Successful entrepreneurs are inevitably people of sharp vision. They see opportunity where others do not -- and they act. For most, the keenest pleasure is leading the business as it grows. Of course, it's nice when the president of the United States notices your hard work.

Shawn Boyer founded SnagAJob.com eight years ago. The Richmond company runs a Web site that helps employers connect with hourly and part-time workers. Boyer, 36, was recently named National Small Business Person of the Year. That earned him a trip to the White House.

We'll let President Bush tell the rest of the story:

"Shawn started off by helping a friend search online for an internship, and he got an idea for a business right there," the president said last week during a ceremony at his place. "Sometimes that happens. You know, it's just like, 'click.' And the idea was to create a Web site to help unemployed Americans with job opportunities. And -- actually, I asked him to leave a business card because it seems like I might be looking here after a while." That drew some laughs and applause.

Bush continued: "He started his business with just two employees. I bet you a lot of the winners here can say: I started my business with one or two employees. He has grown -- got 100 employees now. His earnings have grown from almost $900,000 in '03 to over $11 million four years later."

SnagAJob isn't only about growth. Last year, the company won the Greater Richmond Chamber's prestigious Impact Award, which goes to businesses that are succeeding and contributing to the community. Boyer's path to the White House began with the Chamber's local selection process, which led to a victory at the state level and, ultimately, that presidential pat on the back.

The Richmond area can boast more than its share of successful small (and not-so-small) business owners. Still, it's always a pleasure to see one who is reaching a national audience.