I Almost Gave Up Until I Hired My First VA

From Cyclops Vapor to Cyclops Staffing: The Unexpected Journey

Before Cyclops Staffing and even Cyclops Painting, I started with something completely different: Cyclops Vapor.

It was my first business and a real passion project. We built something from nothing. But like many first ventures, it took more from me than I realized. After personal reasons led us to shut it down, I walked away with lessons that stayed with me.

That was the beginning of a new chapter.

The Reality of Growing a Business Without Support

With Cyclops Painting & Coating, I was back on the ground building something I could be proud of. The work was honest, and the clients were amazing. The business grew quickly, and at first, that felt like success.

But success came with a cost.

I was the estimator, the scheduler, the social media guy, the bookkeeper, all while still being a husband and a father.

And slowly, I started losing myself in the process.

I’d come home exhausted. Still working at the dinner table. Still replying to emails when I should have been helping with homework or just being present. There were nights I sat wondering if this was what owning a business was supposed to feel like—empty and overwhelmed.

Hiring My First Virtual Assistant Changed Everything

I reached a point where I had to choose: burn out or let go.

So I hired my first Virtual Assistant.

At first, it felt strange. I’d built everything with my own hands. How could someone else understand what I needed?

But soon enough, I realized I didn’t need someone to understand everything. I needed someone to take even just 20% off my plate, because that 20% was drowning me.

From inbox management to calendar scheduling to basic operations, things started to move smoother. I got time back. I showed up for my team and my family again. I finally felt like a business owner, not just a tired operator.

Why Cyclops Staffing Was Born

Cyclops Staffing wasn’t part of the original plan. It came from experience. Real, hard-earned experience.

I built this service for people like me:Business owners juggling too much. Entrepreneurs doing it all themselves.Parents trying to stay present while their to-do list grows behind the scenes.

Hiring a VA changed everything for me, and it’s now changing everything for our clients.

You Don’t Need to Do It Alone

If you’ve been where I’ve been, tired, on the edge, wondering if it's worth it, this isn’t just another staffing pitch.

It’s a reminder:You’re not failing. You’re just operating without support.

And support can change your business and your life.