Ground Up Growth

Nick Newcomb: Owner, StorageMax

In this episode of Ground Up Growth, we sit down with Nick Newcomb, CEO of StorageMax, the largest self-storage operator in Mississippi. Nick shares his path from growing up on a Delta farm to leading a multi-state self-storage portfolio with nearly 40 locations across Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana.
We dig into his early career in commercial real estate, the hands-on years spent learning every level of the StorageMax operation, and how a focus on systems, people, and customer experience helped scale the business through multiple market cycles.
This conversation covers:
-What self-storage really looks like behind the scenes (hint: it’s not just “metal buildings and mailbox money”) -The difference between traditional storage and Class A developments -How post-2008 and post-COVID markets shaped StorageMax’s growth strategy -Why systems, technology, and consistency matter more than rapid expansion -Nick’s role in state and national self-storage associations and industry advocacy
This episode focuses on Nick’s career journey and leadership philosophy.
In Part Two, we’ll go deeper into the operational realities of the self-storage industry—pain points, acquisitions, and what it actually takes to scale. If you’re interested in real estate, operations, or building a durable business from the ground up, this one’s for you.

Labor Nightmares, Burnout, and Building Tuk Tuk Boom from Scratch | Will Puckett

In this episode of Ground Up Growth, we continue our conversation with Tuk Tuk Boom owner Will Puckett. Will gets real about what it actually takes to build a business from the ground up—especially in the restaurant industry. We dive into the realities of labor shortages, managing emotions and personalities, learning to delegate, and surviving burnout when the pressure is nonstop. From opening a restaurant with zero experience to navigating leadership, trust, and long hours, Will shares the unfiltered lessons most people never talk about.
This conversation is for anyone who feels stuck in a job they hate, has an idea they keep putting off, or needs the reminder that the hardest part is simply starting. If you’ve ever asked yourself “What if I just did it?” — this episode is for you.
Topics covered:
Labor challenges and skilled staffing
Delegation, leadership, and trust
Burnout and recalibrating as a business owner
Taking risks without a safety net
Why passion matters more than experience

Will Puckett: Owner, Tuk Tuk Boom

In this episode of Ground Up Growth, Paul Hopper is joined by first-time co-host Hannah Pittman and guest Will Puckett, founder of Tuk Tuk Boom. Will shares the unfiltered, behind-the-scenes story of how a finance major with zero culinary background walked away from insurance, reverse-engineered Thai recipes on a Belhaven back porch, and built one of Mississippi’s most loved fast-casual restaurant brands. From a stolen truck that sparked an unexpected friendship, to cooking curries in crawfish pots during COVID, to growing a team of nearly 90 employees across two locations—this episode is a true ground-up story. The conversation dives into risk, timing, humility, culture, and the people who make a business work—including the powerful story of the team member who helped make Tuk Tuk Boom possible. This is part one of a two-part conversation, focused on Will’s background, the origin of the idea, and the messy early days of building something from nothing. Part two will dig deeper into labor, leadership, and scaling a business once the doors are open. If you like honest entrepreneurship stories, this one’s for you.

Marketing in 2026: Why Branding, Consistency, and Relationships Matter More Than Ever

In Part 2 of this conversation, Paul sits down again with Hannah Pittman, owner of Pittman Marketing, to go deeper into what it really means to build a brand that lasts — and how marketing is changing as people grow tired of being marketed to.
Hannah shares the story behind her recent rebrand, why clarity matters more than creativity alone, and how rebranding should signal a real shift in business strategy — not just a new logo. From there, the conversation expands into market trends, the evolution of social media, and why relationship-driven marketing is becoming more powerful than ever.
They also talk about:
Why authenticity is replacing overproduction
How human behavior is reshaping marketing strategies
The shift from constant posting to meaningful touchpoints
The importance of brand consistency in a distracted world
Collaboration over competition in business
Why word-of-mouth is still the most powerful form of marketing
How Ground Up Growth is expanding and evolving moving forward
This episode is for business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders who want to grow with intention, build trust, and create brands that actually connect.
🎧 Listen in and get grounded in what marketing looks like next.

Hannah Pittman: Owner, Pittman Marketing

In this episode of Ground Up Growth, Paul sits down with Hannah Pittman, owner of Pittman Marketing — and the person who’s been behind the scenes producing the podcast from day one.
For the first time, Hannah steps in front of the mic to share her story: from growing up in the Mississippi Delta, to working in corporate marketing, to building her own agency while raising a young family. She opens up about the early entrepreneurial moments that shaped her, the leap from corporate to freelance, and what it really looks like to grow a service-based business without losing your values.
This episode also marks a big milestone for the show — Hannah is officially joining Ground Up Growth as a co-host, bringing a new perspective and deeper conversations to future episodes.
If you’re a business owner navigating growth, leadership, or the jump from employee to entrepreneur, this one will feel familiar.
🎙️ Part 1 focuses on Hannah’s background and journey
🎙️ Part 2 dives into marketing, rebranding, and what business owners should be thinking about in 2026
 
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How One Vet Built His Own Clinic: Dr. Jon David Johnson, The Vet Depot

In this episode of Ground Up Growth, Dr. John David Johnson breaks down the full owner-occupant design-build process — from buying off-market land to designing, financing, and building a custom veterinary clinic with no construction experience.
This conversation is packed with real-world insight for entrepreneurs, business owners, and operators who want to own their location instead of leasing. We talk land selection, city approvals, financing delays, personal risk, and why relationship-first business still wins.
If you’re considering building your own facility, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to take the next step.
Ground Up Growth is a podcast about building real businesses from the ground up — through land, relationships, risk, and long-term thinking. Hosted by Paul Hopper, each episode brings practical conversations with operators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders who are doing the work.

Dr. Jon David Johnson: Owner, The Vet Depot

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.

Beef Industry Explained with Trey Bozeman, Bozeman Meat Company

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.

Trey Bozeman: Owner, Bozeman Meat Company

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.

Standout Conversations from the Top Episodes of 2025

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.