FROM ROCK BOTTOM TO ROCKET SHIP: LESSONS FROM CHRIS HARDER ON REINVENTION, INVESTING + LIVING FULLY
If you’ve ever faced a major life pivot—or you're smack dab in one right now—this conversation with Chris Harder is going to light a fire in you. Chris is one of those rare people who can talk about money, mindset, business, and grief all in one breath—and somehow make you feel completely seen and inspired.
Chris is a wildly successful entrepreneur, podcast host, and co-founder (alongside his powerhouse wife, Lori Harder) of multiple companies including their latest venture, Frello, a peer-to-peer lending app. But what makes his story so powerful isn’t just the highlights—it’s the comeback story, the lessons from rock bottom, and the way he chooses to live life fully after deep loss. Let's dig in.
KICKED IN THE TEETH… THEN WHAT?
Chris’s journey starts with what he lovingly calls some pretty epic “kicks in the teeth.” First, getting kicked out of college. Then, climbing the corporate ladder in banking—only to lose it all in the 2008 financial crisis. He and Lori were living beyond their means, newly married, and suddenly had to start over from scratch. We’re talking selling furniture on Craigslist and short-selling their house kind of rock bottom.
But here’s the golden takeaway: when you’ve been stripped of everything, you get to choose again. Chris and Lori decided to rebuild with intention—choosing proximity to inspiration over savings by moving into the nicest building they could afford (barely), surrounded by high achievers. That decision? Game changer.
REBUILDING FROM THE GROUND UP
That comeback season looked like Lori launching her fitness business—charging premium prices even when she was scared—and eventually creating one of the first online fitness programs of its kind. Meanwhile, Chris went all-in on learning what actually works financially, especially during hard times. He studied the people who got wealthier during the recession and realized they all had one thing in common: multiple income streams and access to capital.
From there, he and Lori set new financial rules for themselves. One of the biggies? Never rely on one income source again. And their North Star became building a life where, if any stream dried up, they wouldn’t have to change their lifestyle.
IT’S ABOUT THE ROOMS YOU’RE IN
One thing Chris and Lori are HUGE on is getting in the room. In other words, putting yourself in proximity to people doing the kinds of things you want to be doing—even if it’s a little uncomfortable. Their entire comeback story, every new business venture, and even some of their closest friendships can be traced back to one dinner, one mastermind, or one random but intentional meetup.
A perfect example? The origin story of Frello. Chris got a random DM from a landscaper asking for $680 to keep his truck from getting repossessed. Instead of ignoring it, he followed a gut feeling and sent the money—no strings attached. That small act became the why behind a now-growing fintech startup designed to connect people who need small personal loans with people who can help.
And the kicker? Chris’s co-founder, Matt Merrick—who sold his last tech company for nine figures—was someone he met at a dinner seven years earlier. That one dinner led to a friendship, which turned into a partnership, which turned into building a company they both believe can change the game for financial accessibility.
INVESTING 101
When it comes to investing, Chris and Lori have a playbook they stick to religiously. Every year, they invest in five startups using these four criteria:
Founder First: They look for people who are scrappy, adaptable, and have a track record of turning obstacles into wins.
Disruptive Product: The idea has to be easy to talk about and in an industry with major momentum.
Clear Path to Exit: Whether it’s a sale, acquisition, or IPO, the founder needs a realistic plan for investors to get their money back.
Can We Move the Needle? They only invest in companies where they can help—through connections, audiences, or strategic guidance.
And yes, it's risky. Four out of five might not work. But that one? It can be the kind of win that changes everything.
Bonus tip? Getting on a company’s cap table (aka becoming an investor) isn’t just about money—it’s about access. The relationships and opportunities that come from being in the right investor circle are priceless.
TURNING PAIN INTO FUEL
The most emotional part of our convo came when we talked about loss. Both Chris and I lost our dads unexpectedly—and both of us came out of that grief with a deeper appreciation for presence, memory-making, and living fully now.
Chris shared something that hit me hard: after his dad passed, his dominant feeling wasn’t sadness—it was relief. Relief that he had said “yes” to every visit, every bike ride, every memory-making moment. He didn’t leave anything unsaid or undone.
That’s the vibe we should all be chasing. Being so present and so intentional with the people we love that when the time comes, we feel full—not filled with regret.
SO, WHAT’S NEXT?
What’s Chris most excited about right now? Frello, hands down. And also, the simple joys: long dog walks, Friday night Netflix sessions, lake house summers, and doing life with Lori.
As someone who’s built a life of significance from the ashes of setback, Chris is living proof that your worst moments can be the catalyst for your best chapter—if you let them.
So, what’s your next move? Is it finally saying yes to the dinner invite? Launching that idea? Pitching the investor? Whatever it is, take it from Chris: put yourself in the room, take the risk, and start building the life that lights you up.
Let me know your favorite takeaway over on Instagram @AlliArruda. I’d love to hear what part of Chris’s story hit home for you 💛
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE:
PART 1
PART 2