Ground Up Growth

Fusing Design & Build: How Webb Emerson Is Changing Commercial Construction

In Part 2 of Ground Up Growth, Paul Hopper and Hannah Pittman continue their conversation with Webb Emerson, owner of Form Design Build. Webb shares how mentorship, leadership, and staying lean have helped grow his Jackson, Mississippi construction company in just three years. The episode covers hiring the right people, outsourcing weaknesses, building company culture, why in-person relationships still win business, and how AI is impacting the construction industry. If you’re an entrepreneur, contractor, or small business owner looking to scale the right way, this episode is packed with practical insight.
 
 

Webb Emerson: Owner, Form Design Build

In this episode of Ground Up Growth, Paul Hopper and Hannah Pittman sit down with Webb Emerson, owner of Form Design Build, to talk about building a modern construction company from the ground up. Webb shares his journey from growing up around job sites in Memphis to earning a construction degree from Mississippi State University, gaining experience in large-scale commercial construction, and eventually launching his own business in Jackson, Mississippi.
The conversation dives into how Form Design Build is reshaping the traditional construction model through a design-build approach that combines architecture, engineering, and construction under one roof. Webb explains why this streamlined process creates a better experience for clients, reduces friction, and often delivers stronger long-term value than the standard bid process.
They also discuss branding, marketing, and why many construction companies overlook the power of a strong message and consistent presence online. Webb shares how intentional branding, company culture, and long-term thinking have helped Form grow quickly in just three years. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, construction, leadership, or building a business with vision, this episode delivers practical insight and real-world perspective.

Building a Business That Could Make or Break You with Cameron Hartley

In Part 2 of this episode of Ground Up Growth, Cameron Hartley dives deeper into what it really takes to scale a business—and the risks that come with it.
After building a successful equipment company, Cameron shares the high-stakes decision to invest everything into a new location in Gluckstadt, Mississippi—a move he knew would either make him or break him. From navigating drought seasons that cut revenue in half to managing cash flow in a seasonal business, this episode pulls back the curtain on the realities most entrepreneurs don’t talk about.
We also explore:
The “commit first, figure it out later” mindset
How to build a business that serves both contractors and everyday customers
Why customer service—not products—is the true foundation of growth
The importance of community, relationships, and long-term vision
What scaling actually looks like after early success
If you’re in the middle of building, growing, or betting on your next big move, this episode will challenge the way you think about risk, resilience, and what it takes to win long-term.

Cameron Hartley: Owner, Hartley Equipment Company

In this episode of Ground Up Growth, we sit down with Cameron Hartley, owner of Hartley Equipment Company in Gluckstadt, Mississippi, to unpack his journey from cutting grass as a teenager to building a thriving, multi-division equipment business.
Cameron shares how he started working at just 14 years old, built a landscaping company with over 100 accounts and 16 employees, and ultimately made the bold decision to leave college and bet on himself. We dive into the realities of entrepreneurship—from managing teams and burnout to spotting opportunity and pivoting into the outdoor power equipment industry.
You’ll hear how Cameron transitioned from landscaping to launching Hartley Equipment, built strategic relationships, and scaled his business into a one-stop shop for contractors across Central Mississippi. He also shares lessons on work ethic, risk-taking, leadership, and what it really takes to grow a business from the ground up.
If you're an entrepreneur, small business owner, or someone looking for real-world insight into building something from nothing, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and inspiration.

Service Over Scale: The Unconventional Way Dr. Grace Sturdivant Built Her Business

What does it actually look like to build a business without losing who you are?
In Part 2 with Grace Sturdivant (OtoPro Technologies), we go beyond the origin story and into the real decisions that shape a business—scaling vs. staying lean, product vs. service, and growth vs. identity.
Grace shares how she turned a single relationship into a major opportunity with MeatEater, why she refuses to sign exclusivity deals, and how she’s built a profitable company with zero debt—all while prioritizing people over products.
We also talk about:
The hidden challenges of growth and scalingBuilding a relationship-driven brand Competing without compromising your values Entrepreneurship as a mother Practical advice for women forging their own path This episode is for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone trying to build something that lasts. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on business, entrepreneurship, and growth from the ground up.

Dr. Grace Sturdivant, Owner & Founder, OtoPro Technologies

In this episode of Ground Up Growth, we sit down with Grace from OtoPro Technologies, a Mississippi-based hearing protection company redefining how people think about hearing health.
Grace shares her journey from growing up in Grenada, Mississippi, to becoming a Doctor of Audiology and building an unexpected business from the ground up. What started as a simple desire to help friends and family protect their hearing turned into a nationwide service model—connecting clients with a network of hundreds of clinics across the U.S. and beyond.
We dive into the powerful connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline, the gaps in traditional healthcare systems, and how Grace identified a real-world problem and built a business around solving it. She also opens up about balancing motherhood and career, taking risks without a clear roadmap, and building a lean, service-first company that thrives on relationships and word-of-mouth.
This episode is a conversation about following conviction, creating opportunity where others see obstacles, and building something meaningful—one relationship at a time.

Why Hard Work Still Wins (Lessons from a PBR Bull Rider)

In this episode of Ground Up Growth, we sit down for part 2 with Lonnie Stevenson—owner of Circle S Incorporated, industrial cleaning company leader, and former PBR Finals bull rider—to talk about what it truly takes to build a successful business from the ground up.
Lonnie shares how his rodeo background shaped his work ethic, discipline, and values—and how those same principles helped him grow a company rooted in quality, opportunity, and team culture.
We dive into:
Why hard work and consistency still win in any industry
The importance of taking pride in your work—even in the toughest jobs
How strong leadership creates six-figure opportunities for employees
The role of core values, faith, and responsibility in long-term success
Why you don’t need a college degree to build something meaningful
Lessons from influential mentors and building a people-first business
Lonnie also shares stories from his time traveling the world as a professional bull rider, insights on leadership, and his perspective on what’s missing in today’s workforce.
If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone looking to grow in your career, this episode is a powerful reminder that success isn’t complicated—it’s built on discipline, integrity, and showing up every day ready to work.

Lonnie Steverson: Vice President, Circle S Inc.

From bull riding arenas to industrial job sites, Lonnie Steverson’s story is built on grit, risk, and resilience.
In this episode of Ground Up Growth, Lonnie—owner of Circle S Incorporated—shares how a family business that started with painting and “figuring it out” evolved into a multi-state industrial cleaning operation. After losing his father at just 20 years old, Lonnie and his mom worked to keep the business alive, eventually growing it into a company with 80+ employees serving plants across the Southeast.
Along the way, Lonnie was also chasing a different kind of dream—competing as a professional bull rider in the PBR. He opens up about that chapter, the injuries that changed his path, and the moment he chose to go all-in on the business.
This conversation is about more than hydroblasting and hard jobs—it’s about leadership, earning respect, taking care of your people, and learning the work from the ground up.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build something that lasts, this one’s for you.

Self-Storage Isn’t Passive Income: Development Headaches, Industry Trends & StorageMax’s Story

In Part 2 of our conversation with Nick Newcomb, CEO of StorageMax, we dive into the realities behind the self-storage industry—an asset class many people assume is easy “mailbox money.”
Nick shares the real challenges of building and operating self-storage facilities, including development hurdles like wetland mitigation, construction complications, and the everyday operational issues that come with managing dozens of locations and customers.
We also discuss:
• The biggest pain points in the self-storage business• Real estate development challenges most people never see• Why self-storage isn’t as passive as people think• Market shifts affecting storage demand today• Competition from large REITs and national operators• How StorageMax builds community relationships and brand loyalty• Using AI and automation in the storage industry• The future of StorageMax and expansion into RV parks and new markets
If you're interested in real estate investing, entrepreneurship, self-storage development, or building a long-term family business, this episode gives an honest look inside one of Mississippi’s largest storage companies.

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.