Rework

In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson answer a fresh round of listener questions. They share how they stay focused when new ideas pop up, how structured work periods lead to steady progress, and why they’re careful about adding too much to their products.Key Takeaways:00:18 – Staying grounded by tackling one thing at a time06:08 – How scheduled work cycles keep the team on track11:58 – Trimming complexity to keep products lean20:21 – A preview of what’s in store for Basecamp 5Links and Resources:Record or upload a video question for Jason and DavidGet Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYREWORK podcast merchThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

This week on The REWORK Podcast, host Kimberly Rhodes chats with 37signals' CEO and co-founder Jason Fried about the practice of openly sharing what the company is working on, inspired by his recent teaser videos for an upcoming product, Fizzy. Jason explains why building in public fosters connection, clarity, and curiosity.Key Takeaways:00:12 – The company's history of sharing teasers and early product previews05:40 – The biggest risk in sharing previews13:30 – Design review videos with programmers and designers15:46 – Today’s transparency echoes former “Building Basecamp” workshops18:14 – Anyone close to the product can lead a sneak peekLinks and Resources:“First Preview of Fizzy” from Jason Fried on LinkedInAnother Fizzy demo from Jason Fried on LinkedIn“Fizzy Teaser” from Jason Fried on XRecord or upload a video question for Jason and DavidGet Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYREWORK podcast merchThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blo

This week on The REWORK Podcast, host Kimberly Rhodes is joined by Jason Fried to talk about cover letters — what they say about a candidate, how they’re reviewed at 37signals, and why they still matter. Jason shares his take on the value of genuine effort, how AI can either help or hurt your chances, and why hiring should stay a human process.Key Takeaways:00:13 – A cover letter says more about you than your résumé ever could03:35 – How using AI the right (or wrong) way shows up in applications06:04 – Why a pre-screening team reads every cover letter first07:18 – A thoughtful effort is often what gets you to the short list13:36 – It’s easier than you think to spot procrastination16:50 – At 37signals, hiring decisions are made by people—not algorithmsLinks and Resources:“Cover Letters? Yes!” From Jason Fried’s HEY World“When You Review Hundreds of Cover Letters…” LinkedIn post by Jason FriedRecord or upload a video question for Jason and DavidGet Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World |

In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson answer listener questions. They explain why keeping tabs on competitors isn’t part of their strategy, reflect on the changing face of leadership as younger CEOs step in, and talk about the energy that comes with fresh perspectives.Key Takeaways:00:22 – Why focusing on your customers matters more than watching competitors05:55 – A new wave of CEOs is bringing a fresh approach to leadership10:34 – Why you don’t always need a mentor—sometimes figuring it out is the best teacher17:38 – Jason and David’s different views on handling employee roadblocksLinks and Resources:Record or upload a video question for Jason and DavidGet Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYREWORK podcast merchThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

How much data do you really need to make good decisions? In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson talk about 37signals’ evolving relationship with analytics—from working with a full-time analyst to now focusing only on the numbers that truly matter. They share why gut feeling, curiosity, and margin often outweigh dashboards and reports—and how trimming the data obsession can lead to better, bolder decisions.Key Takeaways:00:09 – The shift from having a full-time data analyst to working without one02:25 – Just because you can’t measure it doesn’t mean it’s not important07:59 – Analytics don’t always drive product decisions10:15 – How financial margin fuels freedom to experiment13:42 – Don’t let data make you overly cautious15:26 – David’s take on cutting unnecessary costs19:48 – Weighing cost vs. value when making decisionsLinks and Resources:Record or upload a video question for Jason and DavidGet Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYREWORK p

In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, host Kimberly Rhodes puts 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson in the hot seat with a round of rapid-fire questions — from favorite apps and founder skills to customer requests and what's coming next.Key Takeaways:00:11 – Favorite software that Jason and David use (that they haven't built)03:42 – Underrated skills every founder should develop06:26 – Times they’ve completely changed their minds on a decision14:05 – Customer feature requests that likely won’t ever happen15:36 – A new 37signals product is on the wayLinks and Resources:Screen Studio – https://screen.studio/Obsidian – https://obsidian.md/Get Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYREWORK podcast merchThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

Before anything ships at 37signals, the team puts it to the test—by using it themselves. In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson talk about the importance of dogfooding, or using your own product before handing it off to customers. They share how this practice keeps them close to the real problems, and sometimes even kills off ideas that just don’t hold up.Key Takeaways:00:27 – Why every 37signals product is used internally before it ships07:15 – Who makes the final call after internal feedback comes in12:44 – The importance of building things you’ll actually use16:48 – Some products and features don’t make it past internal testingLinks and Resources:“Doing what you think, not what you thought” from Jason Fried’s HEY WorldGet Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYREWORK podcast merchThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

How do you decide what to work on next, without relying on a long, stale to-do list? In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson talk about why they don’t rely on lengthy roadmaps to set priorities. Instead, they focus on what makes sense now, not what seemed like a good idea months ago. They explain how working in real time leads to better decisions and thinking that fits the moment.Key Takeaways:00:44 – Priorities aren’t permanent—they’re meant to shift as you learn03:20 – Ditch the roadmap mentality in favor of real-time decision-making07:20 – There’s a difference between winging it and planning as you go09:10 – Why 6-week cycles give you just enough structure without locking you inLinks and Resources:“Doing what you think, not what you thought” from Jason Fried’s HEY WorldGet Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYREWORK podcast merchThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube

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 building01:01 – Why it’s easier than ever to build something—but harder than ever to get noticed05:48 – The barrier to entry is low, but staying in the game is the hard part08:05 – There’s no formula for what will take off and what won’t13:08 – Aim for more than just small wins—set bold goals16:04 – You have to be fully invested if you want your idea to stand a chanceLinks and Resources:Get Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYREWORK podcast merchThe 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 choice08:34 – Why it’s important to take money off the table11:35 – Striking the right balance between ego and humility15:00 – Profitability isn’t guaranteed forever18:27 – Well-managed profits create reliability for customersLinks and Resources:Why We Choose ProfitGet Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

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 enjoy02:45 – The tragedy of owning a business you don't love06:56 – Staying relevant in your business and knowing when to step in15:14 – Knowing when to step back so your team can grow17:51 – Maintaining a life outside of your business and having work/life balance20:36 – The parts of the business that require the founders' involvement23:33 – Jason and David's stance of not being serial entrepreneursLinks and Resources:Get Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on Yo

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 Takeaways00:28 – How 37signals’ product lineup has evolved over time08:00 – Why the company is adding a product designer to the team15:07 – Finding the “fun” in creating new products18:50 – Challenging yourself by stepping into the unknown23:16 – Using real products as a way to do research and developmentLinks and Resources:We're hiring a Product Designer!Find out about future job openings at 37signalsGet Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson answer  listener questions in this episode of The REWORK Podcast. They discuss the roles 37signals hires for (and the ones they don’t), the importance of staying accessible as a founder, and the thought process behind choosing a business structure.Key Takeaways00:16 – Employee roles at 37signals 04:33 – How non-programmers contribute to programming16:44 – Techniques for writing job descriptions18:47 – Tips for being an accessible founder25:22 – Deciding on a business structureLinks and Resources:We're hiring a Product Designer!Find out about future job openings at 37signalsGet Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

37signals' co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson are back to talk about the ins and outs of offering a product for free. In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, they break down why they decided to reintroduce a free Basecamp plan, how offering free access can actually drive sales, and balancing analytics with instincts.Key Takeaways:00:45 – The original philosophy behind Basecamp’s free plan03:14 – Going beyond the free trial07:36 – Tracking analytics without getting lost in the numbers12:48 – The true cost of offering something for free19:13 – Pricing strategies for new products 37signals is buildingLinks and Resources:Get Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

There are no full-time managers at 37signals, but that doesn't mean the company is void of mentorship. In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, host Kimberly Rhodes chats with Principal Programmer Jeffrey Hardy as he breaks down the company’s focus on peer-to-peer mentorship. They discuss hiring practices that allow for less management and what mentorship looks like amongst the team.Key Takeaways:00:42 – Meet Jeffrey Hardy, Principal Programmer02:09 – The evolution of 37signals' management structure05:19 – Replacing managers with mentors10:53 – How hiring impacts the ability to operate without managers13:35 – The power of seeking entrepreneurial experience15:10 – A day in the life of a mentor17:40 – Tips for being a better mentorLinks and Resources:Books by 37signals30-day free trial of HEYSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X

Does blogging still matter in tech? In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, host Kimberly Rhodes chats with 37signals' Principal Programmer Jorge Manrubia about why blogging is very much alive. They dig into the history of the 37signals developers blog, the company's process for contributions, and the added benefits this communication tool provides. Key Takeaways:00:50 – Meet Jorge01:03 – The history of the 37signals developers blog02:25 – The process — who contributes and how topics are decided05:09 – Benefits of writing on the blog and sharing content with the public07:40 – What to consider when starting a company blog09:43 – Sharing code isn’t as revealing as you might think11:28 – Secondary benefits of sharing your content13:30 – What’s next for the blog?Links and Resources:The 37signals Dev BlogBooks by 37signals30-day free trial of HEYSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals

There is a way to bring your customers together in a meaningful way. In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, host Kimberly Rhodes welcomes 37signals' Support Team members Merissa Dawson and Ashley Bowe to discuss how the Basecamp Community came to life. They describe how they've connected with Basecamp customers and how they've connected customers with each other. They also offer a few tips for anyone looking to start their own community of customers and company enthusiasts.Key Takeaways:00:40 – Meet Merissa and Ashley from Basecamp Support01:54 – The Basecamp Community origin story05:03 – The Community as a place for sharing and collaboration07:20 – The 37signals team role within the Community09:08 – Starting a community without fear of failure13:27 – Tips for starting your own community of users and fansLinks and Resources:Join the Basecamp Community"Launch: 37signals Answers" from Signal v. NoiseHow Decent Espresso uses multiple tools in a single Basecamp projectBooks by 37signals30

Customer support is more than just a department — it’s a core feature of any great product. In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, Kimberly Rhodes chats with Chase Clemons, Head of Customer Support at 37signals, about the company's view of support as a product feature. They discuss 37signals' approach to helping customers, the value of ongoing training, and how AI can fit into support strategy without sacrificing the personal connection.Key Takeaways:00:37 – Chase Clemons, Head of Support at 37signals02:12 – Customer Support is a feature, not a cost center.04:09 – Support should focus on the customer experience06:36 – Using case studies to train your support team07:49 – Team members are trusted to use good judgment09:58 – Maintaining a friendly, conversational tone with customers11:27 – Measuring success in Customer Support14:12 – AI vs. the human element in Support17:25 – Encourage customers to reach outLinks and Resources:Books by 37signals30-day free trial of HEYSign up for a 30-day free trial at

Wondering when it’s the right time to grow your team? In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, 37signals' co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson chat about their “hire when it hurts” approach as described in their book REWORK. They cover why you shouldn’t rush into bringing someone on board, how to know when there's a critical business need, and how to seize the moment when the right people show up.Key Takeaways:00:38 – Try tackling projects with the team you already have before hiring02:43 – Some roles don’t call for a full-time position07:33 – Knowing the difference between an actual staffing shortage vs. just being busy09:48 – A workload spike doesn’t always mean it’s time to expand12:33 – Snagging available talent early if you’re already planning to hire soon15:35 – One open position can become multiple hires when the talent pool is just rightLinks and Resources:Books by 37signals30-day free trial of HEYSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastT

How does 37signals decide when software is ready to ship? In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, 37signals’ co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson discuss the company's Seven Shipping Principles. They dive into when a product update is good enough to ship and the importance of making updates to solve actual problems.Key Takeaways:00:11 – We only ship good work.03:36 – The problem with MVPs04:41 – We ship when we're confident.10:08 – We own the issues after we ship.13:41 – We don’t ship if it isn’t right.17:11 –  Making sure your solution tackles a real problem20:00 – We ship to our appetite.Links and Resources:“Seven Shipping Principles” from the 37signals websiteBooks by 37signals30-day free trial of HEYSign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.comHEY World | HEYThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X