Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, cofounders of 37signals, challenge nearly everything we’ve been taught about building a successful business. Known for creating powerful, simple products—and doing it with a remarkably lean team—their approach proves that bigger, louder, and busier doesn’t always mean better.
In Rework, they break down what truly matters when building and running a business. No fluff. No corporate jargon. Just practical, often contrarian ideas that make you stop and rethink the way work gets done.
This summary distills their key insights into short, focused takeaways. That said, nothing replaces reading the book itself. Fried and Hansson excel at bringing ideas to life through clear examples and real-world reasoning, making each concept easy to understand and immediately actionable.
True to their philosophy, Rework is refreshingly concise. You can easily read 10–20 pages in half an hour and walk away with ideas you can apply the very same day. It’s not just a book about business—it’s a guide to cutting through noise, simplifying decisions, and focusing on what actually moves the needle.
My hope is that you enjoy this overview—but even more, that you pick up a copy of Rework and put its ideas into practice.
Dimensional believes an advisor can work closely with you to understand your financial needs and provide a range of wealth management services, while encouraging the discipline essential to long-term investment success. Financial advisors who work with Dimensional operate independently from Dimensional and vary in the extent to which they use Dimensional funds.
JOSH DUNCAN CFP®
Q: What is Josh’s professional background?
A: Josh Duncan is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with a diverse background in both technology and corporate leadership. From 2002 to 2012, he held multiple roles at Caterpillar, including inventory management, project management, Six Sigma, business development, and operations management. His experience in process improvement and strategic operations brings structure and clarity to the financial planning process.
Q: What is Josh’s educational background?
A: Josh earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Eastern Illinois University and later completed his MBA through Capella University. His analytical and business training provide a strong foundation for comprehensive financial planning.
Q: When did Josh begin his career in financial planning?
A: Josh’s interest in personal finance accelerated in 2008, with a focus on long-term investing and personal financial planning. He officially entered the financial services industry in 2013 and quickly built a successful practice. In October 2018, he joined the F5 Financial team.
Q: Who does Josh serve and how does he help clients?
A: Josh works with individuals and families to develop and implement personalized financial plans designed to enrich their lives today while building a brighter future. He is passionate about helping clients achieve their goals and live lives marked by freedom and significance.
Q: Where is Josh located?
A: Josh is based in Venice, Florida, along the Gulf Coast. He also maintains an office in McDonough, Georgia, allowing him to serve clients in multiple regions.
Q: What is Josh like outside of work?
A: Josh and his wife, Tammi, stay busy raising their three boys, who are involved in band, drama, soccer, and piano. He’s also a self-proclaimed foodie who enjoys exploring the local restaurant scene. As a Christ-follower, Josh invests time in growing his faith and serving his community.
Designations and Affiliations
Curt Stowers, CFP®, PhD, MS
Q: What is Curt’s professional background?
A: Curt is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with a unique and diverse background. Before transitioning into financial planning full time in 2013, he spent 18 years as a corporate executive with Caterpillar, where he held roles in inventory management, project management, commercial management, operations management, purchasing, and business development. He also owned and operated a Subway franchise for over a decade, giving him firsthand entrepreneurial experience.
Q: What is Curt’s educational background?
A: Curt earned his BS, MS, and PhD in Industrial Engineering from the University of Illinois, where he spent nine years completing his education. During that time, he remained active in athletics and participated in numerous intramural championship teams.
Q: What inspired Curt to become a financial planner?
A: Curt has long been fascinated by personal finance. Around 2000, he began exploring the idea of launching a financial planning firm focused on helping families achieve their life goals. In mid-2011, he began taking concrete steps toward that vision and transitioned to financial planning full time in 2013.
Q: Who does Curt typically serve?
A: Curt works with families, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs who want a comprehensive financial plan in place to help them reach their life goals. His background in corporate leadership and business ownership allows him to bring practical, real-world insight to the planning process.
Q: What experience does Curt bring to his clients?
A: In his first year as a full-time financial planner, Curt managed over $100 million in portfolio assets and developed and administered financial plans for more than 50 families in Naperville and the surrounding area. His diverse professional and personal experiences — including living and working internationally — allow him to offer guidance across a wide range of financial topics.
Q: Where has Curt lived and worked?
A: Curt was born in Orlando, Florida and has lived in more than twenty different locations throughout his life. He has lived in Peoria, Chicago, and Denver, as well as internationally in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Brussels, Belgium. His global experience has shaped his perspective and ability to work with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Q: What is Curt like outside of work?
A: Curt is a husband and father of three. He is an avid outdoorsman and has been a competitive fisherman for over 15 years. He’s also an enthusiastic golfer with several sub-80 rounds, has coached youth sports for years, and enjoys swimming, biking, running, and participating in sprint-distance triathlons.
Q: How does Curt’s faith influence his life and work?
A: On October 22, 2015, Curt accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Since then, he has dedicated significant time and energy to growing in his Christian faith and seeking to honor and glorify God in all aspects of his life, including his professional work.
Designations and Affiliations
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Curt's Top 5 Books for Business Leaders
5 essential books for anyone who strives to be a leader in the world of business.
5 essential books for anyone who strives to be a leader in the world of business.
