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

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
 
 
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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: 
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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/

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
 
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Watch the video show on YouTube:https://youtu.be/308wfQR9pqQ
 
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Guest Links:https://vanbuskirkco.com/

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:
Follow From The Ground Up Show so you don’t miss the next one
Share this with someone who needs a push right now
Drop a 5-star review—it’s the fastest way to help us grow and keep bringing you real conversations like this
#FromTheGroundUp #Entrepreneurship #Grit #Resilience #StartFromNothing #BlueCollar #Mindset #AmericanDream #BusinessPodcast #SelfMade #HardWorkPaysOff #Leadership #Motivation #RealTalk #PodcastGrowth
 
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Watch the video show on YouTube:https://youtu.be/wtp6MAba328
 
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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
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Watch the video show on YouTube:https://youtu.be/pfmsMQBiYTw
 
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Guest Links:https://www.macklinlawllc.com/
rmacklin@macklinlawllc.com
HMacklin@macklinlawllc.com

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

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
 
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Watch the video show on YouTube:https://youtu.be/dyjQUJhMODQ
 
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Guest Links:https://www.dralicianewsome.com/freegift/https://draliciagifts.com/
 
Sponsor Links:https://www.macarthurco.com

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
 
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Guest Links:https://www.831b.com/
 
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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
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Guest Links: