Shawn Boyer turned an idea he had as a lawyer into an online success.

A Henrico County businessman who at times wasn't sure he could make payroll was named the National Small Business Person of the Year yesterday.

SnagAJob.com President and Chief Executive Shawn Boyer was honored at a Small Business Administration luncheon in Washington for turning an idea he had as a lawyer into an online success.

The idea began in 1999, when a friend was having a tough time finding an internship online and enlisted Boyer's help. He saw there were few to no options when it came to internships or hourly jobs.

Boyer came up with SnagAJob, and the company launched in March 2000 as a Web site connecting employers with part-time and hourly workers.

"My parents invested their entire life savings in the company," said Boyer, 36.

Boyer and fellow "snaggers" first worked out of a 1,000 square-foot-storage unit in a medical-office park. Times were lean, but a second infusion of cash from his parents helped keep the company moving forward.

Now, with 9 million registered users, the company occupies a 35,000-square-foot space at Innsbrook Corporate Center office park, where employees gathered around a big-screen television to watch a webcast of the awards ceremony.

Steve Preston, the administrator for the Small Business Administration, said Boyer keyed in on an unmet need and filled it.

"Small businesses are not only creating jobs in our communities, they are finding people jobs," he said.

Boyer was driving back to Richmond last night for a board meeting today, but he will return to Washington hours later for a chance to meet President Bush and get a tour of the White House. A gala and dinner will be held that evening.

Three other business owners were named runners-up for the award. Candidates for the award were selected based on financial stability, community service and innovation.
Contact Emily C. Dooley at (804) 649-6016 or edooley@timesdispatch.com.