Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Startup Founder Says Interns Helped Him Overcome Isolation And Burnout
Bryan Reed runs a startup called Freeport Markets.
He said working mostly alone made him very tired and unhappy.
He had been dealing with severe burnout for several months.
During the summer, the company hired three college interns.
The interns helped with marketing and brought new energy to the workplace.
Reed began spending time with them at dinners, gyms, movies, and reading sessions.
Their help also allowed him to share some responsibilities.
Even after the interns left, Reed said he learned that being social made him happier and helped him keep working on his company.
Bryan Reed, co-founder of Freeport Markets, said he experienced severe burnout for months.
The 24-year-old entrepreneur said he often worked alone while his co-founder handled separate tasks.
Hiring three college-aged summer interns for marketing brought fresh energy to the startup.
Shared dinners, gym trips, movie nights, and reading sessions helped Reed feel more connected.
Reed said delegating responsibilities and becoming more social improved his happiness without reducing productivity.
- Who
- Bryan Reed, co-founder of Freeport Markets, and three college-aged summer interns.
- What
- Reed said the interns helped him reduce burnout, feel less isolated, and become happier.
- When
- During the summer; Reed said he had experienced burnout for months beforehand.
- Where
- At Freeport Markets, based in New York City.
- Why
- The interns provided work support, social connection, fresh energy, and help with delegating responsibilities.
- Founder
- Bryan Reed
- Company
- Freeport Markets
- Age
- 24
- Location
- New York City
- Interns hired
- Three college-aged summer interns
- Intern role
- Marketing
- Reported outcome
- Reed said he was happier and remained motivated to continue building the startup.