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

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
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Watch the video show on YouTube:https://youtu.be/WJsg52jD_Zk
 
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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

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:
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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
 
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Guest Links:503-395-1943
www.greenridgesolar.com
hello@greenridgesolar.com

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
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Guest Links:

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
 
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Guest Links:https://www.biglostmeadery.com/307-660-3199

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
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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: 
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Guest Links:https://majenix.com/
https://www.skool.com/contractorseoacademy/
https://thegoodcontractorslist.com/
https://www.roofingseoschool.com/group.html

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: 
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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: 
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Guest Links:
https://www.gregmcafee.com

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 companies through uncertainty, and what separates contractors who survive from those who don’t. This episode is a reminder that real success isn’t built overnight—it’s built through discipline, people, and perseverance.
Perfect for contractors, entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders who want practical insight and motivation to keep pushing forward, even when the work gets tough.
Topics include: construction leadership, business growth, team building, risk management, and long-term success.
🎧 Build smarter. Lead better. Keep going.
  #ConstructionLeadership  #BusinessBuilders  #ContractorLife  #EntrepreneurMindset  #BuildingSuccess  #LeadershipLessons #FounderStories
 
Connect with From The Ground Up Show: 
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Watch the video show on YouTube:
 https://youtu.be/FESIzu8q9vo
 
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:https://amw-inc.com/

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 there are no shortcuts: being responsible for other people’s livelihoods, pushing forward when confidence runs out, and trusting discipline and faith when the path isn’t clear. This episode goes beyond hustle culture to examine the long game—why consistency beats intensity, why resilience matters more than motivation, and why true success often looks like endurance.
If you’re building a business, leading a team, or laying the foundation for a long-term legacy, this episode is a reminder that meaningful success is earned daily—from the ground up.
 #FromTheGroundUpShow  #BusinessPodcast #LeadershipPodcast #EntrepreneurMindset #BuildDontHype #LongTermThinking #EarnedNotGiven
Connect with From The Ground Up Show: 
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Watch the video show on YouTube:
 https://youtu.be/YJ5Rs16akK0
  
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://niceelectricco.com/