Ground Up Growth

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.

Drew Hegi, John Hegi, & Wade Phillips - Owners of Brick City Drugs and Vital Care (MS)

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.

Joseph Simpson: Airline Pilot

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: Owner, Springfield Heating & Air

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: Attorney and Former Chairman, Butler Snow

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: Partner at Phelps and Entrepreneur

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.