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

From Prison Sergeant to Leadership Expert: Building Elite Teams, Strong Culture, and Entrepreneurial Freedom | Chris Hallberg
What separates average organizations from elite teams?
In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, Erick Loden sits down with entrepreneur, EOS implementer, leadership coach, and Business Sergeant founder Chris Hallberg.
Chris has spent decades helping organizations improve leadership, accountability, communication, and performance. His work earned national recognition when he was ranked #9 on Inc. Magazine's Top 50 Leadership & Management Experts list.
But his journey didn't start at the top.
From struggling in school and being labeled a problem student, to serving in the National Guard, working as a corrections officer, building and selling a remodeling company during the Great Recession, and eventually coaching leaders across the country, Chris has learned leadership through experience.
In this episode, Erick and Chris discuss:
Leadership lessons from the military, corrections, and entrepreneurship• Building accountability without creating a culture of fear• How to develop leaders throughout your organization• Creating a company culture that attracts and retains great people• Why entrepreneurs often become trapped in their own businesses• Implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) for growth and clarity• Building self-managing teams that perform at a high level• Creating systems that support long-term business success
Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, manager, executive, trades professional, or aspiring leader, this episode is packed with practical insights and actionable takeaways.
If you're interested in leadership development, entrepreneurship, business growth, team building, company culture, accountability, EOS, management, and organizational performance, this conversation delivers real-world lessons from someone who has spent a lifetime leading and developing others.
Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show for more conversations with entrepreneurs, builders, creators, and leaders who are building extraordinary lives through their heart, hands, and hustle.
#Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BusinessOwner #CompanyCulture #TeamBuilding #EOS #LeadershipDevelopment #Management #SmallBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #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/
https://www.tiktok.com/@fromthegroundupshow
https://x.com/FTGUshow
 
Watch the video show on YouTube:https://youtu.be/XIf6LgNrOQ8
 
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.youtube.com/@HometownRoofingSC
https://hometownroofingsc.com/
843-331-5850
https://www.instagram.com/hometownroofingsc/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088431266733

In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, Erick Loden sits down with Kyle Weber to discuss the lessons, relationships, and work ethic that have shaped his career in the roofing industry and business world.
While many entrepreneurs chase the latest marketing tactic or growth hack, Kyle shares why long-term success is often built on something much simpler: trust, relationships, consistency, and delivering value over time.
Kyle discusses his journey in the roofing business, the importance of networking, how referrals continue to drive business growth, and why strong personal and professional relationships remain one of the most valuable assets an entrepreneur can build.
Whether you're a contractor, tradesman, small business owner, salesperson, or entrepreneur, this conversation offers practical insights on leadership, business development, relationship marketing, and building a company that lasts.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How networking can create opportunities that advertising never will• Why referrals remain one of the most powerful business growth tools• The mindset required to succeed in the trades and construction industries• Leadership lessons learned through entrepreneurship• How to build trust, credibility, and lasting business relationships• Why consistency beats shortcuts in business and life
If you're looking for practical business advice, entrepreneurial wisdom, and real-world lessons from someone building success from the ground up, this episode is for you.
Subscribe to From The Ground Up Show for conversations with entrepreneurs, business owners, tradesmen, leaders, and innovators who are building exceptional lives and businesses through heart, hands, and hustle.
#FromTheGroundUpShow #KyleWeber #RoofingBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth #ContractorLife #BusinessLeadership #Networking #RelationshipMarketing #Sales #BlueCollarBusiness #ConstructionIndustry #BusinessPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #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/TuKrYdoBoRo
 
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.youtube.com/@HometownRoofingSC
https://hometownroofingsc.com/
843-331-5850
https://www.instagram.com/hometownroofingsc/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088431266733

Most business owners focus on growing revenue. The best business owners focus on building value.
In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, host Erick Loden sits down with Matt Andersen to explore what separates good companies from truly valuable businesses. Drawing on experience from more than $5 billion in mergers and acquisitions transactions, Matt shares practical insights on business growth, leadership, company culture, enterprise value, succession planning, and creating a business that can thrive beyond its founder.
Whether you're a contractor, entrepreneur, trades professional, small business owner, or executive leader, this conversation offers a roadmap for building a company that is attractive to buyers, resilient through change, and positioned for long-term success.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How to increase the value of your business long before you plan to sell• What buyers are really looking for during acquisitions• Why leadership development is critical to business growth• How company culture impacts enterprise value• The importance of succession planning and owner independence• Common mistakes business owners make when preparing for an exit• Why the best exit strategies often begin years in advance
If you're interested in entrepreneurship, business strategy, leadership, mergers and acquisitions, company valuation, or building a business that lasts, this episode is packed with actionable lessons you can apply immediately.
Listen now and learn how to build a business that's worth more than the owner who started it.
#BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwner #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #ExitStrategy #MergersAndAcquisitions #SmallBusiness #CompanyCulture #EntrepreneurLife #Founder #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/
https://www.tiktok.com/@fromthegroundupshow
https://x.com/FTGUshow
 
Watch the video show on YouTube:https://youtu.be/hIMWKeTyKiM
 
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://westlakesecurities.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Completing-Deal-Mergers-Acquisitions-Raising/dp/163299691X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2VSF8RURGGIDV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WJGlk6iXxPBN5H11Dz1bLvedjzSSODCziPaL4veKs24IQ55U2MC4EuQNd9TQ-BvBVxiaNB-4siTSWqB4kXHQ7Xx23rXcT8cXjjd4ZCz8fZLPhcZ5xOj7v4ci0ZhRDhTRm7se1I93tujE6U8V6GplGtVj2zNs8D-u9J4z3wM3QrfaE4NB3GeNxWKdTlyW56Ro.OJyO_EC-jJwihVFN1sTzi7v4Vt4Cmo5Im36nKyup6Bc&dib_tag=se&keywords=completing+the+deal&qid=1780170106&sprefix=completing+the+dea%2Caps%2C298&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/Intentional-Growth-Performance-Outcomes-Company/dp/1639081879/ref=sr_1_1?crid=87IC4OOBJN40&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2S1PEn-gGCV51etZ8BgkQr-aFzZkO5gUDVFrxBthjKG3uq8zVIgSbdM7vQrU-opqirSjAuIl2hjvjmy61GNPMHOARRq_ghNZEd0qdepAjLqTvQNd1rxScfw2_9LcOMbuxeBKnRBudO78grhomDHlcGNkym-Rjwntb83Vfjp-aV0jVTyRWyKejw-7KHYKHyNFb-6XsbaRwWoE7FMmiYT5F6KQKv-W8VuCI42hGzIsHwo.6QGjyaiJFpussXO2GLZRCv2eyFjuvh3zr-4TiCDhOX4&dib_tag=se&keywords=intentional+growth&qid=1780170131&sprefix=intentional+growth%2Caps%2C305&sr=8-1
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/westlake-securities_author-westlake-ceo-matt-andersen-discusses-activity-7236775330705764352-PHtJ/

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/

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

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

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/

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