Episode 237: Hunter Jensen – Building, Tinkering, & Thriving on the Cutting Edge (Not the Bleeding Edge)

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Description:

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.

THE MEAT OF IT!

1. Introduction & The Builders Philosophy

• Why Hunter spun off Barefoot Labs from Barefoot Solutions
• Concerns about evolving business models in a fast-changing tech landscape

2. Early Roots in Tech & the Builder Mindset

• Growing up with early access to technology through his father
• Self-taught coding and the entrepreneurial spirit
• From freelancer to running a full-service software agency

3. Evolving Barefoot Solutions & the AI Pivot

• Launching Barefoot Labs and the Compass product
• Solving for secure, in-house AI implementations
• Staying “cutting edge, not bleeding edge”

4. The Power of Tinkering

• Why curiosity and experimentation drive better solutions
• Balancing innovation with client realities
• The role of “playing with tech” in shaping market-ready products

5. Customization Over One-Size-Fits-All

• Moving beyond the traditional SaaS model
• Building AI solutions tailored to unique business needs
• Why mid-market companies are a sweet spot for innovation

6. The Rise of Agentic AI

• What “agentic” AI means and why it’s the future of business operations
• From assistant to captain: autonomous, integrated AI workflows
• Real-world examples and near-future possibilities

7. Lessons for Builders & Innovators

• How to adapt without overreaching
• Talking to customers to refine product-market fit
• Building a culture that thrives on change

8. Closing Thoughts & Hunter’s Invitation

• The urgency of staying relevant in tech
• Why now is the time to lean in, not hold back
• How to connect directly with Hunter

Check out these related Episodes:

• Episode 236: Carol Tice – Building Million-dollar Communities: Creating Financial Freedom & A Future Exit
• 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