Ground Up Growth

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.

Alex Eaton: Owner, Aplós Simple Mediterranean

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: Managing Partner, E3 Environmental Services

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.

Grant Ridgway: First Vice President, CBRE

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.

Stephen Cook: Owner, Southern Land & Timber

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.

Jason Ramsey: Owner & CEO, Ramsey Land & Drainage Services

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.

Leisha Pickering: Founder & CEO, Musee Bath

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.

Drew Smith: Deputy Chief, Watershed, Mississippi Valley Division

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.