Navigating HR for Local Publishers

Human resources is an essential and easy to overlook part of running a business. HR Kickstart helps publishers navigate the HR landscape as a trusted partner.

In my experience working at a large organization for many years, being summoned by HR was never something that one looked forward to. The reality however is that any highly functioning business must HR policies and processes in place.

Today’s guest is living proof that HR doesn’t have to live up to its stigma, and his company makes it easy to manage for local publishers who would rather be serving their communities than worrying about payroll tax compliance.

Sean Cullen Carroll is the co-founder and CRO of HR Kickstart, a company that helps businesses to scale quickly and sustainably by providing quick, innovative and practical HR support.

Sean’s career started as a public school teacher, and evolved from there into a 20-year entrepreneurial journey spanning real estate, marketing, training, consulting, and eventually co-founding HR Kickstart with his wife, Tanya Carroll.

Sean attributes much of his success to his love for learning and problem-solving. When Tanya, an HR expert with corporate and media experience, began fielding HR inquiries from journalists launching their own ventures, HR Kickstart was born. Leveraging Sean’s business acumen and Tanya’s HR expertise, the duo built a company that bridges the gap between HR and business strategy.

What Sets HR Kickstart Apart?

Unlike traditional HR firms, HR Kickstart brings the energy and creativity of a startup to its clients. Sean emphasizes their mission to infuse the passion of founders into HR solutions, ensuring that processes align with clients’ overarching goals. “What if we brought the same fire and energy that a founder brings to their startup?” Sean asks, highlighting the team’s commitment to tailoring solutions that empower businesses to thrive.

HR Kickstart specializes in making HR accessible and impactful, offering services like compliance guidance, team structure planning, and employee handbook creation. From one-person publishers to teams navigating acquisition processes, HR Kickstart tailors its support to meet diverse needs.

Understanding Local News Needs

Sean and Tanya’s expertise in local news stems from Tanya’s corporate HR background, where she gained the trust of journalists navigating high-stress environments. Her ability to empathize and provide actionable advice became the foundation for HR Kickstart’s approach to supporting newsrooms.

During the interview, Sean explains how HR Kickstart helps publishers tackle specific challenges like social media policies, managing freelancer relationships, and preparing for growth or acquisition.

One standout offering is their ability to provide flexible, fractional HR services—ensuring that even solo publishers can access expert advice without overextending their budgets.

Supporting Growth and Innovation

Sean’s advice for publishers echoes a recurring theme: think bigger. Whether it’s setting clear revenue and content targets, auditing how time is spent, or identifying where outsourcing could drive efficiency, Sean emphasizes the importance of intentionality.

For example, he suggests conducting a time audit to uncover inefficiencies and considering investments in support services, such as hiring freelancers for specialized tasks. Sean’s philosophy is that business owners should focus on activities that align with their unique skills and passions while outsourcing tasks that distract from their mission.

Navigating Acquisitions and Long-Term Growth

A growing trend Sean highlights is the acquisition of small publishers by larger media entities. For publishers considering this path, Sean stresses the importance of being prepared. From ensuring proper documentation to understanding compliance and business valuation, HR Kickstart provides guidance that empowers publishers to approach acquisitions with confidence.

Sean also emphasizes the broader importance of local journalism and its impact on communities. “What you’re doing is really important,” he reminds listeners. Whether you’re a solo publisher with a small audience or managing a growing newsroom, your work contributes to a vital ecosystem of informed communities and independent perspectives.

Building Trust and Connection

Throughout the episode, Sean shares anecdotes that illustrate HR Kickstart’s relational approach. Whether helping a solo publisher navigate freelancer contracts or supporting a newsroom through unionization, the team’s focus on understanding and empathy sets them apart.

Their recent partnership with Hyperlocal News Network is a testament to their commitment to innovation. By collaborating with industry leaders like Mike Shapiro, HR Kickstart is extending its reach and providing customized HR solutions to local publishers across various scales and needs.

To learn more about Hyperlocal News Network, go back and listen to this episode with Mike Shapiro.

Final Thoughts: Investing in Your Mission

As the episode concludes, Sean leaves listeners with a powerful message: don’t underestimate the importance of your work. For local publishers, the mission often transcends business—it’s about creating something that informs, inspires, and impacts communities. Recognizing the value of that mission can make it easier to invest in tools and partnerships that support growth.

Whether it’s a one-on-one consultation to tackle immediate challenges or ongoing support as your team scales, HR Kickstart is positioned to be a trusted partner for local publishers. As Sean notes, “If you’re executing today, you are winning.”

Connect with HR Kickstart:

Visit HRKickstart.com to schedule a complimentary consultation or learn more about their services. Connect with Sean Cullen Carroll on LinkedIn and follow HR Kickstart for updates, resources, and insights tailored to local publishers.