Ground Up Growth

In Episode 25 of Ground Up Growth, Paul sits down with Dr. Jon David Johnson, owner of The Vet Depot in Flora, Mississippi. Jon David shares his path from growing up in West Tennessee to becoming an award-winning veterinarian and business owner in Madison County. They unpack his early work ethic, journey through veterinary school at Mississippi State, and the realities of owning and building a clinic from the ground up. Jon David also dives into how private equity has changed the veterinary industry, why he chose to buy land and build instead of buying an existing practice, and the risks that came with betting on himself. The conversation explores delayed gratification, disciplined decision-making, building culture intentionally, and what sets The Vet Depot apart through transparency, availability, and hands-on leadership. Jon David also shares insight into Depot Direct, a service designed to bring convenience to clients while supporting local businesses. This episode is a candid look at entrepreneurship, long-term thinking, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.   Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.

In part two, Trey Bozeman dives into the nuts and bolts of running Bozeman Meat Company. He explains how his team raises, finishes, and markets cattle directly to consumers—bypassing traditional feedlots and packers. Discover: How a small-batch, local beef operation works from farm to table The challenges and rewards of running a direct-to-consumer meat business Trey’s vision for serving his community and growing sustainably Perfect for anyone curious about ranching, beef production, and entrepreneurial innovation in agriculture. "Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.

Kick off 2026 with Trey Bozeman, fourth-generation cattle farmer and co-founder of Bozeman Meat Company. In this first part, Trey shares his journey from growing up on a Mississippi cattle ranch to building a farm-to-table beef business. Learn how he: Took his family’s cow-calf operation and created a small-batch, direct-to-consumer beef company Navigated COVID-19 challenges to rethink the food system Combines ranching expertise with creativity and entrepreneurship to serve his local community If you’re interested in beef industry insights, ranching, and building a business from the ground up, this episode is for you. "Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.

On this special episode of Ground Up Growth, we are combining some of the standout conversations from the top episodes of 2025. From life in the major leagues to home foreclosure to running a grocery store, each episode of Ground Up Growth has provided insight through real-life experience. Be sure to check out the full episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. Episodes Featured: 0:29 - Paul Hopper 7:44 - Austin LaSource 13:45 - Adam Black 21:35 - Tyler Moore 29:34 - Michael Dier 37:48 - Parker Sullivan 45:18 - Jason Ramsey 50:23 - George Malvaney   If you're enjoying this podcast, be sure to rate and review. And if you are interested in being a guest on this podcast or have someone to recommend please email us at groundupgrowthpodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode of Ground Up Growth, Paul sits down with three owners behind two businesses: Brick City Drugs and Vital Care. Drew Hegi, John Hegi, and Wade Phillips share how they built their businesses from the ground up—balancing late-night side work, full-time jobs, and the grit it takes to stay the course. They unpack what real partnership looks like, how to grow with people you trust, and why slow, steady grinding often wins out over flashy shortcuts. It’s a conversation about commitment, collaboration, and betting on your own momentum. Full episodes are also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. "Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.

This episode of Ground Up Growth features Joseph Simpson, Airline Pilot for SkyWest. Joseph shares more about his upbringing, journey to becoming a pilot, and what his day-to-day looks like.  "Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.

Morgan Springfield is the owner and founder of Springfield Heating & Air, a trusted HVAC company serving Jackson, Mississippi, and surrounding communities. With a hands-on approach and a commitment to honest, dependable service, Morgan has built his business from the ground up—one satisfied customer at a time. What started as a one-man operation and a few tools in the back of his truck has grown into a reputable company known for quality work, reliability, and genuine care for customers. On this episode of Ground Up Growth, Morgan shares his journey of entrepreneurship, the lessons he’s learned about running a service-based business, and how building strong relationships has been the key to his success. "Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.

Don Clark, Jr. is an Attorney and Former Chairman at Butler Snow LLP in Ridgeland, Mississippi, with decades of experience in public finance, government relations, and economic development law. He has played a key role in shaping Mississippi’s major finance and incentive legislation, including the creation of the Mississippi Development Bank and tax increment financing statutes. Known for his deep expertise and leadership, Clark has represented both public entities and major financial institutions in complex bond and development projects across the state.   "Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.

Bridgforth Rutledge is a partner at Phelps Dunbar in Jackson, where he leads the business practice group. He’s spent his career working on commercial real estate development, helping clients with everything from land deals and financing to building out major projects. Beyond real estate, he also serves as outside counsel for businesses, guiding them through day-to-day decisions and big transactions. With experience ranging from local developers to multi-state corporations, Bridgforth brings a practical, big-picture perspective to business and growth. "Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.

Alex Eaton is the founder and owner of Aplós, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with locations in Jackson and Ridgeland, MS. His vision was to bring fresh, flavorful, and approachable dining to the community, drawing inspiration from the casual eateries of Italy, Greece, and the Middle East. Through his passion for great food, creative spaces, and community-driven dining, Alex continues to shape Mississippi’s culinary scene. "Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.

George Malvaney is the Managing Partner of E3 Environmental Services, where he leads with decades of experience in environmental compliance, emergency response, and business management. He is also the author of Cups Up: How I Organized a Klavern, Plotted a Coup, Survived Prison, Graduated College, Fought Polluters and Started a Business, a powerful memoir that chronicles his extraordinary journey of redemption and resilience. From a storied past to becoming a respected entrepreneur and environmental leader, George’s story reflects his belief in accountability, second chances, and the power of determination to create meaningful change.   "Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.

As a First Vice President with Advisory & Transaction Services, Grant Ridgway focuses on commercial brokerage, financial analysis, market research and marketing strategies. His primary responsibilities in Jackson include direct leasing and sales of office and industrial space.  He is a fourth generation real estate broker in Jackson, Ms. Since opening the Jackson office, Grant has participated in 1,400 transactions totaling approximately $1.25 billion in value.   "Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.

Long-time mentor to Paul, Stephen Cook joins the podcast for episode 13. Stephen is the Owner of Southern Land & Timber. Hear more about Stephen's journey to starting the business and the ins and outs of the timber industry. "Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.

Episode 12 features Jason Ramsey, Owner and CEO of Ramsey Land & Drainage Services. From being an aircraft technician in the Air National Guard to owning a Land & Drainage company, Jason shares his journey to entrepreneurship and valuable life lessons he's learned along the way.   "Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.

Episode 11 features, Leisha Pickering, Founder & CEO of Musee Bath. Mother of five and inspiring change maker, Leisha believed that a quality bath product, made by hand, could provide jobs for individuals. Moreover, she holds a guiding principle that everyone has value and that everyone should be valued - looking at one’s potential, not simply his or her past. From the humble beginnings in her kitchen, Musee quickly established itself in the bath product industry. Currently, Musee is the largest wholesale producer of bath balm in the country with 3,000 partnered stores in all 50 states. Musee has launched soaks, candles, soaps, shower steamers, and lotions with plans for new products in the near future. "Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.

Episode 10 features Drew Smith, Deputy Chief of the Watershed Division at the Mississippi Valley Division (US Army Corps of Engineers). Born and raised in the delta, Drew has spent his life around the Mississippi River. He shares educational insight into how the river works, the Corps of Engineers structure, and his experience as a W2 employee.  "Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.

This episode features Will Martin, Director of Operations at Service Specialists. From a college football career to the inner workings of a recruiting and staffing firm, Will shares insights into what it takes to grow in your career and follow God's path. "Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.

On this episode of Ground Up Growth, our host Paul Hopper is in the hot seat! This episode allows you to hear Paul's story and gain insight into his perspective on building success and continually growing. He shares key insights from his childhood along with the many successes and failures he's faced on his journey.  "Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.

On Episode 7 of Ground Up Growth, Parker Sullivan, Owner of Sullivan's Grocery & Sullivan's Marketplace, sat down with Paul to share what it is like owning multiple grocery stores, what goes on behind the scenes, and how they have grown tremendously in the last few years. "Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.

On this episode of Ground Up Growth, John Manning of Manning & Manning Construction shares his path to owning his company, what it was like to navigate COVID as a new business, and valuable lessons his parents instilled in him at a young age. Learn more about his journey and take a look at what it's like being in the construction industry.   "Ground Up Growth" shares insightful stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders. This podcast is hosted by Paul Hopper, a Mississippi real estate broker and developer with over $1B in company sales. Join Paul as he dives into personal & business strategies, entrepreneurial insights and growing pains faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "Ground Up Growth" delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories to help fuel your journey and build success from the ground up.