standard, and had the capacity to grow beyond a support role.

In most cases - these people won’t apply for a sleepy admin role.

If you're considering hiring an assistant, ask yourself what you really need.

If it's just someone to manage your calendar, fine.

But if you need someone who can truly support you in building a business - someone who can think ahead, solve problems, and eventually take things off your plate entirely - hire an apprentice instead.

Just be prepared to promote them when they're ready.

The key is thinking of the role as a springboard, not a destination.

You don’t need an EA. You need someone who can start fast, keep up, and take things off your plate for good.

Yallah Habibi,

Jon