Continued growth since its inception has kept Everthere Carriers' employees hustling. As the playing field expands, the need for new recruits becomes more apparent, Vice President of Sales George Pocisk said.

In the coming months, the Martinez-based company might make hires to keep business booming.

"We need somebody to make sure orders get out properly," he said, adding that organization becomes more difficult as more distributors sign on to market the company's hitch-mounted cargo carriers.

In addition to a warehouse manager, a bigger sales staff will be needed to keep the client base growing, Mr. Pocisk said.

Hiring can make or break a business, said Jerry Rudd, a counselor from Aiken's chapter of the Service Corps of Retired Executives.

There are two main reasons to hire new people, Mr. Rudd said. One is if the business is growing so fast that an employee would be considered an investment instead of an expense. The other is when a new employee is needed to ensure product quality, even if it means a dip in profits.

Don't hire if you're a lonely small-business owner who wants company, or someone who just wants to be a "boss," he warned.

If a small business is thinking about hiring, the first step is to figure out whether there's a true need and finances to pay for it, said Heather Woods, the Augusta director of the University of Georgia's Small Business Development Center.

Make sure an increase in sales isn't a blip that could quickly decline, forcing a new employee to be fired.

Before hiring, figure what type of person you are looking for.

"Sometimes business owners fill the spot with a warm body, rather than taking the time to analyze what kind of employee they need," Ms. Woods said. "The best fit may not be your 16-year-old niece who just happens to be available. If they end up being a poor fit, you've lost the time as well as the investment in training the person."

Document the responsibilities of new employees so it's clear up front what will be expected of them, she said.

To find a suitable salary range for your new employee, visit the Georgia Department of Labor's Web site and use the Wage Survey, which includes pay ranges for thousands of jobs in the state, Ms. Woods said.

When you have a potential candidate, check his or her references, she said.

"That's something a lot of small-business owners are hesitant to do," she said. "Sometimes they just hire by the force of the personality. The person may be able to hold it together for the interview and present a good front. References could shed some light on that."

Finally, bear in mind that a new employee might cost more than his or her wage. Any business with three or more employees is required to have workers' compensation, Ms. Woods said.

For this reason, some companies wait until they need five or six employees before hiring more than two, she said.

It might seem strange, but even small businesses could benefit from an employee handbook, Mr. Rudd said. This could prevent any legal disputes between employee and employer, he said.

Remember that if you're on your own and business is booming, an employee might just steer you clear of burnout, he said.

"Small businesses can just consume you," Mr. Rudd said.

"You could get to the point where you just need some help. You just can't be there 24/7. You need somebody to share the load."

Reach Tony Lombardo at (706) 823-3227 or tony.lombardo@augustachronicle.com.

Building a Business

Building a Business is a new, yearlong series in which The Augusta Chronicle follows the progress of a local start-up company, Everthere Carriers LLC, as it attempts to take its fledgling product to a national market. The following is the first story. Updates will be made monthly.

 • Series will follow company's journey
 • Area men get education in business as they mass-produce novel carrier
 • Go to manufacturers, designers with ideas
 • Trade show marketing is success for local business
 • Patent process is easier with help
 • As sales grow, Everthere is turning into full-time job
 • Product's success is dependent on testing
 • Local business picks up by latching onto Internet
 • Company revamps Web site to draw business
 • Everthere settles into new offices
 • Negotiating lease can be challenging
 • Family support is important to fulfilling dream
 • Work-life balance is one key to success
 • Licensing lets buyers tote interest
 • Logo-product partnership is beneficial to both sides
 • Everthere Carriers staff works together for success
 • New hires ease burden of increased workload
 • Everthere Carriers takes new product to health exposition
 • Preparation is important at trade event
 • Firm wrestles with issue of foreign labor
 • Cheap overseas work has its drawbacks
 • Everthere Carriers bids farewell to productive 2005
 • Everthere Carriers has come a long way
 • Q&A with Everthere's Steve Threet