REWORK

Building On the Side

REWORK

Have a day job but dreaming of launching the next big thing? In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, a listener question sparks a conversation with 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson about juggling consulting work while building products on the side. They share real talk about timing, expectations, motivation — and why your side project should serve you, even if it doesn’t turn into a smash hit. Key Takeaways: 00:12 – Host Kimberly Rhodes reads a listener question about balancing consulting with product building 01:01 – Why it’s easier than ever to build something—but harder than ever to get noticed 05:48 – The barrier to entry is low, but staying in the game is the hard part 08:05 – There’s no formula for what will take off and what won’t 13:08 – Aim for more than just small wins—set bold goals 16:04 – You have to be fully invested if you want your idea to stand a chance Links and Resources: Get Basecamp for free at Basecamp.com Books by 37signals HEY World | HEY REWORK podcast merch The REWORK podcast The Rework Podcast on YouTube The 37signals Dev Blog 37signals on YouTube @37signals on X

Why we choose profit

REWORK

In a world where constant reinvestment is celebrated, 37signals chooses profit. In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson talk about how profit gives them freedom, clarity, and staying power—not just for the company, but for their customers too. They make the case for building a business that’s solid, simple, and self-funded. Key Takeaways: 00:27 – How being profitable is actually a choice 08:34 – Why it’s important to take money off the table 11:35 – Striking the right balance between ego and humility 15:00 – Profitability isn’t guaranteed forever 18:27 – Well-managed profits create reliability for customers Links and Resources: Why We Choose Profit Get Basecamp for free at Basecamp.com Books by 37signals HEY World | HEY The REWORK podcast The Rework Podcast on YouTube The 37signals Dev Blog 37signals on YouTube @37signals on X

Build a business that runs without you

REWORK

Can you build a company that thrives even when you’re not in the room? In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson talk about the jobs they've created for themselves and how they're able to step away without progress coming to a halt. They discuss the fine line between being involved and letting the team run things without them. Key Takeaways: 00:14 – The importance of creating a job for yourself that you enjoy 02:45 – The tragedy of owning a business you don't love 06:56 – Staying relevant in your business and knowing when to step in 15:14 – Knowing when to step back so your team can grow 17:51 – Maintaining a life outside of your business and having work/life balance 20:36 – The parts of the business that require the founders' involvement 23:33 – Jason and David's stance of not being serial entrepreneurs Links and Resources: Get Basecamp for free at Basecamp.com Books by 37signals HEY World | HEY The REWORK podcast The Rework Podcast on YouTube The 37signals Dev Blog 37signals on YouTube @37signals on X

Increasing Capacity

REWORK

How do you do more without growing your team substantially? In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson share how they’re expanding their product lineup while keeping their team lean. They reflect on how their approach to building software has evolved, and how pushing into the unknown makes the work more exciting.  Key Takeaways 00:28 – How 37signals’ product lineup has evolved over time 08:00 – Why the company is adding a product designer to the team 15:07 – Finding the “fun” in creating new products 18:50 – Challenging yourself by stepping into the unknown 23:16 – Using real products as a way to do research and development Links and Resources: We're hiring a Product Designer! Find out about future job openings at 37signals Get Basecamp for free at Basecamp.com Books by 37signals HEY World | HEY The REWORK podcast The Rework Podcast on YouTube The 37signals Dev Blog 37signals on YouTube @37signals on X