Description:
In this solo episode of The Builders, Matt Levenhagen reflects on a pivotal moment in his business journey—one that many founders, creatives, and agency owners will relate to.
After years of scaling a successful agency and managing a distributed team, Matt finds himself craving the simplicity and satisfaction of doing the work again—of coding, building, and being the craftsman. In a world that glorifies growth at all costs, this episode unpacks a dilemma many builders face: Do you keep scaling big, or do you get back to the craft that started it all?
He shares what he’s rediscovered, how AI tools like Cursor have amplified his creative flow, and why being in the work can be the very thing that sets you apart. It’s raw, honest, and a powerful reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to building.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Scaling isn’t the only measure of success—joy and fulfillment matter.
- Sometimes stepping back into the work is the best way forward.
- AI can enhance craftsmanship, not replace it.
- Being a builder again can be your differentiator in a crowded market.
- Growth is personal. The right path is the one that aligns with what lights you up.
THE MEAT OF IT!
1. The Season of Simplification
- Recognizing burnout from over-scaling
- Realigning with what sparks joy
- Acknowledging that growth doesn’t always mean “more”
2. From Visionary to Builder Again
- Rediscovering fulfillment in development work
- Reframing your role as a founder
- The identity shift from manager to maker
3. Tools, Process & the Joy of Flow
- Using AI tools like Cursor to enhance creative flow
- Building systems and reusable assets for efficiency
- When losing track of time means you’re in the right place
4. Redefining Growth: What Are You Really Building?
- Questioning traditional agency success metrics
- Building smaller, smarter, and more intentional
- Why scaling can sometimes dilute what you love
5. The Craft as Differentiator
- Embracing craftsmanship as a competitive edge
- Standing out by doing the work others don’t want to
- Why getting back to the work can be the brand
6. Final Reflections: Season 2 and the Future
- What’s ahead for The Builders podcast
- Owning the evolution in public
- The freedom in building on your own terms
Click to See Episode Chapters and Timestamp
| Timestamp | Summary |
| 1:58 | Navigating Business Challenges and Growth in the Agency World |
| 9:29 | Building and Managing a Growing Web Design Agency |
| 15:47 | Balancing Business Growth with Personal Passion and Quality Control |
| 25:03 | Rediscovering Passion for Coding and Building Custom Frameworks |
| 34:44 | Reevaluating Business Goals to Embrace Craft and Personal Branding |
| 39:52 | Refocusing Business Efforts on Unified Web Design |
| 44:17 | Embracing Authentic Craftsmanship in a Changing Industry Landscape |
| 49:50 | The Power of Personal Relationships in Business Success |
| 54:33 | Finding Happiness in Simplifying Business and Embracing the Craft |
| 1:02:08 | Building Smarter Websites with Unified Web Design |
Check out these related Episodes:
- Episode 234: Matthew White – They Built an AI Browser… Moving Toward AI Becoming the Operating System
- Episode 233: Matthew Stafford – Building Revenue-Optimized Customer Journeys That Convert
- Episode 229 – Building in the Age of AI: How I’m Positioning My Agency for What Comes Next
