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

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 entrepreneur...

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 realitie...

In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, host Erick Loden sits down with Deputy Adrian Keeler, a 20-year law enforcement veteran, community leader, family man, and candidate for Sheriff, for an in-depth conversation about leadership, service, faith, character, and the challenges facing communities across Wyoming. Adrian shares lessons learned from two decades behind the badge, what it means to...

What does it take to turn boys into capable, disciplined, purpose-driven men in today’s world? In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, host Erick Loden sits down with Jesse Boulden for a powerful conversation about masculinity, leadership, discipline, service, and the growing crisis facing young men in America. Jesse shares the mission behind ALERT Academy and explains how structure, responsib...

What’s actually holding you back from the next level of success? In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, Katherine Flechaus dives deep into the hidden belief systems that quietly shape the way high performers think, act, and grow. If you’ve ever felt stuck despite doing all the “right” things, this conversation uncovers why—and what to do about it. You’ll learn how subconscious patterns influe...

Faith Hamlin didn’t stumble into a new life… she chose it. What started as a “planned midlife crisis” — a temporary move to Wyoming — turned into something much bigger. In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, Faith shares how stepping outside the expected path led her to a life built on grit, independence, and an entrepreneurial mindset shaped from a young age. We dive into what it really mean...

What does it take to go from working on the shop floor… to helping shape the future of energy and heavy industry? In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, we sit down with Mike Wandler to talk about building a career in the real world—starting in hands-on, blue-collar work and evolving into cutting-edge conversations around AI, industrial innovation, and next-generation energy solutions like mi...

Steve Van Buskirk has spent decades developing land, shaping neighborhoods, and helping turn Sioux Falls into one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. With over 6,600 lots and 100+ developments to his name, his work isn’t just measured in projects—it’s measured in impact. In this conversation, we break down what it really takes to build at scale—from raw dirt to fully developed communitie...

What does it really take to start over… when you have nothing? In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, Attila Zold shares a story that most people will never fully understand—growing up in Romania under government control, coming to the United States, and rebuilding his life from scratch… more than once. No shortcuts. No safety net. Just grit. From working in oil & gas to grinding it out i...

Most business owners in the trades know how to build—but far fewer know how to protect what they’ve built or cash out the right way. In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, we dive into the legal and strategic side of business ownership that too many entrepreneurs ignore until it’s too late. From airtight contracts and smart structuring to avoiding costly mistakes during a sale, this conversat...

In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, we sit down with Ricardo Torres to break down what it really takes to transition from military discipline into building multiple income streams and scalable businesses. This conversation goes beyond surface-level entrepreneurship talk. We dive into the mindset required to pivot, adapt, and execute at a high level—whether you’re in the military, corporate...

What if the very thing driving your success… is quietly burning you out? In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, Dr. Alicia Newsome breaks down the hidden cost of high performance—and why so many driven, successful people are running on empty behind the scenes. We’ve been sold the idea that more hustle, more hours, and more pressure lead to better results. But what happens when that mindset st...

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 busin...

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...

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 op...

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 s...

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 le...

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, ris...

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...

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,...

What does it really take to build something that lasts? In this episode of From the Ground Up, Erick sits down with construction leader Ken Dickson for an honest, inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and doing the hard work when no one is watching. Ken shares hard-earned lessons from decades in the construction industry—why execution matters more than sales, how strong teams carry...

What does it really take to earn your place—and keep it? In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, we explore leadership, responsibility, and the kind of work ethic that’s built under pressure, not hype. This conversation digs into what it means to create real value, become indispensable, and carry the weight that comes with building something bigger than yourself. We talk about leadership when...

What does it actually take to scale a business to $1,000,000,000 in sales in just 12 years—and sustain it? In this episode of From the Ground Up, we sit down with Brian for a rare, behind-the-scenes conversation about rapid growth, disciplined leadership, and the systems required to operate at the highest levels of business. Brian shares how he built and lead a company that reached nine figures—an...

What does it look like to lead a legacy American firearms company with conviction, humility, and purpose? In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, Erick Loden interviews Adam Weatherby, Owner and CEO of Weatherby Firearms, about leadership, stewardship, and the responsibility that comes with carrying a historic family name. Adam shares how his Christian faith and years spent working in ministry...

In this episode of From the Ground Up Show, Erick Loden sits down with Brie Reese, COO of Elite Roofing, Denver Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, and a nationally respected coach in the roofing and construction industry. Brie shares her powerful journey from addiction and personal struggle to executive leadership, detailing how recovery, discipline, and radical personal accountability shaped h...