Ep 47: Protecting Culture Through Hyper-Growth

Guest Bio:

Parker Hansen is the VP of People at Gabb, the maker of the safest software and devices for kids and teens. From the diverse food city Fresno, California, Parker came to Utah and started his HR career. In the past, he did operations in athletic administration, which kept his love of sports at the forefront. He still enjoys playing sports, especially with his kids, in hopes that his knees hold out when they’re older. He loves finding the intersection of people and process and how they can be mutually beneficial.

Follow Parker Hansen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parker-hansen-04418372

Episode Highlights:

Gabb, a Utah company recognizable for its roadside billboards promoting safe tech for kids, has seen significant expansion. Parker Hansen, the VP of People, shared insights into balancing autonomy and growth, and policy and staying on the course. Starting as one of a handful of employees in 2020, Parker covered everything from hiring to IT. 

Instead of immediately establishing strict rules, Gabb initially prioritized hiring individuals who connected with their purpose. This "sidewalk test" approach allowed processes to evolve naturally, a contrast to overly bureaucratic environments he’d previously experienced. Open communication is a core value, influenced by "Radical Candor," where directness is favored for effective problem-solving.

As Gabb grew, they learned to balance necessary structure with employee independence. Policies were typically introduced to address recurring issues, while individual disagreements were usually resolved through direct conversation. Central to their strategy is careful hiring, focusing on individuals who are both capable and committed to Gabb's mission of creating safer technology options for children.

A key focus for Gabb is addressing the potential downsides of early and unrestricted technology use for kids. Parker mentioned "The Anxious Generation," a book discussing the shift towards screen-based childhoods. From a parental standpoint, he stressed the difference between a child's needs and wants regarding technology, particularly concerning social media access. Gabb's products aim to provide necessary connectivity while minimizing exposure to online risks.

Through finding the right talent, giving them autonomy and ensuring progress is in the right direction, Gabb has been able to fulfill its mission of developing innovative, safe technology for children while cultivating a distinct, effective internal culture to support their rapid growth.

Additional Resources:

Exclusive Gabb promotion- get a free accessory per each device purchased at checkout:

Use this link: http://gabb.com/promo/GABB2025

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Gabb’s website: gabb.com‍

Radical Candor book on Amazon‍

The Anxious Generation book on Amazon‍