As a U.S. Army veteran exploring what opportunities Seattle’s burgeoning startup scene offered, Jason Cavness found that entrepreneurs were so focused on aspects of business development such as product market fit, that they completely forgot about the HR components integral to hiring, onboarding and supporting staff. So he founded CavnessHR in September 2017 to do just that – “deliver HR to companies with 49 or fewer people while retaining the human touch.”
CavnessHR’s motto is “transforming how HR is delivered to small businesses”
To some small business owners, the idea of having human resources support at all, is in and of itself transformational. For those with few staff members, HR tasks often get lumped into an office manager or CEO’s role, or they are neglected. This is where CavnessHR comes in to fill the niche. Offering comprehensive human resources service at an affordable cost, the company acts as an extension of a small business’s team, so that owners and operators can focus on satisfying customers and building their business. From employee handbooks to HR compliance, policies, laws, labor posters, job descriptions and responsive HR advice, CavnessHR is establishing itself in the local market, focusing currently on customer acquisition. It’s going to take multiple touches, he reflected, and follow-up is key.
To market his growing business, Jason is very active on social media and recently launched a new website, blog and podcast where he features HR advice on issues such as policy and work culture
He is a dedicated networker, frequently attending community meetings, events and celebrations in support of his fellow entrepreneurs. Jason also leads HR webinars at Business Impact NW, offers job search seminars at Fort Lewis and is a City Leader at Bunker Labs, a nonprofit and partner of the Veteran Business Outreach Center that supports veteran entrepreneurs and military spouses. “There are so many things you can do to add value,” said Jason.Jason was first introduced to Business Impact NW through the inaugural IMPACT Pitch, the annual competition now in its fourth year that offers idea-phase, startup, or existing businesses with a strong business plan or idea and a focus on positively impacting their communities the opportunity to win cash prizes. In 2018, Jason took home $2,000 for winning the mission award for Best Veteran-Owned Business.
To aspiring entrepreneurs, Jason advises “if you think it’s going to take one week, it’s going to take two weeks. If you think it’s going to take six months it’s going to take a year. You have to be humble, you have to be open to criticism, you have to be able to hear no…No one is going to believe in your idea like you do.”
The slogan of CavnessHR is to “be great every day,” and with a work ethic like Jason’s it’s possible.
CavnessHR is now offering services to Business Impact NW small business owners with less than 50 employees for $1,000 a year or $90 a month. For more information on this offer, email Jason at jasoncavness@cavnesshr.com. You can also sign up for the Cavness newsletter, follow them on social media @cavnesshr, or listen to their podcast for daily HR tips and free advice.
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Discover the CavnessHR listing on Business Impact NW’s Directory here.
About the author
Megan V. Torgerson
Megan is the founder of the storytelling initiative, Reframing Rural. She is an MFA candidate at Seattle University and holds a BA in English with an emphasis in creative writing from the University of Montana. Megan grew up on a farm and ranch in Montana and is inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of rural communities.