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Before It Was Obvious, They Were Building It
Two Founders who trust their gut (and know how to use it)
Eric Harrison
May 06, 2025
There are founders who wait for the data to make the decision.
And then there are founders like these two—people who trust their instincts, take bold swings, and don’t wait for permission.
This edition of Underestimated is about the founders who started with their gut, and added in the data along the way.
 | Ryan O’Hara spent years writing content, running go-to-market, and experimenting with tech that didn’t quite work yet. So he built his own version—with jokes, permissionless creativity, and a little bit of irreverence. Now he’s turning heads the same way he always has: by doing things no one else thought to try. “The best companies in the world are built by weirdos who can execute.” This one’s for the founders turning heads on their terms. More about Ryan here! |
Jeremy Toeman started his career hand-coding websites in Notepad before building product teams at the intersection of hardware, software, and media. What does he think makes him different? Taste. The ability to see the future a few frames ahead—and build toward it. “Every single product I’ve ever worked on had a good chunk of taste baked into it.” This one’s for the builders trusting their gut and building ahead of the trends. Read Jeremy’s full story here! |  |
If these stories hit a little too close to home, good.
You’re not the only one figuring it out as you go. There’s a whole group of us doing the same—comparing notes, trading wins, and building real businesses without pretending to have it all together.
Some of those people are already in Thrive.
Some aren’t yet.
You’ll know which one you are.
— Eric 👋
 | Thrive is where founders find their people. |