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.