HR solutions for business owners are often the difference between a company that struggles to scale and one that builds a strong, sustainable team. In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Laura Woodard, Founder and CEO of GrassRoots Medical Marketing in Tampa, Florida, to talk candidly about hiring, onboarding, HR systems, and what it really takes to lead people well.
Laura is known in the healthcare world as the “Medical Marketing Maven,” helping private practices grow through strategic, compliant, and deeply human marketing. But as you’ll hear, it’s the people side of her business that truly sets her apart.
Why HR Solutions for Business Owners Matter More Than Ever
Laura’s journey into healthcare marketing was deeply personal. While helping her mother and aunt navigate the end of life, she struggled to find reliable online information about the specialists they were referred to. That frustrating experience drove her to create a company that helps doctors connect with the right patients — ethically and clearly.
And that same level of empathy shows up in how she builds her team.
“Marketing is not the top of [doctors’] list, but it needs to be — because in order for the right patient to find the right doctor, they have to be seen online.”
Hiring the Right People: Practical HR Solutions for Business Owners
When Laura first began hiring at GrassRoots, she didn’t post job ads or hire strangers. She followed advice from marketing legend Seth Godin: work with someone before you work with them.
Her first major hire was someone she had worked with in the past — a values-aligned, high-integrity person she trusted. She also leans heavily into situational interview questions to evaluate how candidates think, communicate, and solve problems.
“Hiring isn’t just about a resume. It’s about how someone thinks, solves problems, and aligns with your values.”
HR Solutions in Healthcare Marketing: Compliance, HIPAA, and Trust
One of the most unique challenges in Laura’s world? Marketing for doctors has to comply with HIPAA regulations.
“You can’t even put tracking info on a doctor’s website… and a lot of people aren’t aware of the HIPAA regulations in regards to marketing.”
To protect her team and her clients, Laura ensures all staff receive HIPAA training and approach patient data with extreme care — an essential part of HR solutions for business owners in healthcare.
Onboarding Systems: Scalable HR Solutions for Growing Businesses
Laura’s experience in high-tech and agency life taught her what not to do when onboarding new team members. Now, she does the opposite:
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Written offers with clear roles and expectations
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PTO and holiday policies up front
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30/60/90 day action plans
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Team-supported onboarding and mentorship
“Most small businesses sort of wing it when they hire… I have everything written down — so there are no questions.”
This structure has become a core piece of HR solutions for her business.
Remote Team Culture as an HR Solution for Business Owners
GrassRoots Medical Marketing has five team members — most of them working remotely. Despite this, Laura makes culture a clear priority.
They stay connected through:
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Weekly Zoom meetings
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Regular team lunches
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Traveling to see each other in person when possible
“You learn something about each person every time we have a lunch.”
She also emphasizes the importance of hiring people with a positive attitude, a love for learning, and problem-solving skills — critical traits for thriving in a dynamic industry like marketing.
What It Takes to Be a Business Owner: Leadership, Learning, and HR
To wrap up the episode, Laura was asked the show’s signature question:
“What does it really take to be a business owner?”
Her answer?
“It takes trying new things, testing tools, being willing to learn — even when it’s uncomfortable. You have to be a lifelong learner.”
Final Thoughts
Laura’s story is a reminder that HR solutions for business owners don’t need to be complicated — but they do need to be intentional. Whether it’s onboarding, compliance, team culture, or simply setting expectations, clear systems and empathetic leadership go a long way.
If you’re building a team — especially in a service-based business — this episode is packed with practical ideas and honest insight.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes
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