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. Van Carlson - Risk, Wealth, and the Entrepreneur’s Edge: Protecting What You Build

    4D AGO

    Van Carlson - Risk, Wealth, and the Entrepreneur’s Edge: Protecting What You Build

    Most entrepreneurs spend their time thinking about growth. Very few spend enough time thinking about risk. But the truth is—one unexpected event can threaten everything you’ve built. In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, I sit down with Van Carlsen, a nationally recognized expert in risk management and alternative insurance strategies. Raised on a farm and now working with thousands of business owners across the country, Van helps entrepreneurs understand how to protect their companies, their assets, and their long-term wealth. We dive into the hidden risks that many business owners overlook, why traditional insurance often falls short, and how strategies like 831(b) plans can help businesses create smarter protection. This conversation is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, ranchers, contractors, and anyone building something meaningful from the ground up. In this episode we discuss: The biggest risks most entrepreneurs don’t see coming • Why many businesses are under-protected • The real purpose behind 831(b) risk management strategies • How successful entrepreneurs think differently about protection • Lessons from working with thousands of business owners across the country If you're building a business, running a ranch, leading a team, or investing in your future, this episode will challenge the way you think about risk, protection, and long-term growth. Because building something great isn't just about scaling— it's about protecting what you've built. #FromTheGroundUpShow #BusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurPodcast #RiskManagement #SmallBusinessOwner #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #WealthBuilding #FinancialStrategy #Leadership #BlueCollarBusiness #Ranching #Agriculture #StartupLife #BusinessMindset #ProtectWhatYouBuild   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/ tiktok.com/@from.the.ground.u06 https://x.com/FTGUshow   Watch the video show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/O0WVfFDYYhw   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.831b.com/   Sponsor Links: https://www.macarthurco.com

    1h 47m
  2. Dave Perry - Faith, Grit, and Passion: Building Perry Cattle Company

    APR 7

    Dave Perry - Faith, Grit, and Passion: Building Perry Cattle Company

    What does it really take to build a cattle company from the ground up? In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, we sit down with Dave Perry, the man behind Perry Cattle Company, to talk about the realities of ranching, building a business in agriculture, and the grit it takes to chase a life on the land. Dave shares his story of growing up around ranching, the lessons learned along the way, and how faith, persistence, and hard work helped him build a cattle operation from the ground up. From the highs and lows of the cattle business to the values that keep ranch families moving forward, this conversation is an honest look at life in the ranching world. Whether you're involved in agriculture, dreaming about starting your own operation, or simply fascinated by the ranching lifestyle, this episode is packed with real-world insight and inspiration. In this episode we discuss: The realities of building a cattle operation Lessons learned from a lifetime in ranching The role of faith, grit, and perseverance in agriculture The challenges and rewards of the cattle business Advice for the next generation of ranchers and entrepreneurs If you enjoy conversations about ranching, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and building something from nothing, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show for more conversations with builders, entrepreneurs, and people creating their success stories from the ground up. #ranching #cattleranching #cattle #agriculture #ranchlife #farming #rancher #agpodcast #ruralamerica #westernlife #entrepreneurship #cattleindustry #wyoming #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/ tiktok.com/@from.the.ground.u06 https://x.com/FTGUshow   Watch the video show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BZ1hi2V7x94   Appear on the Show as an expert guest or ask a question of Erick and one of his guests:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com   Guest Links:

    1h 36m
  3. Adam Fink - From Marine Corps to Building a Business From Scratch – Our most honest interview yet!

    MAR 31

    Adam Fink - From Marine Corps to Building a Business From Scratch – Our most honest interview yet!

    This might be the most raw and honest conversation we’ve ever had on From The Ground Up Show. In this episode, Erick sits down with Adam Fink—entrepreneur, former Marine, search and rescue volunteer, husband, father, and the co-owner of Clear Creek Septic Service and Laird Sanitation. What starts as a conversation about building a small service business quickly turns into something deeper. Adam opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship, the weight of responsibility, lessons from military service, and the personal struggles that shape who we become as leaders and human beings. From growing up in a family of entrepreneurs in Buffalo, Wyoming… to serving in the Marine Corps and deploying to Afghanistan… to returning home and building a business from a single truck into a growing regional operation—Adam shares the real story behind the grind. This isn’t a polished highlight reel. It’s the honest version. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build something from nothing—and keep moving forward when life gets hard—this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about: • Growing up around entrepreneurship and blue-collar work • Lessons learned from serving in the Marine Corps • Transitioning from military life to civilian business • Starting Clear Creek Septic Service with just one truck • Expanding into portable sanitation and acquiring Laird Sanitation • The emotional realities of entrepreneurship most people never talk about • Pushing through adversity and learning hard life lessons Adam’s story is a reminder that building a life you’re proud of takes grit, humility, and the willingness to keep going when things get uncomfortable. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who is building something of their own. And if you enjoy the show, leave a review and follow From The Ground Up Show to help us reach more free-thinking builders, leaders, and entrepreneurs. #FromTheGroundUpShow #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #BlueCollarBusiness #VeteranEntrepreneur #MarineVeteran #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #StartupJourney #EntrepreneurLife #RuralEntrepreneurship #WyomingBusiness #BuildFromScratch #Resilience #AmericanEntrepreneur 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/ tiktok.com/@from.the.ground.u06 https://x.com/FTGUshow   Watch the video show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WJsg52jD_Zk   Appear on the Show as an expert guest or ask a question of Erick and one of his guests:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com   Guest Links: Laird Sanitation - http://www.facebook.com/lairdsanitation (307) 765-9995 Clear Creek Septic Service - https://www.clearcreeksepticservice.com/ https://www.facebook.com/p/Clear-Creek-Septic-Service-LLC-100071008086147/ (307) 751-2829

    1h 10m
  4. Green Ridge Solar - Turning Electrical Skill Into a Renewable Energy Company

    MAR 24

    Green Ridge Solar - Turning Electrical Skill Into a Renewable Energy Company

    What happens when two entrepreneurs with construction grit, electrical expertise, and a shared obsession with doing things the right way decide to bet on solar? In this episode of From The Ground Up, Erick sits down with Alex and Brian, co-founders of Green Ridge Solar, to unpack how a chance connection (thanks to their wives), a background in real estate and electrical work, and a commitment to serving their neighbors turned into one of the fastest-growing solar companies serving Oregon and Washington. This isn’t a “get rich quick” clean energy story. It’s a build-it-the-hard-way story. From early conversations at a family dinner… to knocking doors and earning trust… to scaling a premium solar installation company focused on top-tier equipment and unmatched service — before, during, and long after install day — Alex and Brian break down what it really takes to build a sustainable business in the renewable energy space. We cover: The leap from real estate and construction into solar entrepreneurship Why community reputation matters more than marketing spend The real economics of residential solar in the Pacific Northwest Building a partnership that works How to scale without sacrificing quality What most homeowners get wrong about solar installation Why long-term service is the ultimate competitive advantage If you're interested in entrepreneurship, renewable energy, construction, real estate investing, or building a business that actually lasts — this conversation delivers practical insights and real-world lessons from founders who are still in the trenches. This is a story about hustle, partnership, clean energy, and building something that serves your community. 🎙️ If you believe in building a life with your heart, your hands, and your hustle — this one’s for you. If you enjoy the episode: Follow the show so you never miss a weekly release Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode with someone interested in solar, entrepreneurship, or starting a business Screenshot and tag @FromTheGroundUpShow so we can repost and connect Your engagement directly helps the show grow and reach more builders, founders, and free-thinking leaders. #FromTheGroundUp #SolarEnergy #Entrepreneurship #RenewableEnergy #SmallBusinessOwners #CleanEnergyFuture #StartupStories #ConstructionLife #BuiltNotBorn   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/ tiktok.com/@from.the.ground.u06 https://x.com/FTGUshow   Watch the video show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/REDjM96Dfcc   Appear on the Show as an expert guest or ask a question of Erick and one of his guests:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com   Guest Links: 503-395-1943 www.greenridgesolar.com hello@greenridgesolar.com

    2h 7m
  5. Bob Zimmerschied - Built the Hard Way: Work Ethic, Faith, and the Making of an Entrepreneur

    MAR 17

    Bob Zimmerschied - Built the Hard Way: Work Ethic, Faith, and the Making of an Entrepreneur

    In this episode of From the Ground Up Show, Erick sits down with serial entrepreneur Bob Zimmercheid for a powerful, down-to-earth conversation about grit, faith, integrity, and building a life that lasts. From growing up on a ranch—breaking horses, running farm equipment as a kid, and learning responsibility early—to owning restaurants, hardware stores, and real estate holdings, Bob shares the lessons that shaped him into a resilient business leader and family man. This isn’t just a business story. It’s a story about character. Bob opens up about: What ranch life teaches you about work ethic and leadership The mindset required to move from labor to ownership Hard-earned lessons from starting and running multiple businesses Why integrity is still your greatest asset in business Balancing entrepreneurship, marriage, fatherhood, and faith What “retirement” really looks like for builders at heart If you care about entrepreneurship, personal responsibility, rural values, or building something meaningful from nothing, this episode will both challenge and encourage you. Bob’s story is proof that success isn’t built in boardrooms—it’s built in the quiet seasons of discipline, risk, and showing up every day with the right attitude. If this episode resonates with you: Follow the show so you don’t miss upcoming conversations Share it with someone building their dream Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts—it helps more than you know Building a life you love starts from the ground up. #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Leadership #RanchLife #FaithAndBusiness #LegacyBuilding #BusinessPodcast #AmericanDream 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/ tiktok.com/@from.the.ground.u06 https://x.com/FTGUshow   Watch the video show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/O_AzJC_dRRw   Appear on the Show as an expert guest or ask a question of Erick and one of his guests:  https://fromthegroundupshow.com   Guest Links:

    1h 57m
  6. Sam Clikeman - From Fireline to Founder: Building a Global Mead Empire from Small-Town Roots

    MAR 10

    Sam Clikeman - From Fireline to Founder: Building a Global Mead Empire from Small-Town Roots

    What happens when a wildland firefighter walks away from the fireline… and decides to build something that lasts? In this episode of From The Ground Up, we sit down with an entrepreneur who made the leap from public service to private enterprise — transforming small-town roots into an internationally recognized mead brand. This is more than a business story. It’s a conversation about identity, risk, and the courage to pivot when the life you planned no longer fits the life you're called to build. We dive into: The mindset shift from employee to owner What it really takes to build a brand from scratch Turning craftsmanship into a scalable business Leading through uncertainty and reinvention How rural entrepreneurs can compete on a global stage From firefighting to fermentation… From stability to startup… From local beginnings to global impact… This episode is for anyone who knows they’re capable of more — but hasn’t yet made the jump. If you're building something from the ground up — this conversation will meet you where you are. 🎙️ Listen now and discover what it takes to turn grit into legacy. #FromTheGroundUpShow #BuilderMindset #EntrepreneurJourney #RuralEntrepreneur #LegacyDriven #StartupStory #BuiltNotBorn   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/ tiktok.com/@from.the.ground.u06 https://x.com/FTGUshow   Watch the video show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1EW1_egaa5E   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.biglostmeadery.com/ 307-660-3199

    1h 49m
  7. Dima Sobovoy - Eight Kids, Multiple Businesses & a Kingdom Mission | A Journey from Welfare to Leadership

    MAR 3

    Dima Sobovoy - Eight Kids, Multiple Businesses & a Kingdom Mission | A Journey from Welfare to Leadership

    In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, host Erick Loden sits down with entrepreneur, father of eight, and founder of Contractor SEO Academy, Dima Sabavoy. Dima’s story is anything but typical. From receiving welfare as a young man to building multiple businesses, leading faith-driven communities, and helping contractors across the country grow through SEO and digital strategy — his journey is rooted in hard work, conviction, and calling. In this conversation, we dive into: The reality of growing up around broken systems — and choosing responsibility over dependency • Building businesses while raising a large family • Faith as a foundation for leadership and entrepreneurship • The mission behind Biblical Contractor and Kingdom-minded work • Why success without purpose isn’t enough • What it really means to build from the ground up This is a powerful discussion on freedom, faith, family, and the responsibility that comes with opportunity. If you're an entrepreneur, contractor, leader, or anyone trying to build something meaningful — this episode will challenge the way you think about work, provision, and purpose. 👉 Don’t forget to follow, download, and share to help more leaders discover stories that matter. #FromTheGroundUpShow #Entrepreneurship #FaithDrivenBusiness #ContractorLife #BusinessWithPurpose #LeadershipMatters #BuildFromNothing 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/ tiktok.com/@from.the.ground.u06 https://x.com/FTGUshow   Watch the video show on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/nSCxXJRYjpA   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://majenix.com/ https://www.skool.com/contractorseoacademy/ https://thegoodcontractorslist.com/ https://www.roofingseoschool.com/group.html

    2h 8m
  8. Greg McAfee - Why Execution Matters More Than Ideas

    FEB 24

    Greg McAfee - Why Execution Matters More Than Ideas

    What does real leadership look like when growth, culture, and execution all matter at the same time? In this episode of From the Ground Up, Erick sits down with Greg McAfee, a seasoned construction industry leader, to talk about what it truly takes to build and sustain a successful company over the long haul. Greg shares lessons learned from decades in the field—lessons shaped by hiring decisions, equipment investments, leadership missteps, and moments when doing the hard thing was the only option. This conversation goes beyond surface-level business advice. Greg breaks down how discipline, accountability, and clear expectations create teams that perform, why leaders must be willing to invest before results show up, and how consistency and execution separate companies that last from those that stall out. You’ll hear practical insights on building strong people, making smart financial decisions, and leading with conviction—even when the path forward isn’t obvious. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why execution matters more than ideas or intentions How leadership decisions ripple through culture and performance The importance of investing in people, equipment, and systems How long-term thinking creates sustainable growth What separates effective leaders from reactive managers Whether you’re in construction, entrepreneurship, or leadership in any industry, this episode offers grounded, real-world wisdom for anyone trying to build something meaningful—and keep it moving forward. 🎧 Tune in to hear how strong leadership and disciplined execution are built from the ground up. #LeadershipDevelopment  #ConstructionLeadership  #BusinessGrowth  #EntrepreneurMindset  #CompanyCulture  #ExecutionMatters  #BuildSomethingThatLasts 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/ tiktok.com/@from.the.ground.u06 https://x.com/FTGUshow   Watch the video show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yOcLNMC-7F8   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.gregmcafee.com

    2h 3m
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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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