5 - Build Less, Validate More: The Startup Power of Customer Discovery

Tekyz

Published on: 12/09/2025

In this episode of "Scaling Smarter," host David Hirschfeld interviews Todd Gagne, CEO & Co-founder of Wildfire Labs, an AI startup studio in South Dakota. He explains how AI and workflow automation streamline customer discovery, feedback, and founder support. Todd highlights the importance of coachability, problem-focused thinking, and sustainable growth over chasing unicorns. The episode features real founder stories, practical advice, and a discussion on using AI for proactive healthcare, ending with insights on work-life balance and continuous learning.