The Builders Hunter Jensen – Building, Tinkering, & Thriving on the Cutting Edge (Not the Bleeding Edge)
In Episode 237 of The Builders Podcast, Matt Levenhagen sits down with Hunter Jensen, CEO of Barefoot Solutions and founder of Barefoot Labs, for a deep dive into the mindset and methods of a modern builder. Hunter shares his journey from freelance developer to leading innovative AI solutions — all while keeping true to his philosophy of staying “cutting edge, not bleeding edge.”
This conversation explores the balance between curiosity and practicality, why tinkering is more than just a hobby, and how embracing change without chasing every shiny object can set you apart in the rapidly evolving tech world.
Key Takeaways:
- Stay Curious, But Grounded – Innovation thrives when paired with a measured approach. Hunter’s philosophy keeps his team close to the edge of technology without unnecessary risk.
- Build What Fits – Custom, secure AI solutions are in high demand, especially among mid-market companies looking to boost productivity without sacrificing data privacy.
- The Builder’s Mindset – Tinkering, experimenting, and continually learning are the core habits that drive innovation and adaptability.
- Agentic AI is Coming – The future of AI will be integrated, autonomous, and operational at the heart of business systems.
- Listen to the Market – Deep conversations with customers can reveal opportunities, refine ideas, and ensure solutions truly meet business needs.
Whether you’re a tech entrepreneur, product builder, or just fascinated by the future of AI, this episode is packed with practical insights and big-picture thinking.