From The Ground Up Show - Entrepreneur and Leadership Success Stories from Blue Collar, and Unconventional Career Paths

From The Ground Up Show with Erick Loden
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From The Ground Up Show is where the next generation of free-thinking leaders come to be inspired. Host Erick Loden sits down with the men and women who’ve built success with their hands, their hustle, and their heart — from tradespeople and entrepreneurs to self-starters and service members we sit down with those who have rejected the traditional career path and chosen to blaze their own path. Through raw, honest conversations and real listener questions, we uncover the lessons, mindset, and grit it takes to build something that lasts - from the ground up. 

  1. 3d ago

    Dashaun Bryant - From College Dropout to Roofing Sales Powerhouse | Mindset, Hustle & Building Roof Hustlers

    Success leaves clues—and Deshaun Bryant's journey is proof that where you start doesn't determine where you finish. In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, host Erick Loden sits down with entrepreneur, sales leader, and Roof Hustlers founder Deshaun Bryant to discuss the mindset, discipline, and relentless work ethic required to build success from the ground up. Deshaun shares his story of overcoming setbacks, flunking out of college, facing adversity, and ultimately finding his path through door-to-door sales, leadership, personal development, and entrepreneurship. Together, they dive deep into the lessons learned from rejection, the importance of communication, building a personal brand, and what it really takes to become a top performer in today's competitive business environment. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, salesperson, contractor, leader, or someone striving to reach the next level in life, this conversation is packed with practical insights and hard-earned wisdom that can help you accelerate your growth. In this episode, you'll learn: How failure can become the foundation for future success • The mindset required to excel in sales and business • Why communication skills are critical for leadership • How to build confidence through action and repetition • The role personal branding plays in creating opportunities • Lessons from the world of door-to-door sales and entrepreneurship • What separates high achievers from everyone else If you're looking for motivation, business advice, sales strategies, leadership lessons, and real-world entrepreneurial insights, this episode delivers. Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs, business leaders, creators, and innovators who are building success one step at a time. #FromTheGroundUpShow #DeshaunBryant #Entrepreneurship #SalesLeadership #BusinessPodcast #PersonalDevelopment #SuccessMindset #Leadership #SalesTraining #RoofingIndustry #BusinessGrowth #Motivation #SmallBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #GrowthMindset https://shop.fromthegroundupshow.com/   Sponsor Links: https://www.macarthurco.com https://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshow   Connect with From The Ground Up Show:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p https://www.facebook.com/fromthegroundupshow https://www.instagram.com/fromthegroundupshow/ https://www.tiktok.com/@fromthegroundupshow https://x.com/FTGUshow   Watch the video show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MTf-BWMWA4E   Appear on the Show as an expert guest or ask a question of Erick and one of his guests:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com   Guest Links: https://roofhustlers.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@roofhustlers6686 https://www.instagram.com/roofhustlers/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@roofhustlers https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofhustlers/

    Dashaun Bryant - From College Dropout to Roofing Sales Powerhouse | Mindset, Hustle & Building Roof Hustlers

  2. Aug 11

    Brent Garrett - From a $5,000 Truck to a Better Business

    In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, host Erick Loden sits down with Brent Garrett for a powerful conversation on entrepreneurship, leadership, business systems, and what it really takes to build a successful company that can thrive without consuming your life. Too many business owners find themselves trapped in the daily grind—working harder every year but never gaining the freedom they envisioned when they started. Brent shares hard-earned lessons from decades in business, including how to build systems that scale, develop leaders who can carry the load, and create a company that grows beyond the owner's direct involvement. Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, manager, trades professional, or aspiring leader, this episode is packed with practical insights on business growth, leadership development, operational excellence, company culture, and long-term success. In this episode, you'll learn: Why systems and processes are essential for sustainable business growth • How effective leadership can transform an organization • Common mistakes that keep entrepreneurs stuck • The importance of developing people and building strong teams • How to create a business that supports your life instead of controlling it • Lessons learned from years of business ownership and leadership If you're looking to scale your business, improve your leadership skills, build a stronger team, or gain more freedom as an entrepreneur, this conversation delivers actionable wisdom you can apply immediately. Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs, business leaders, innovators, and free-thinking individuals who are building exceptional lives and businesses from the ground up. #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwner #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #Entrepreneur #SuccessMindset #BusinessSystems #CompanyCulture #Management #LeadershipPodcast #SmallBusinessOwner #FromTheGroundUpShow   https://shop.fromthegroundupshow.com/   Sponsor Links: https://www.macarthurco.com https://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshow   Connect with From The Ground Up Show:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p https://www.facebook.com/fromthegroundupshow https://www.instagram.com/fromthegroundupshow/ https://www.tiktok.com/@fromthegroundupshow https://x.com/FTGUshow   Watch the video show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jBvYxnQfJ2E   Appear on the Show as an expert guest or ask a question of Erick and one of his guests:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com   Guest Links: https://brentgarrett.com https://theskilledtradescoach.com/ https://a.co/d/0ggZ6Vxm

    Brent Garrett - From a $5,000 Truck to a Better Business

  3. Aug 4

    Chris Hallberg, The Business Sergeant - From Prison Sergeant to Business Sergeant: Building Elite Teams, Strong Culture, and Entrepreneurial Freedom

    From Prison Sergeant to Leadership Expert: Building Elite Teams, Strong Culture, and Entrepreneurial Freedom | Chris Hallberg What separates average organizations from elite teams? In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, Erick Loden sits down with entrepreneur, EOS implementer, leadership coach, and Business Sergeant founder Chris Hallberg. Chris has spent decades helping organizations improve leadership, accountability, communication, and performance. His work earned national recognition when he was ranked #9 on Inc. Magazine's Top 50 Leadership & Management Experts list. But his journey didn't start at the top. From struggling in school and being labeled a problem student, to serving in the National Guard, working as a corrections officer, building and selling a remodeling company during the Great Recession, and eventually coaching leaders across the country, Chris has learned leadership through experience. In this episode, Erick and Chris discuss: Leadership lessons from the military, corrections, and entrepreneurship • Building accountability without creating a culture of fear • How to develop leaders throughout your organization • Creating a company culture that attracts and retains great people • Why entrepreneurs often become trapped in their own businesses • Implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) for growth and clarity • Building self-managing teams that perform at a high level • Creating systems that support long-term business success Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, manager, executive, trades professional, or aspiring leader, this episode is packed with practical insights and actionable takeaways. If you're interested in leadership development, entrepreneurship, business growth, team building, company culture, accountability, EOS, management, and organizational performance, this conversation delivers real-world lessons from someone who has spent a lifetime leading and developing others. Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show for more conversations with entrepreneurs, builders, creators, and leaders who are building extraordinary lives through their heart, hands, and hustle. #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BusinessOwner #CompanyCulture #TeamBuilding #EOS #LeadershipDevelopment #Management #SmallBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #FromTheGroundUpShow https://shop.fromthegroundupshow.com/   Sponsor Links: https://www.macarthurco.com https://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshow   Connect with From The Ground Up Show:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p https://www.facebook.com/fromthegroundupshow https://www.instagram.com/fromthegroundupshow/ https://www.tiktok.com/@fromthegroundupshow https://x.com/FTGUshow   Watch the video show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XIf6LgNrOQ8   Appear on the Show as an expert guest or ask a question of Erick and one of his guests:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com   Guest Links: https://www.youtube.com/@HometownRoofingSC https://hometownroofingsc.com/ 843-331-5850 https://www.instagram.com/hometownroofingsc/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088431266733

    Chris Hallberg, The Business Sergeant - From Prison Sergeant to Business Sergeant: Building Elite Teams, Strong Culture, and Entrepreneurial Freedom

  4. Jul 28

    Kyle Weber - He Built a Multi-Million Dollar Roofing Company on Relationships, Not Leads

    In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, Erick Loden sits down with Kyle Weber to discuss the lessons, relationships, and work ethic that have shaped his career in the roofing industry and business world. While many entrepreneurs chase the latest marketing tactic or growth hack, Kyle shares why long-term success is often built on something much simpler: trust, relationships, consistency, and delivering value over time. Kyle discusses his journey in the roofing business, the importance of networking, how referrals continue to drive business growth, and why strong personal and professional relationships remain one of the most valuable assets an entrepreneur can build. Whether you're a contractor, tradesman, small business owner, salesperson, or entrepreneur, this conversation offers practical insights on leadership, business development, relationship marketing, and building a company that lasts. In this episode, you'll learn: How networking can create opportunities that advertising never will • Why referrals remain one of the most powerful business growth tools • The mindset required to succeed in the trades and construction industries • Leadership lessons learned through entrepreneurship • How to build trust, credibility, and lasting business relationships • Why consistency beats shortcuts in business and life If you're looking for practical business advice, entrepreneurial wisdom, and real-world lessons from someone building success from the ground up, this episode is for you. Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show for conversations with entrepreneurs, business owners, tradesmen, leaders, and innovators who are building exceptional lives and businesses through heart, hands, and hustle. #FromTheGroundUpShow #KyleWeber #RoofingBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth #ContractorLife #BusinessLeadership #Networking #RelationshipMarketing #Sales #BlueCollarBusiness #ConstructionIndustry #BusinessPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth https://shop.fromthegroundupshow.com/   Sponsor Links: https://www.macarthurco.com https://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshow   Connect with From The Ground Up Show:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p https://www.facebook.com/fromthegroundupshow https://www.instagram.com/fromthegroundupshow/ https://www.tiktok.com/@fromthegroundupshow https://x.com/FTGUshow   Watch the video show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TuKrYdoBoRo   Appear on the Show as an expert guest or ask a question of Erick and one of his guests:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com   Guest Links: https://www.youtube.com/@HometownRoofingSC https://hometownroofingsc.com/ 843-331-5850 https://www.instagram.com/hometownroofingsc/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088431266733

    Kyle Weber - He Built a Multi-Million Dollar Roofing Company on Relationships, Not Leads

  5. Jul 21

    Matt Andersen - Intentional Growth: Building a Business Buyers Want

    Most business owners focus on growing revenue. The best business owners focus on building value. In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, host Erick Loden sits down with Matt Andersen to explore what separates good companies from truly valuable businesses. Drawing on experience from more than $5 billion in mergers and acquisitions transactions, Matt shares practical insights on business growth, leadership, company culture, enterprise value, succession planning, and creating a business that can thrive beyond its founder. Whether you're a contractor, entrepreneur, trades professional, small business owner, or executive leader, this conversation offers a roadmap for building a company that is attractive to buyers, resilient through change, and positioned for long-term success. In this episode, you'll learn: How to increase the value of your business long before you plan to sell • What buyers are really looking for during acquisitions • Why leadership development is critical to business growth • How company culture impacts enterprise value • The importance of succession planning and owner independence • Common mistakes business owners make when preparing for an exit • Why the best exit strategies often begin years in advance If you're interested in entrepreneurship, business strategy, leadership, mergers and acquisitions, company valuation, or building a business that lasts, this episode is packed with actionable lessons you can apply immediately. Listen now and learn how to build a business that's worth more than the owner who started it. #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwner #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #ExitStrategy #MergersAndAcquisitions #SmallBusiness #CompanyCulture #EntrepreneurLife #Founder #FromTheGroundUpShow   https://shop.fromthegroundupshow.com/   Sponsor Links: https://www.macarthurco.com https://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshow   Connect with From The Ground Up Show:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p https://www.facebook.com/fromthegroundupshow https://www.instagram.com/fromthegroundupshow/ https://www.tiktok.com/@fromthegroundupshow https://x.com/FTGUshow   Watch the video show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hIMWKeTyKiM   Appear on the Show as an expert guest or ask a question of Erick and one of his guests:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com   Guest Links: https://westlakesecurities.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Completing-Deal-Mergers-Acquisitions-Raising/dp/163299691X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2VSF8RURGGIDV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WJGlk6iXxPBN5H11Dz1bLvedjzSSODCziPaL4veKs24IQ55U2MC4EuQNd9TQ-BvBVxiaNB-4siTSWqB4kXHQ7Xx23rXcT8cXjjd4ZCz8fZLPhcZ5xOj7v4ci0ZhRDhTRm7se1I93tujE6U8V6GplGtVj2zNs8D-u9J4z3wM3QrfaE4NB3GeNxWKdTlyW56Ro.OJyO_EC-jJwihVFN1sTzi7v4Vt4Cmo5Im36nKyup6Bc&dib_tag=se&keywords=completing+the+deal&qid=1780170106&sprefix=completing+the+dea%2Caps%2C298&sr=8-1 https://www.amazon.com/Intentional-Growth-Performance-Outcomes-Company/dp/1639081879/ref=sr_1_1?crid=87IC4OOBJN40&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2S1PEn-gGCV51etZ8BgkQr-aFzZkO5gUDVFrxBthjKG3uq8zVIgSbdM7vQrU-opqirSjAuIl2hjvjmy61GNPMHOARRq_ghNZEd0qdepAjLqTvQNd1rxScfw2_9LcOMbuxeBKnRBudO78grhomDHlcGNkym-Rjwntb83Vfjp-aV0jVTyRWyKejw-7KHYKHyNFb-6XsbaRwWoE7FMmiYT5F6KQKv-W8VuCI42hGzIsHwo.6QGjyaiJFpussXO2GLZRCv2eyFjuvh3zr-4TiCDhOX4&dib_tag=se&keywords=intentional+growth&qid=1780170131&sprefix=intentional+growth%2Caps%2C305&sr=8-1 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/westlake-securities_author-westlake-ceo-matt-andersen-discusses-activity-7236775330705764352-PHtJ/

    Matt Andersen - Intentional Growth: Building a Business Buyers Want

  6. Jul 14

    Mike Goldenstein - From Roofing Contractor to Tech Entrepreneur - The Future of Roofing Sales & Technology

    In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, we sit down with Mike Goldenstein to talk about entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, and what it really takes to build a long-term career in the trades and construction industries. With more than three decades of experience across multiple sides of business, Mike shares lessons learned from building companies, navigating industry changes, developing sales teams, embracing technology, and adapting to an evolving marketplace. This conversation goes far beyond roofing — diving into mindset, leadership, customer relationships, business development, and the realities of growing a company from the ground up. We discuss: • Entrepreneurship & business growth • Leadership lessons from decades in the trades • Sales, customer relationships & communication • Technology’s impact on traditional industries • Building and scaling a business • Adapting to change in competitive markets • Lessons learned through success and failure • The future of skilled trades & construction Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, contractor, salesperson, trades professional, or someone working to grow personally and professionally, this episode is packed with practical insight and real-world experience. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and everywhere podcasts are available. #FromTheGroundUpShow #EntrepreneurPodcast #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #ConstructionIndustry #Tradesmen #BusinessPodcast #SmallBusiness #SalesLeadership #ContractorLife #LeadershipDevelopment https://shop.fromthegroundupshow.com/   Sponsor Links: https://www.macarthurco.com https://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshow   Connect with From The Ground Up Show:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p https://www.facebook.com/fromthegroundupshow https://www.instagram.com/fromthegroundupshow/ https://www.tiktok.com/@fromthegroundupshow https://x.com/FTGUshow   Watch the video show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xJpcw9ahZT0   Appear on the Show as an expert guest or ask a question of Erick and one of his guests:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com   Guest Links: https://offers.roofle.com/

    Mike Goldenstein - From Roofing Contractor to Tech Entrepreneur - The Future of Roofing Sales & Technology

  7. Jul 7

    Amanda Sima - From Patent to Courtroom - Innovation, Entrepreneurship Betrayal, & Protecting Your Ideas

    What does it really take to turn an idea into a successful business — and what happens when that success puts a target on your back? In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, Amanda Sima shares her journey from entrepreneur and innovator to navigating the complex world of patents, intellectual property, licensing, and legal battles. This conversation dives deep into the realities of entrepreneurship that most people never see: the risk, sacrifice, persistence, and pressure that come with building something valuable from scratch. We discuss: Entrepreneurship and startup growth Patents and intellectual property protection Product development and innovation Business partnerships and legal challenges Licensing deals and scaling a brand Resilience, leadership, and learning through adversity Whether you’re a founder, small business owner, inventor, creator, or someone chasing a big idea, this episode delivers hard-earned lessons and real-world insight into what it takes to build — and defend — something meaningful. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, business strategy, innovation, leadership, startups, and the realities of building a company from the ground up, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe to From The Ground Up Show for more conversations with entrepreneurs, builders, creators, and industry leaders. #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #Startups #Innovation #Leadership #SmallBusiness #Patents #IntellectualProperty #FounderStory #BusinessGrowth https://shop.fromthegroundupshow.com/   Sponsor Links: https://www.macarthurco.com https://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshow   Connect with From The Ground Up Show:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p https://www.facebook.com/fromthegroundupshow https://www.instagram.com/fromthegroundupshow/ https://www.tiktok.com/@fromthegroundupshow https://x.com/FTGUshow   Watch the video show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fe9Seg7FMBY   Appear on the Show as an expert guest or ask a question of Erick and one of his guests:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com   Guest Links: http://brainonloan.com https://www.youtube.com/@BrainonLoan

    Amanda Sima - From Patent to Courtroom - Innovation, Entrepreneurship Betrayal, & Protecting Your Ideas

  8. Jun 30

    Chris Zimmerman - Building an Empire From Roofing to AI

    In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, we sit down with Chris Zimmerman for a deep conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, roofing, artificial intelligence, faith, family, and what it takes to continue building after achieving success. Chris shares lessons learned from growing businesses in the blue collar world while also embracing emerging technology and AI. We discuss the realities of scaling a company, the mindset required to lead at a high level, the future of AI in business, and why trades and entrepreneurship still create massive opportunity in America today. This episode is packed with real-world insight for entrepreneurs, business owners, contractors, creators, and anyone interested in business growth, leadership, self-improvement, and the future of technology. Topics include: • Entrepreneurship & business growth • Roofing and the trades • Artificial intelligence and the future of business • Leadership and mindset • Faith, family, and purpose • Scaling companies from the ground up • The realities of success and ambition If you enjoy podcasts about entrepreneurship, business, self-made success stories, AI, leadership, and blue collar business, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders building meaningful lives and businesses. #FromTheGroundUpShow #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Roofing #BlueCollar #Leadership #SmallBusiness #Startup #Construction #Mindset #Success #BusinessOwner #Faith #Innovation #SelfMade #Podcast #Tradesman #BusinessGrowth   https://shop.fromthegroundupshow.com/   Sponsor Links: https://www.macarthurco.com https://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshow   Connect with From The Ground Up Show:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p https://www.facebook.com/fromthegroundupshow https://www.instagram.com/fromthegroundupshow/ https://www.tiktok.com/@fromthegroundupshow https://x.com/FTGUshow   Watch the video show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/47vMSWFhqGM   Appear on the Show as an expert guest or ask a question of Erick and one of his guests:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com   Guest Links: https://www.masteryourcraftgroup.com https://www.facebook.com/chris.zimmerman.79 https://aysroofing.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@AtYourServiceRoofing https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/roofing/contractors/contractor-profile/228042 https://gladstone-ai.com

    Chris Zimmerman - Building an Empire From Roofing to AI
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From The Ground Up Show is where the next generation of free-thinking leaders come to be inspired. Host Erick Loden sits down with the men and women who’ve built success with their hands, their hustle, and their heart — from tradespeople and entrepreneurs to self-starters and service members we sit down with those who have rejected the traditional career path and chosen to blaze their own path. Through raw, honest conversations and real listener questions, we uncover the lessons, mindset, and grit it takes to build something that lasts - from the ground up. 

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