Resources
David Did It! — The One-Year Businessversary Interview
365 Days. Countless Coffees. One Fabulous First Year in Business.
You’ve heard of The 12 Days of Christmas, right? Well, here’s The 365 Days of David, told through a cheeky, candid, and (slightly caffeinated) interview to mark the first year of Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Ltd.
Let’s roll the tape…
The Big Bang
What made you finally take the leap and launch Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions?
It was a weird mix, I loved my job and what I did. But, in true David fashion, I wanted more, and I wanted it faster. I was never going to be the top biller let’s be real. I also realised I didn’t want to be a manager in someone else’s business I wanted to build something of my own, focused on what I am great at: building real, lasting relationships and delivering for people.
Lee (my husband and biggest cheerleader) kept saying, “You know you could do this, and do it your way.” And when I saw a gap in the market to support legal candidates and law firms across the UK in a more personalised way, it all clicked.
Be honest – was there a “what the hell am I doing?” moment?
More like a “what fresh chaos is this?” moment. A few months in, I had clients nationwide and things were a bit everywhere. It was full David-on-tour energy. I had to pause, regroup, and realign on where I could make the most impact. Once I did, the fog cleared.
If you could bottle the feeling of launching on Day One, what would you call that fragrance?
Delulu by David: notes of confidence, chaos, and a strong base of espresso.
Business, But Make It Sass
What’s been your proudest moment in Year One?
Launching Accountancy Recruitment. I wasn’t sure what the demand would be, or if my network would respond. But they did, in droves. Clients I hadn’t spoken to in ages reached out, other responded to my email promptly and the reception was unreal. Some clients are just a joy to work with, and when that mutual respect is there, the recruitment just works.
What’s been your biggest “oh dear god” moment?
Hiring for my own team. Legal was booming and I knew I needed help — but also knew I couldn’t rush it. I always tell clients: “Wait for the right hire, don’t panic-recruit.” I took my own advice, and I’m so thankful I did. Jake and Mara have already blown me away.
What’s something people don’t tell you about starting a recruitment business?
That the recruitment bit becomes just a % of your job. The rest? IT, accounting, ops, tech setups, HR, insurance. But I wanted to learn how the business worked properly, so I kept a lot in-house. (Shoutout to my very patient accountant.)
The Cash, The Clients, The Chaos
How did you get your first client?
No dramatic LinkedIn pitch. Just honest conversations. I never want to beg for jobs, I want to support firms that need it. We demonstrate how we make their life easier, and if that resonates, great. If not, there are plenty more to work with.
Weirdest thing a candidate or client has ever said?
Oh I never kiss and tell… 😉
Have you ever come this close to packing it in?
Honestly, no. I’ve been incredibly lucky with the support I’ve had. Clients have backed me. My family have believed in me. Friends have cheered every milestone. And now, the team I’ve built are on the journey with me. I genuinely feel grateful.
Learning Curve or Learning Cliff?
What have you learned about yourself since becoming your own boss?
That I’m tougher on myself than I need to be. Also, being your own boss means breaking silly habits, like asking permission to go to the dentist, or justifying your fifth coffee of the day. (I’m still working on that last one.)
What’s something you thought would be easy that was actually a nightmare?
Honestly, nothing too dramatic, except email setup. Who knew SPF, DKIM and MX records would become part of my life?
What do you now do better than you did 12 months ago?
Work-life balance. I protect my mornings, we finish at 4pm, and I make time for the gym, dinners, and life outside of work. The result? A better version of me – for the team, the clients, and myself.
Culture, Creativity & Champagne
What business quirk makes you proudest?
Our culture: open, team-first, and no Top Biller Olympics. Everyone helps each other, everyone earns from team wins, and everyone gets time off to recharge properly. Because happy recruiters do better work it’s that simple. Sitting with my husband to create a new commission scheme that celebrates and rewards the teams performance means that no matter who on the team is successful the whole team are rewarded.
Theme song for Year One?
The Bitch is Back – Elton John. Obviously.
How did you celebrate your first deal?
Bubbles, martinis, and my gorgeous friends hosting a little celebratory night. I’m nothing without my people.
Looking Ahead
What’s next for Year Two?
Growth, not just bigger, but better. I want to focus on developing Jake and Mara and enhancing our client and candidate service even more. Growth will come naturally if we do those things right.
What advice would you give to someone starting their own recruitment biz?
Do it! But make sure you’re ready – financially and mentally. You need to believe in yourself, because that confidence is what carries you through the wobbles.
Final message from 2025 David to 2023 David?
Make decisions based on your vision. Tune out the noise. Stay in your lane, and drive it like you stole it.
Thank you to every candidate, client, connection and cheerleader who helped get H-FTS through Year One. You know who you are and I’ll never forget it.
Here’s to the next chapter.
#DavidDidIt