Framework
Buy, Borrow, Then Build
The sequencing Eric uses to avoid rebuilding infrastructure that already exists.
How it works
- 1Identify the big thing that could block your MVP and ask if it's critical to own.
- 2Use open source cores and existing APIs (Eric's team runs a self-hosted open source CRM with MCP built in) instead of reinventing wheels.
- 3Get revenue first, then decide whether to rip and replace.
Hear it on the podcast
Stop Making AI Human: The Contrarian Take Every Founder NeedsListen to the episodeMore from this episode
The Shower PRD MethodEric's method for separating thinking from tooling before a single prompt gets typed.Brief → Epics → Milestones → TasksEric's cascade for turning a rough idea into agent-ready, hallucination-checked work.The Four Tires TestEric's filter for cutting a roadmap down to what a car actually needs to move.Make AI More AIThe contrarian principle that gives the episode its title and its argument against humanizing AI.
Get the next framework first
One email a week with the frameworks, tools, and founder stories from the podcast. Free.
More frameworks for Strategy & Moats
The Tiny Team DoctrineTim's case for why headcount is no longer the constraint on ambition.Own the Restaurant, Don't Make the PastaAI Squared's operating philosophy for every company it acquires.Value Laddering and Behavioral PsychometricsHow AI Squared turns human decision-making into a competitive weapon.Stick to Your KnittingThe failure filter Jeremy built after nearly losing everything.The Switch-Off TestJeremy's moat framework for any critical input your business depends on.The Second Tree FrameworkJeremy's answer to realizing you've missed a decade-long trend.