We’re Helping Teams Everywhere Have their Most Productive Day at Work: Jared Brown, CEO of Hubstaff

Hubstaff is a workforce management platform that helps businesses track time, monitor productivity, and streamline operations. Designed for remote teams, it automates time tracking, payroll, and invoicing, reducing administrative tasks while ensuring transparency. The platform provides detailed insights into work efficiency without micromanaging, allowing businesses to optimize resources effectively and make data-driven decisions. With features like geolocation tracking, workforce analytics, and seamless integrations with various tools, Hubstaff adapts to different industries and work models, catering to the specific needs of companies whether they operate remotely, on-site, or in hybrid environments. Security and privacy controls ensure a balanced approach to accountability, promoting trust within teams while maintaining the flexibility needed for different work cultures. By simplifying remote work management, Hubstaff enables companies to focus on results rather than process inefficiencies, driving growth and operational excellence.

In Conversation with Jared Brown, Co-Founder & CEO of Hubstaff

What inspired you to start Hubstaff?

The idea came from personal experience. My co-founder Dave and I were managing remote teams, and we struggled with keeping track of work hours and productivity. We wanted a solution that provided transparency without unnecessary complexity. Instead of relying on manual reporting, we built something that automated time tracking and made remote team management easier. Over time, we realized that businesses of all sizes faced similar challenges, and the need for better workforce management solutions was growing rapidly. That pushed us to expand Hubstaff’s capabilities, ensuring it could serve a broad range of industries while remaining easy to use and efficient.

What challenges did you face in the early stages?

Getting people to trust a new product was a hurdle. Businesses were hesitant to adopt automated time tracking because they were used to manual methods and traditional office setups. Convincing organizations to transition to a digital solution required persistent effort. Educating users about the benefits, demonstrating how Hubstaff improved efficiency, and ensuring that we provided real value helped us gain traction. Running a fully remote company ourselves also came with its own challenges, such as coordinating across different time zones and managing communication effectively. However, those experiences shaped how we built Hubstaff, focusing on real-world problems businesses face daily.

How do you balance privacy and accountability?

That balance is crucial. We designed Hubstaff with flexibility so businesses can choose the level of monitoring that fits their culture. Screenshots can be blurred, activity tracking can be customized, and employees can see their own reports to ensure transparency. The goal is not to micromanage but to provide insights that help both managers and employees be more productive. Many businesses struggle with maintaining trust in remote environments, and our approach allows organizations to measure productivity while respecting employee autonomy. We constantly refine our features based on feedback to strike the right balance between accountability and privacy.

What has been a defining moment for Hubstaff?

Seeing our platform being used by thousands of businesses worldwide is incredibly rewarding. One moment that stands out is when companies that started using Hubstaff as a small experiment eventually made it an integral part of their operations. That kind of validation tells us we’re solving real problems. Another key milestone was expanding our platform beyond just time tracking. Businesses needed workforce management solutions that integrated with payroll, invoicing, scheduling, and project management. Expanding our offerings allowed us to help businesses become more efficient, making Hubstaff an all-in-one solution rather than just a tracking tool.

How do you see remote work evolving?

Remote work is here to stay, but it will continue to evolve as businesses refine their policies and expectations. Companies are learning that flexibility doesn’t mean a loss of productivity. With the right tools, businesses can operate efficiently no matter where their employees are. Hybrid work models are also becoming more common, as organizations balance remote and in-office work to maximize collaboration while retaining flexibility. We’re focused on making sure Hubstaff continues to support different ways of working, whether fully remote, hybrid, or location-based. Companies that embrace adaptability and use technology to streamline their workflows will have a competitive advantage.

On a personal note, what motivates you as an entrepreneur?

I enjoy solving problems. Building something that helps businesses work smarter is fulfilling. I also love the challenge of growing a company, improving a product, and continuously adapting to new trends. Seeing the positive feedback from users keeps me motivated. Entrepreneurship is not just about building a business; it’s about creating solutions that make an actual difference in people’s lives. When I see companies achieving better efficiency, reducing operational burdens, and improving their work environment through Hubstaff, it reaffirms why we started in the first place.

How do you manage work-life balance?

It’s a constant effort. Running a company requires time and energy, but I make sure to set boundaries. Delegating responsibilities, trusting my team, and prioritizing personal time help me stay focused without burning out. I’ve learned that productivity isn’t about working longer hours but about making the best use of the time available. I encourage my team to do the same—work smarter, not harder. Having a great support system and making time for personal interests also plays a big role in maintaining that balance.

What advice would you give to someone starting in SaaS?

Focus on solving real problems. Listen to your users and iterate based on their feedback. Building a strong team and being adaptable will make a big difference. Most importantly, have patience. Growth takes time, and success comes from persistence and continuous learning. The SaaS industry is competitive, and overnight success is rare. Start with a clear value proposition, deliver real results to your customers, and always be willing to evolve your product. Surround yourself with talented people, stay disciplined, and never lose sight of why you started.

Jared Brown, Co-Founder & CEO, Hubstaff

It’s simple psychology. When your team tracks time with Hubstaff, everyone is more aware of how they're spending each minute of their day. This improves focus and keeps your team on task.