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

4 days ago
4 days ago
1hr 50 min
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/

Jul 7, 2026
Jul 7, 2026
1hr 33 min
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

Jun 30, 2026
Jun 30, 2026
2hr 17 sec
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

Jun 23, 2026
Jun 23, 2026
1hr 46 min
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 lead under pressure, the importance of accountability and integrity in public service, and why strong communities depend on leaders who are willing to serve others before themselves.
From stories of life in law enforcement to discussions about family, faith, personal responsibility, and the future of Wyoming, this episode offers valuable insights for business owners, entrepreneurs, first responders, community leaders, and anyone interested in leadership and public service.
Whether you're interested in law enforcement, local government, leadership development, or simply hearing the story of someone dedicated to serving his community, this conversation delivers practical wisdom and authentic perspective from the front lines of public service.
Topics discussed include:
Leadership under pressure• Law enforcement and public safety• Faith, family, and character• Community leadership• Public service and accountability• Wyoming values and culture• The role of a Sheriff in local government• Building trust within a community• Personal responsibility and servant leadership
If you enjoy conversations with entrepreneurs, tradespeople, first responders, and leaders who are making a difference in their communities, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend.
#FromTheGroundUpShow #Leadership #LawEnforcement #Sheriff #Wyoming #PublicService #CommunityLeadership #FaithAndLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #BlueCollarLeadership #ProtectAndServe #ServantLeadership
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/2EjLvX9veng
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.facebook.com/adriankeeler.jcsheriff
https://www.instagram.com/adriankeeler.jcsheriff/

Jun 16, 2026
Jun 16, 2026
1hr 45 min
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, responsibility, hard work, faith, and challenge can radically transform young men who feel lost, distracted, or without direction. This episode explores why modern culture often fails young men — and what families, mentors, and communities can do to rebuild purpose and character.
Topics include:
Masculinity and modern culture
Leadership development for young men
Discipline, accountability, and responsibility
Purpose and identity
Service and character building
Faith, mentorship, and personal growth
Why challenge builds confidence
The importance of strong male role models
If you care about leadership, fatherhood, discipline, self-improvement, rural values, or raising the next generation with strength and purpose, this episode is for you.
Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for conversations about entrepreneurship, leadership, agriculture, culture, business, personal growth, and the people building America from the ground up.
#FromTheGroundUpShow #Podcast #Masculinity #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #SelfDiscipline #YoungMen #Purpose #Faith #LeadershipDevelopment #MensMentalHealth #Character #Fatherhood #Service #AmericanValues #RuralAmerica #Entrepreneurship #Responsibility #StrongMen #LongFormPodcast
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/sSHZ4c6c7dI
Appear on the Show as an expert guest or ask a question of Erick and one of his guests:
https://fromthegroundupshow.com
Guest Links:internationalalertacademy.cominfo@alertacademy.com903-636-9500

Jun 9, 2026
Jun 9, 2026
1hr 16 min
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 influence your decisions, leadership style, and overall trajectory, often without you even realizing it. More importantly, Katherine shares practical insight on how to identify and break these limiting beliefs so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
This episode is for entrepreneurs, leaders, and driven individuals who know they’re capable of more—and are ready to remove the internal barriers standing in the way.
If you're serious about growth, mindset, and unlocking your full potential, this is a must-listen.
#FromTheGroundUp #EntrepreneurPodcast #Leadership #Mindset #HighPerformance #PersonalDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #SelfImprovement #SuccessMindset
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/MimZ5SwOLyI
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.alignedcorelifecoaching.com/
hello@alignedcorelifecoaching.com

Jun 2, 2026
Jun 2, 2026
1hr 27 min
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 means to take a leap without having everything figured out, how your upbringing quietly influences your decisions, and why the “safe” path isn’t always the right one. This conversation is a powerful reminder that sometimes the biggest changes come from simply giving yourself permission to try something different.
If you’ve ever felt the pull to change direction, build something of your own, or live more intentionally—this episode will hit home.
#FromTheGroundUpShow #Entrepreneurship #EntrepreneurMindset #UncommonPath #WyomingLife #BuiltNotGiven #LifeOnYourTerms
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/rpAOnQhjb5w
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.facebook.com/littlejennieranch/
https://www.instagram.com/littlejennieranch/
https://thelittlejennieranch.com/
info@thelittlejennieranch.com
307-733-1044
https://thewyldlifefund.org/home/

May 26, 2026
May 26, 2026
2hr 5 min
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:
How working with massive equipment shapes problem-solving and leadership
The real-world impact of AI in construction, manufacturing, and industrial operations
Why microreactors and decentralized energy could change everything
The mindset required to grow from tradesman to innovator
What the future of American manufacturing and energy really looks like
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
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/C0le-Rk6obI
Appear on the Show as an expert guest or ask a question of Erick and one of his guests:
https://fromthegroundupshow.com
Guest Links:YODA chatbot - https://chatgpt.com/g/g-67f574e43c50819183f644087a62ae1d-honestly-better-mental-fitness-yoda - also found on Honestly Better website under tools.
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/









