From The Ground Up Show with Erick Loden

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 microreactors.

This is a raw, practical conversation about what’s actually happening inside heavy industry right now—and where it’s heading.

We break down:

If you're in construction, skilled trades, manufacturing, or energy—or you just care about building things that matter—this episode delivers real insight from someone in the arena.

Topics covered: AI in construction, future of energy, microreactors, heavy equipment, manufacturing, blue-collar careers, industrial innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship

🎧 Listen now and learn what it really takes to build from the ground up.

#FromTheGroundUp #Podcast #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #BlueCollar #SkilledTrades #Construction #Manufacturing #HeavyEquipment #Energy #FutureOfEnergy #Microreactors #NuclearEnergy #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #Industrial #AmericanMade #WorkEthic #BuildInPublic

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Watch the video show on YouTube:

Appear on the Show as an expert guest or ask a question of Erick and one of his guests: 

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Guest Links:

Innovate Energy –  https://www.amazon.com/Innovate-Energy-Microreactor-Revolution-Truth-American-ebook/dp/B0FH5WQNZN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3VLMU7HYB5NG2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yIyW6oH_ZI7e0_JYjmSNgkXSsLpZ-U8UQxXH_MygMPumPANeLqvyGRIID1Cckm7GG5-dTHm3Uq8T1p61X5U2R--a27bolcodhds1tjkS-QnsOgtnoVa53H7E3pzfQaFbDeKHCSSLL8LuTIoI3VR3uO1lsqxrmHZfUQwnr6K7xRXeI4TzbwvU0TBpzEvrJMxwdcJmDjdx7hKyCQghfI_hwIDjYTpTxFPOTCtn5GwbOw_D8n-cZZ7USERG03AT09aPqIMxeQIvdXm3J_bi9kInAYAdmGrKbUqD1I3KiSNIQB0.C-QMD9mNOUYFLLywddmTe8yhiMcMpl7L0nBrhXhMZ38&dib_tag=se&keywords=innovate+energy&qid=1776367094&sprefix=innovate+energ%2Caps%2C242&sr=8-1

Know Thyself Love Thyself – https://www.amazon.com/Innovate-Energy-Microreactor-Revolution-Truth-American-ebook/dp/B0FH5WQNZN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3VLMU7HYB5NG2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yIyW6oH_ZI7e0_JYjmSNgkXSsLpZ-U8UQxXH_MygMPumPANeLqvyGRIID1Cckm7GG5-dTHm3Uq8T1p61X5U2R--a27bolcodhds1tjkS-QnsOgtnoVa53H7E3pzfQaFbDeKHCSSLL8LuTIoI3VR3uO1lsqxrmHZfUQwnr6K7xRXeI4TzbwvU0TBpzEvrJMxwdcJmDjdx7hKyCQghfI_hwIDjYTpTxFPOTCtn5GwbOw_D8n-cZZ7USERG03AT09aPqIMxeQIvdXm3J_bi9kInAYAdmGrKbUqD1I3KiSNIQB0.C-QMD9mNOUYFLLywddmTe8yhiMcMpl7L0nBrhXhMZ38&dib_tag=se&keywords=innovate+energy&qid=1776367094&sprefix=innovate+energ%2Caps%2C242&sr=8-1

L&H website – https://www.lnh.net/

Evercore Energy website – https://www.evercore-energy.com/

Wyoming’s Innovative Entrepreneurs website - https://innovatewy.com/

Honestly Better Mental Fitness website - https://www.honestlybetterfitness.com/

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 communities.

No hype. No shortcuts. Just the long game.

We get into:

What land development actually looks like behind the scenes

The mindset required to manage massive, multi-year projects

Lessons from second-generation leadership in a family business

Why patience and consistency beat chasing fast growth

The unseen risks most people never think about

How real builders think about legacy

This episode is for anyone in the trades, construction, real estate, or business who wants a real look at what it takes to build something that lasts.

If you’ve ever thought about going bigger—this is the blueprint most people never get to see.

🎧 Listen now and learn what it takes to build from the ground up.

#FromTheGroundUp #LandDevelopment #RealEstateDevelopment #ConstructionBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #TradesLife #BuiltNotGiven #Leadership #SmallBusiness

https://shop.fromthegroundupshow.com/

THE WEEK'S CONVERSATIONS, IN ONE EMAIL

Choose the depth that fits your time: the full conversation, a roughly 20-minute CONDENSED edition, or a focused Topics episode.

Join the From The Ground Up Show newsletter: https://fromthegroundupshow.com/newsletter/

WATCH & LISTEN

Watch this full episode: https://youtu.be/308wfQR9pqQ

Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p

Listen in your podcast app: https://pod.link/1846907140

SHORTER EDITIONS

From The Ground Up Show CONDENSED — a roughly 20-minute focused version of the full conversation.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa9BVKGD64tA

Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6806079674

From The Ground Up Show: Topics — complete 3–10-minute episodes built around one useful question or lesson.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVzToS_5Hj6o

Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6808750058

GUEST & RESOURCES

https://vanbuskirkco.com/

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

https://www.macarthurco.com

https://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshow

ABOUT FROM THE GROUND UP SHOW

Real stories. Hard lessons. Stronger foundations. From The Ground Up Show delivers honest business and leadership conversations and practical lessons for owners, operators, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, and leaders building something that lasts—with hearts, hands, and hustle.

Hosted by Erick Loden, a former commercial roofing company owner and business advisor. From 2014 to 2025, he owned and ran his roofing company, growing annual revenue more than eightfold and operating profit nearly fifteenfold before completing a successful internal sale.

Website: https://www.fromthegroundupshow.com

Have a question for Erick or an upcoming guest?

https://fromthegroundupshow.com/ask-a-question/

Have a story built through hearts, hands, and hustle? Apply to be a guest and tell your story:

https://fromthegroundupshow.com/be-a-guest/

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 in the roofing industry, Attila breaks down what it actually looks like to earn your way forward in a world where nothing is guaranteed. This isn’t theory—it’s lived experience.

We get into:

What growing up without real freedom teaches you

The mindset required to start over (again and again)

Why most people fail when things get hard—and how to push through

The reality of building a life and business from the ground up

What “opportunity” really looks like when you’ve seen the alternative

If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or unsure about your next move—this episode will reset your perspective.

If this episode hits for you:

THE WEEK'S CONVERSATIONS, IN ONE EMAIL

Choose the depth that fits your time: the full conversation, a roughly 20-minute CONDENSED edition, or a focused Topics episode.

Join the From The Ground Up Show newsletter: https://fromthegroundupshow.com/newsletter/

WATCH & LISTEN

Watch this full episode: https://youtu.be/wtp6MAba328

Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p

Listen in your podcast app: https://pod.link/1846907140

SHORTER EDITIONS

From The Ground Up Show CONDENSED — a roughly 20-minute focused version of the full conversation.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa9BVKGD64tA

Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6806079674

From The Ground Up Show: Topics — complete 3–10-minute episodes built around one useful question or lesson.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVzToS_5Hj6o

Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6808750058

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

https://www.macarthurco.com

https://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshow

ABOUT FROM THE GROUND UP SHOW

Real stories. Hard lessons. Stronger foundations. From The Ground Up Show delivers honest business and leadership conversations and practical lessons for owners, operators, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, and leaders building something that lasts—with hearts, hands, and hustle.

Hosted by Erick Loden, a former commercial roofing company owner and business advisor. From 2014 to 2025, he owned and ran his roofing company, growing annual revenue more than eightfold and operating profit nearly fifteenfold before completing a successful internal sale.

Website: https://www.fromthegroundupshow.com

Have a question for Erick or an upcoming guest?

https://fromthegroundupshow.com/ask-a-question/

Have a story built through hearts, hands, and hustle? Apply to be a guest and tell your story:

https://fromthegroundupshow.com/be-a-guest/

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 conversation breaks down what it really takes to secure your business, your income, and your future.

Whether you’re years away from selling or just getting started, the truth is simple:

If you don’t have a plan to protect it, you don’t really own it.

You’ll learn:

How to protect your business from lawsuits, bad deals, and hidden risks

The most common mistakes owners make when preparing to sell

How to structure your company so you keep more of what you earn

What serious buyers look for—and how to position yourself to win

Why your exit strategy should start long before you plan to exit

This episode is for contractors, tradesmen, and business owners who want more than just income—they want security, leverage, and a real payday at the end of the road.

🎙️ If you’re building something valuable, this is how you make sure you don’t lose it.

#FromTheGroundUpShow #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwners #Contractors #Tradesmen #AssetProtection #ExitStrategy #BusinessGrowth #WealthBuilding

https://shop.fromthegroundupshow.com/

THE WEEK'S CONVERSATIONS, IN ONE EMAIL

Choose the depth that fits your time: the full conversation, a roughly 20-minute CONDENSED edition, or a focused Topics episode.

Join the From The Ground Up Show newsletter: https://fromthegroundupshow.com/newsletter/

WATCH & LISTEN

Watch this full episode: https://youtu.be/pfmsMQBiYTw

Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p

Listen in your podcast app: https://pod.link/1846907140

SHORTER EDITIONS

From The Ground Up Show CONDENSED — a roughly 20-minute focused version of the full conversation.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa9BVKGD64tA

Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6806079674

From The Ground Up Show: Topics — complete 3–10-minute episodes built around one useful question or lesson.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVzToS_5Hj6o

Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6808750058

GUEST & RESOURCES

https://www.macklinlawllc.com/

[email protected]

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

https://www.macarthurco.com

https://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshow

ABOUT FROM THE GROUND UP SHOW

Real stories. Hard lessons. Stronger foundations. From The Ground Up Show delivers honest business and leadership conversations and practical lessons for owners, operators, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, and leaders building something that lasts—with hearts, hands, and hustle.

Hosted by Erick Loden, a former commercial roofing company owner and business advisor. From 2014 to 2025, he owned and ran his roofing company, growing annual revenue more than eightfold and operating profit nearly fifteenfold before completing a successful internal sale.

Website: https://www.fromthegroundupshow.com

Have a question for Erick or an upcoming guest?

https://fromthegroundupshow.com/ask-a-question/

Have a story built through hearts, hands, and hustle? Apply to be a guest and tell your story:

https://fromthegroundupshow.com/be-a-guest/

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 America, or already building your own ventures.

Ricardo shares how to leverage discipline as a competitive advantage, why most people stay stuck, and how to build real momentum without burning out. From real estate to business ownership, this episode is a blueprint for anyone serious about creating long-term wealth and freedom.

If you're looking to sharpen your thinking, expand your income, and operate at a higher level—this one is for you.

🎧 Tune in and start building—from the ground up.

#FromTheGroundUp #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #WealthBuilding #MindsetMatters #LeadershipDevelopment #RealEstateInvesting #MultipleIncomeStreams #FinancialFreedom #SuccessHabits #Discipline #LevelUp #EntrepreneurLife #GrowthMindset #PodcastRecommendations

https://shop.fromthegroundupshow.com/

THE WEEK'S CONVERSATIONS, IN ONE EMAIL

Choose the depth that fits your time: the full conversation, a roughly 20-minute CONDENSED edition, or a focused Topics episode.

Join the From The Ground Up Show newsletter: https://fromthegroundupshow.com/newsletter/

WATCH & LISTEN

Watch this full episode: https://youtu.be/riBBnsPndEE

Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p

Listen in your podcast app: https://pod.link/1846907140

SHORTER EDITIONS

From The Ground Up Show CONDENSED — a roughly 20-minute focused version of the full conversation.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa9BVKGD64tA

Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6806079674

From The Ground Up Show: Topics — complete 3–10-minute episodes built around one useful question or lesson.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVzToS_5Hj6o

Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6808750058

GUEST & RESOURCES

https://tiffanycouturecleaners.com/

https://thecarpetmonkeys.com/

https://www.vectoredequity.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/480525272960581/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-torres-146103212/

https://www.facebook.com/randat330/

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

https://www.macarthurco.com

https://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshow

ABOUT FROM THE GROUND UP SHOW

Real stories. Hard lessons. Stronger foundations. From The Ground Up Show delivers honest business and leadership conversations and practical lessons for owners, operators, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, and leaders building something that lasts—with hearts, hands, and hustle.

Hosted by Erick Loden, a former commercial roofing company owner and business advisor. From 2014 to 2025, he owned and ran his roofing company, growing annual revenue more than eightfold and operating profit nearly fifteenfold before completing a successful internal sale.

Website: https://www.fromthegroundupshow.com

Have a question for Erick or an upcoming guest?

https://fromthegroundupshow.com/ask-a-question/

Have a story built through hearts, hands, and hustle? Apply to be a guest and tell your story:

https://fromthegroundupshow.com/be-a-guest/

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 starts costing you your health, your relationships, and your ability to actually enjoy the life you’re building?

This conversation gets real about what burnout actually looks like, why it happens to high performers, and how to build a life where you don’t have to sacrifice everything just to win.

If you’re pushing hard, building something meaningful, and feeling the weight of it… this episode will hit home.

In this episode, we cover:

• The truth about burnout (and why it’s not a weakness)

• Why high performers are especially at risk

• The hidden trade-offs of constant pressure

• How to sustain peak performance without running yourself into the ground

• Practical ways to protect your energy, focus, and relationships

No fluff. No shortcuts. Just real insight for people building from the ground up.

🎧 Listen now and start building success that actually lasts.

#FromTheGroundUp #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #HighPerformance #Burnout #Mindset #BusinessOwners #PersonalGrowth #WorkLifeBalance #Success #Podcast

https://shop.fromthegroundupshow.com/

THE WEEK'S CONVERSATIONS, IN ONE EMAIL

Choose the depth that fits your time: the full conversation, a roughly 20-minute CONDENSED edition, or a focused Topics episode.

Join the From The Ground Up Show newsletter: https://fromthegroundupshow.com/newsletter/

WATCH & LISTEN

Watch this full episode: https://youtu.be/dyjQUJhMODQ

Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p

Listen in your podcast app: https://pod.link/1846907140

SHORTER EDITIONS

From The Ground Up Show CONDENSED — a roughly 20-minute focused version of the full conversation.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa9BVKGD64tA

Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6806079674

From The Ground Up Show: Topics — complete 3–10-minute episodes built around one useful question or lesson.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVzToS_5Hj6o

Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6808750058

GUEST & RESOURCES

https://www.dralicianewsome.com/freegift/

https://draliciagifts.com/

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

https://www.macarthurco.com

https://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshow

ABOUT FROM THE GROUND UP SHOW

Real stories. Hard lessons. Stronger foundations. From The Ground Up Show delivers honest business and leadership conversations and practical lessons for owners, operators, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, and leaders building something that lasts—with hearts, hands, and hustle.

Hosted by Erick Loden, a former commercial roofing company owner and business advisor. From 2014 to 2025, he owned and ran his roofing company, growing annual revenue more than eightfold and operating profit nearly fifteenfold before completing a successful internal sale.

Website: https://www.fromthegroundupshow.com

Have a question for Erick or an upcoming guest?

https://fromthegroundupshow.com/ask-a-question/

Have a story built through hearts, hands, and hustle? Apply to be a guest and tell your story:

https://fromthegroundupshow.com/be-a-guest/

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/

THE WEEK'S CONVERSATIONS, IN ONE EMAIL

Choose the depth that fits your time: the full conversation, a roughly 20-minute CONDENSED edition, or a focused Topics episode.

Join the From The Ground Up Show newsletter: https://fromthegroundupshow.com/newsletter/

WATCH & LISTEN

Watch this full episode: https://youtu.be/O0WVfFDYYhw

Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p

Listen in your podcast app: https://pod.link/1846907140

SHORTER EDITIONS

From The Ground Up Show CONDENSED — a roughly 20-minute focused version of the full conversation.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa9BVKGD64tA

Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6806079674

From The Ground Up Show: Topics — complete 3–10-minute episodes built around one useful question or lesson.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVzToS_5Hj6o

Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6808750058

GUEST & RESOURCES

https://www.831b.com/

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

https://www.macarthurco.com

https://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshow

ABOUT FROM THE GROUND UP SHOW

Real stories. Hard lessons. Stronger foundations. From The Ground Up Show delivers honest business and leadership conversations and practical lessons for owners, operators, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, and leaders building something that lasts—with hearts, hands, and hustle.

Hosted by Erick Loden, a former commercial roofing company owner and business advisor. From 2014 to 2025, he owned and ran his roofing company, growing annual revenue more than eightfold and operating profit nearly fifteenfold before completing a successful internal sale.

Website: https://www.fromthegroundupshow.com

Have a question for Erick or an upcoming guest?

https://fromthegroundupshow.com/ask-a-question/

Have a story built through hearts, hands, and hustle? Apply to be a guest and tell your story:

https://fromthegroundupshow.com/be-a-guest/

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/

THE WEEK'S CONVERSATIONS, IN ONE EMAIL

Choose the depth that fits your time: the full conversation, a roughly 20-minute CONDENSED edition, or a focused Topics episode.

Join the From The Ground Up Show newsletter: https://fromthegroundupshow.com/newsletter/

WATCH & LISTEN

Watch this full episode: https://youtu.be/BZ1hi2V7x94

Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p

Listen in your podcast app: https://pod.link/1846907140

SHORTER EDITIONS

From The Ground Up Show CONDENSED — a roughly 20-minute focused version of the full conversation.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa9BVKGD64tA

Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6806079674

From The Ground Up Show: Topics — complete 3–10-minute episodes built around one useful question or lesson.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVzToS_5Hj6o

Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6808750058

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

https://www.macarthurco.com

https://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshow

ABOUT FROM THE GROUND UP SHOW

Real stories. Hard lessons. Stronger foundations. From The Ground Up Show delivers honest business and leadership conversations and practical lessons for owners, operators, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, and leaders building something that lasts—with hearts, hands, and hustle.

Hosted by Erick Loden, a former commercial roofing company owner and business advisor. From 2014 to 2025, he owned and ran his roofing company, growing annual revenue more than eightfold and operating profit nearly fifteenfold before completing a successful internal sale.

Website: https://www.fromthegroundupshow.com

Have a question for Erick or an upcoming guest?

https://fromthegroundupshow.com/ask-a-question/

Have a story built through hearts, hands, and hustle? Apply to be a guest and tell your story:

https://fromthegroundupshow.com/be-a-guest/

#ranching #cattle #cattleranching #agriculture #ranchlife #farming #westernlife #rancher #entrepreneurship #cattleindustry #wyoming #agpodcast #ruralamerica #fromthegroundupshow

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

THE WEEK'S CONVERSATIONS, IN ONE EMAIL

Choose the depth that fits your time: the full conversation, a roughly 20-minute CONDENSED edition, or a focused Topics episode.

Join the From The Ground Up Show newsletter: https://fromthegroundupshow.com/newsletter/

WATCH & LISTEN

Watch this full episode: https://youtu.be/WJsg52jD_Zk

Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p

Listen in your podcast app: https://pod.link/1846907140

SHORTER EDITIONS

From The Ground Up Show CONDENSED — a roughly 20-minute focused version of the full conversation.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa9BVKGD64tA

Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6806079674

From The Ground Up Show: Topics — complete 3–10-minute episodes built around one useful question or lesson.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVzToS_5Hj6o

Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6808750058

GUEST & RESOURCES

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

ABOUT FROM THE GROUND UP SHOW

Real stories. Hard lessons. Stronger foundations. From The Ground Up Show delivers honest business and leadership conversations and practical lessons for owners, operators, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, and leaders building something that lasts—with hearts, hands, and hustle.

Hosted by Erick Loden, a former commercial roofing company owner and business advisor. From 2014 to 2025, he owned and ran his roofing company, growing annual revenue more than eightfold and operating profit nearly fifteenfold before completing a successful internal sale.

Website: https://www.fromthegroundupshow.com

Have a question for Erick or an upcoming guest?

https://fromthegroundupshow.com/ask-a-question/

Have a story built through hearts, hands, and hustle? Apply to be a guest and tell your story:

https://fromthegroundupshow.com/be-a-guest/

#Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Veterans #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurLife #FromTheGroundUp

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

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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

THE WEEK'S CONVERSATIONS, IN ONE EMAIL

Choose the depth that fits your time: the full conversation, a roughly 20-minute CONDENSED edition, or a focused Topics episode.

Join the From The Ground Up Show newsletter: https://fromthegroundupshow.com/newsletter/

WATCH & LISTEN

Watch this full episode: https://youtu.be/REDjM96Dfcc

Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9p

Listen in your podcast app: https://pod.link/1846907140

SHORTER EDITIONS

From The Ground Up Show CONDENSED — a roughly 20-minute focused version of the full conversation.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa9BVKGD64tA

Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6806079674

From The Ground Up Show: Topics — complete 3–10-minute episodes built around one useful question or lesson.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVzToS_5Hj6o

Podcast apps: https://pod.link/6808750058

GUEST & RESOURCES

503-395-1943

www.greenridgesolar.com

[email protected]

ABOUT FROM THE GROUND UP SHOW

Real stories. Hard lessons. Stronger foundations. Honest business and leadership conversations for people building something that lasts—with hearts, hands, and hustle.

Website: https://www.fromthegroundupshow.com

Questions: https://fromthegroundupshow.com/ask-a-question/