Ryan Hoover - Baremetrics

Written by Josh Pigford | August 07, 2018

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This week I talk with Ryan Hoover, Founder of Product Hunt! In this episode we talk about growing up in Oregon, how video games shaped his future, the origins of Product Hunt, how Ryan was intentional about keeping Product Hunt a positive community, mistakes he’s made along the way and more!

Show Notes

1:05- What were you into as a kid?
2:00- Video games as a gateway into tech
5:00- Entrepreneurship as a kid
5:35- “How do I make money, not for my time but for my output?”
7:35- High School; exploring more tech
9:50- Modding Xbox’s
11:22- Video game internship with InstantAction as a marketing intern
12:30- Other interests and entrepreneurial spirit
13:54- Transition from Instant Action to PlayHaven- Product Management
16:35- Outlook on Product Management role
17:40- The idea for Product Hunt and meeting Nathan. Being “Creators” not “Founders”
19:00- Making Product Hunt stand out
20:10- Building a community or brand around a particular topic or interest can create a lot of value. “Find a hole and fill it”
21:35- Avoiding heir of negativity
23:06- Having an identity
24:23- Growing the Product Hunt community
25:48- How having a product management background played into the formation of Product Hunt
27:55- Transition from product manager to CEO
29:40- Focusing on the team and the people
31:40- AngelList acquisition
34:19- Staying focused on “tech”
37:18- The next year for Product Hunt
37:40- Sip and Ship
39:45- Partnerships for Ship
41:09- SaaS side of things vs. Community side of things

How to reach Ryan: Twitter

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