Shows
The Grit to Growth PodcastPublic Works, Public Trust with Vishnu NelloreIn this episode, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Vishnu Nellore, a civil engineer for the City of Sioux Falls, to talk about his journey from coastal India to the snowy plains of South Dakota—and how he’s now influencing the growth and infrastructure of one of America’s fastest-growing cities. Vishnu shares how he came to study at South Dakota State University, adjusted to life in the U.S., and discovered a passion for engineering that’s all about people as much as it is about projects.
You’ll hear about:
The cultural and climat...
2025-12-2224 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastHelping the Helpers: Building Enso Mental Health with JoAnna PrewittLevi Te Slaa sits down with Joanna Prewitt, a licensed therapist and the founder of Enso Mental Health in Spearfish, South Dakota. Joanna opens up about her path from working in social services to launching her own mental health practice. Inspired by personal experience and a desire to “help the helpers,” JoAnna built Enso with a vision to create a supportive, sustainable environment for therapists and clients alike.
In this heartfelt conversation, Joanna reflects on how her parents’ divorce sparked a lifelong dedication to therapy, why she left nonprofit work, and how she scaled Enso Mental Health from a...
2025-12-1519 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastGuiding Growth and Care at Sanford Health with Dr. Jeremy CauwelsIn this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, Levi Te Slaa welcomes Dr. Jeremy Cauwels, a small-town Iowa native whose early experiences with congenital heart disease inspired a lifelong pursuit of care and leadership. Now the Chief Medical Officer of Sanford Health, Dr. Cauwels discusses how he went from hospital medicine to helping oversee quality, safety, and graduate medical education across a vast healthcare system.
He shares insights on leading through growth, the importance of communication in large organizations, and the lasting lessons from navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Listeners will also hear his advice for emerging...
2025-12-1221 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastCarrying the Torch: Four Generations of Juneks with Ryan JunekIn this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with Ryan Junek, a fourth-generation business owner and the force behind Junek's Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Spearfish, South Dakota. From his family's migration during the Great Depression to running one of the oldest car dealerships in the region, Ryan shares a story rooted in resilience, adaptation, and legacy.
Tune in to hear how a small gas station evolved into a thriving car dealership, how Ryan transitioned from running a car rental business at the Rapid City Airport to taking the reins...
2025-12-1023 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastBalancing Family and Fabrication with Connor HallstromIn this episode, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Connor Hallstrom, founder of SoDak Industries, a CNC machining business in Clark, South Dakota. Conner shares the story behind starting his company while still working full-time and raising twin boys with his wife—all driven by a vision of generational legacy and hands-on craftsmanship.
Conner breaks down the nuts and bolts of what a modern machine shop does, why machinists are in demand, and how robotics and software are shaping the future of manufacturing. He opens up about what it takes to build a family-integrated business, how he’s me...
2025-12-0818 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastThe Heart of the Matter: Prevention, Access, and Impact with Dr. Bhaskar PurushottamIn this episode, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Dr. Bhaskar Purushottam, founder of Midwest Heart and Vascular Associates and a leading cardiologist based in Rapid City, South Dakota. Dr. Purushottam shares his inspiring journey from Bangalore, India to becoming a specialist with training at some of the world’s top medical institutions, including Mount Sinai and William Beaumont.
They dive deep into the critical topic of vascular care access in underserved regions. Dr. Purushottam explains why he chose to launch a private clinic focused on timely, life-saving treatment for heart and vascular diseases—especially peripheral arterial dise...
2025-12-0521 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastSolving Chaos with Code with John ClapperIn this insightful episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, Levi sits down with John Clapper, a former pastor turned tech leader, who now serves as the VP of Technology at Verdia and co-founder of Sendachi. John shares his winding journey from ministry to mastering data and analytics, offering real-world wisdom on solving business chaos with the power of code and leadership.
John dives into how he transitioned from Excel spreadsheets to enterprise-level data systems, the pivotal role of AI in modernizing credit union technology, and the value of rural innovation. You’ll hear how he applies a...
2025-12-0325 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastBuilding Top Talent Connections with Sarah VicuniaIn this episode, Levi sits down with Sarah Vicunia, founder of Top Talent Connections, a new recruiting agency based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Sarah shares her journey from a successful career in corporate HR to an unexpected job loss that led her to launch her own business. She opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of losing a job, the courage it takes to pivot, and the drive to create meaningful connections between companies and candidates.
Sarah dives deep into how small businesses struggle with hiring, and how her firm is uniquely positioned to bring "big company"...
2025-12-0120 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastSparks of Entrepreneurship with Shaine AndersonIn this episode, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Shaine Anderson, a dynamic entrepreneur from Aberdeen, South Dakota, who’s thriving in not one—but two—distinct industries. As the founder of Anderson Electric and Wired Coffee Company, Shaine shares how he transitioned from managing a retail floor to wiring homes and troubleshooting industrial systems, all while brewing up some of the region's best coffee.
Shaine talks candidly about his journey into the trades, discovering his family's multi-generational legacy in electrical work, and how mentorship and apprenticeships shaped his path. He dives into the challenges of running two bu...
2025-11-1920 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastCulture by Design: Lessons from Vaney HaririIn this energizing conversation, Vaney Hariri shares his journey from Buffalo, NY, to becoming a culture architect in Sioux Falls, SD. Co-founder of Think3D Solutions, Vaney talks with Levi about building company culture on purpose, not by accident.
You’ll hear why culture happens whether you plan for it or not—and why investing in it matters. Vaney shares how Think3D helps organizations develop leadership at all levels, and why the best cultures are built by design.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be A Guest Are you a successful business owner or professional with insights to share? Appl...
2025-11-1721 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastInnovation in the Skies with Russel Van Der WerffIn this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with Russel Van Der Werff, an executive and technical leader at Aerostar, to explore the cutting-edge world of stratospheric ballooning. From launching high-altitude balloons in partnership with Google to fighting wildfires with real-time data and aerial connectivity, Russ takes us inside a world most people don’t even know exists—yet it’s reshaping how we think about airspace, leadership, and innovation.
Russ shares his journey from small-town South Dakota to leading a team of 80+ engineers at Aerostar. He opens up about the le...
2025-11-1420 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastRewriting the Rules of Workplace Health with Trisha DohnIn this inspiring episode, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with Trisha Dohn, founder of Well365, a workplace wellness company on a mission to transform how businesses support their employees' physical and mental health.
Trisha shares her journey from working in major health systems to launching Well365 from her basement, all while navigating personal challenges including infertility and financial uncertainty. Her story is one of passion, purpose, and perseverance.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be A Guest Are you a successful business owner or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on ht...
2025-11-1222 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastBaking Up a Dream With Alex PetersonIn this heartfelt episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Alex Peterson, the culinary mastermind behind Baking Up a Storm at Lake Lorraine in Sioux Falls. From humble roots in Iowa to becoming a staple in the Sioux Falls baking scene, Alex shares how his lifelong passion for baking turned into a thriving business.
Alex opens up about the challenges and triumphs of launching his own bakery during a pandemic, the value of taking calculated risks, and why learning to ask for help has been one of the most important lessons...
2025-11-1017 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastTim Winders on Faith and FulfillmentIn this powerful and personal episode, Levi Te Slaa talks with Tim Winders—executive coach, author, and host of the Seek Go Create podcast. From building a $20M real estate portfolio to living in a 39-foot motorcoach after financial collapse, Tim shares the deeply human story behind his reinvention.
Tim opens up about his early entrepreneurial journey, his drive for success, and how 2008’s crash forced him to confront his ego, faith, and purpose. We explore what it means to truly “slow down to speed up,” and how redefining success has led Tim to a more fulfilled life of...
2025-11-0722 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastSouth Dakota Values in Action: Christine Vinatieri-Erickson’s Leadership JourneyWhat happens when grit, service, and small-town values meet leadership and innovation? Christine Vinatieri-Erickson knows the answer firsthand.
In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Christine, a lifelong South Dakotan who’s worn many hats—from small business owner and City Council member to her current leadership roles with the South Dakota Auto Dealers Association and the South Dakota Trucking Association.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be A Guest Are you a successful business owner or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://grittogrowthpodcast.com/g...
2025-11-0523 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastLiving What You Believe: Lessons in Faith and Purpose with Anders BartonIn this episode, Levi sits down with Anders Barton, whose journey has taken him from a childhood rooted in faith, through the ups and downs of sales in Austin, Texas, to stepping into leadership roles in his family’s business, and finally to co-founding Temple—a faith-forward health and fitness company with his brothers.
Anders shares a powerful early-life experience that sparked his walk with God, the lessons he learned in the trenches of commission-based sales, and how a vision during a long drive changed the direction of his life and career. He opens up about what it m...
2025-11-0325 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastInnovation Meets Care: How Seth Uschuk & Melissa Anderson Teamed Up to Build a Smarter Childcare AppOn this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with Seth Uschuk and Melissa Anderson, co-founders of Cubby — a childcare communication platform built with heart and hustle in Sioux Falls. What started with a conversation at a daycare open house turned into a four-year journey combining Melissa’s deep experience in childcare with Seth’s tech expertise.
Together, they’ve built Cubby from the ground up to solve the real, everyday challenges that childcare centers face — from simplifying parent-teacher communication to streamlining admin work so staff can focus on what matters most: the...
2025-10-2918 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastLeading with Wisdom and Humor: Conversations with Jason BoutwellWhat happens when 30 years of leadership experience meets humor, wisdom, and a deep passion for helping people? In this episode, Levi sits down with Jason Boutwell, a seasoned business leader who’s navigated corporate roles, embraced failure, and now leads with intention at Pro Resources—a growing HR outsourcing firm rooted in the Midwest.
Jason shares his journey from college football at NDSU to becoming a trusted advisor in HR and business strategy. Along the way, he reflects on how failure shaped his mindset, why the "delegate and elevate" model matters, and why an abundance mindset isn’t just...
2025-10-2726 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastNick Ovenden: Helping People Perform Their Best, In and Out of the GymWhat happens when you take a personal trainer with a deep love for movement and hand him the reins to a rapidly growing golf and fitness brand? You get Nick Ovenden—an operations leader who’s just as comfortable helping clients do sandbag workouts as he is guiding a company through an ESOP transition.
In this episode, Nick shares his journey from personal trainer to operations leader at Great Life, a unique fitness and lifestyle brand with over 24 locations across South Dakota and Minnesota. He talks about his passion for building teams, helping people live healthier lives, and...
2025-10-2422 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastThe Manufacturing Mindset with Mason LeisethIn this episode, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with Mason Leiseth—a South Dakota native, mechanical engineer, and manufacturing leader—to explore how the U.S. can reclaim its place in the global industrial economy.
Mason shares how his upbringing on a family farm and early exposure to fabrication set the stage for his passion for manufacturing. From his work at Twin City Fan to growing a machine shop in Huron, SD, Mason has worn many hats and now helps companies as a consultant focused on scaling, streamlining, and solving complex operational problems.
...
2025-10-2220 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastMeg McNeese: Perspectives on Leadership and CollaborationIn this episode, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Meg McNeese — South Dakota rancher turned organizational change expert — to explore what leadership really means in today’s fast-moving world. Drawing from her deep experience across industries like mining, construction, and hospitality, Meg shares how she’s learned to balance the “in-the-dirt” work with high-level strategy.
She opens up about how Rose Group International began almost by accident, how their proprietary Helix assessment helps teams process change, and why clear succession planning is essential for organizational stability. Meg also talks about humanizing leadership — from wearing jeans on Fridays to having hone...
2025-10-2022 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastThe Power of Collaboration: Featuring Noah Vandal & Joseph YoonFrom small-town roots in Minnesota to high-tech entrepreneurship in Sioux Falls, Noah Vandal shares how his hands-on curiosity and engineering background led him into the world of AI and healthcare. Joined by Dr. Joseph Yoon — a physician and health informatics expert — the two reveal how faith, shared vision, and innovation led to the creation of Speech Sage, a company using AI-powered conversational tools to improve patient communication and clinic efficiency.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be A Guest Are you a successful business owner or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://grittogrowthpodcast.com/guest...
2025-10-1728 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastBrewing Success & Business Strategy with Jacob LimmerIn this episode, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Jacob Limmer, founder of Cottonwood Coffee in Brookings, South Dakota, and consultant with The Prosper Group. Jacob shares how a passion for sustainability led to farming, which eventually brewed into a successful coffee business. He opens up about the early struggles with funding, lessons learned from expanding too quickly, and how he evolved from barista to business strategist.
Jacob also shares his philosophy on consulting and how 20 years of entrepreneurial ups and downs have positioned him to help other business owners grow smarter, not harder. They discuss universal...
2025-10-1525 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastGrounded in South Dakota, Growing Globally: Nick Yost on Wellness & AestheticsIn this powerful episode, Levi sits down with Nick Yost, the founder and medical director of BodyOpt, to explore her extraordinary path from a small-town South Dakota farm to launching one of the region’s fastest-growing wellness and aesthetics clinics. Nick shares how her early days living on yachts, flipping homes, and running a craft beer bar evolved into a full-blown commitment to functional medicine and regenerative health.
You’ll hear the personal story that pushed her into nursing, her frontline work in Brooklyn during COVID, and how she built her clinic from a single rented room into...
2025-10-1323 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastFrom Army Nurse to Entrepreneur: Kelly Ewart’s JourneyKelly Ewart grew up in Texas, served as an Army nurse, and later put down roots in western South Dakota. In 2019 she took a leap from ER shifts to business ownership, investing her savings into a Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Spearfish so she could build something alongside her kids. She walks us through validating a rural market, leveraging a veteran franchise discount, battling through an SBA loan (and a major injury), insisting on a drive-thru, and opening… four months before COVID hit.
Kelly talks candidly about staffing during a labor crunch, why she hires and mentors teens an...
2025-10-0836 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastPositivity as a Compass: Lessons from Tia MeyerIn this uplifting conversation, Tia walks us through her unconventional career path—from selling jeans on commission to landing an entry-level dental assistant role with zero experience, then earning credentials at night and stepping into leadership. She explains how Neighborhood Dental Care scaled to 11 locations while keeping patient-first care and quality at the center. Tia also opens up about sending her oldest to college, why “one day at a time” is her life mantra, and how positivity is a daily choice, not an act of denial.
What You’ll Learn
How Tia navigated young motherhood, school, and work—one...
2025-10-0621 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastThe Journey of an Attorney Entrepreneur with Barry SackettHost Levi Te Slaa sits down with Barry Sackett, managing partner and long-time advisor to business owners across the Midwest. Barry traces his path from a family of lawyers to roles as in-house counsel, controller, CFO, and now managing partner. He explains why his work is really about building trust in every transaction—often before legal issues turn into lawsuits.
Barry digs into the realities entrepreneurs face: scaling themselves as the business grows, avoiding “inventor’s disease,” and not snapping back to old roles when growth gets hard (the “rubber band effect”). He also unpacks the shift toward fract...
2025-10-0226 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastJoel Sylvester: Elevating Businesses Through Service ExcellenceJoel breaks down how Five Star Call Centers supports companies as a true BPO partner—sometimes supplying full-stack customer experience (recruiting, training, tech, QA), other times filling specific gaps like staffing or process design. He explains the five traits they look for in great partners, why seasonality matters, and how their 99% work-from-home team across small-town America delivers world-class care.
We dig into practical AI: avatar-based interviews, adaptive training, real-time speech analytics, “Agent Assist,” and when to deploy modern digital agents (not the old, frustrating chatbots). Joel also shares their growth story—from a single site to a remote-first U.S. tea...
2025-10-0130 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastHow Karll Lecher and Johnathan Peterson Are Shaping Hemp in South DakotaWhat happens when a fifth-generation South Dakota farmer and a former Air Force operations leader come together to tackle one of agriculture’s most misunderstood crops? In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Johnathan Peterson (CEO) and Karll Lecher (COO) of Dakota Hemp to unpack the true potential of industrial hemp in South Dakota and beyond.
John shares how Dakota Hemp got its start in 2021, the early lessons they learned growing and harvesting hemp, and how the company is about to open a major fiber processing plant. Karll brings in...
2025-09-3017 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastCounseling, Community, and Comics: A Conversation with Shane GerlachLevi sits down with counselor and community leader Shane Gerlach to explore the heart behind his work at Carroll Institute and his longtime passion for youth mentorship. Shane shares the moment his wife nudged him back to school, the three traits he believes drive lasting success — honesty, humility, and vulnerability — and how he helps clients take ownership of the only things they can truly control: how they think, feel, and act.
They dig into addiction as a brain disease, the language shift from “I’m an addict” to “I’m a person in recovery,” and why that change builds hope....
2025-09-1932 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastBuilding Communities Through Design: Patricia Acevedo FuentesIn this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with architect and Bush Fellow Patricia Acevedo Fuentes to explore how design can shape more inclusive and connected communities. With over 20 years of experience, Patri shares her journey from Puerto Rico to South Dakota and the lessons learned from working across diverse cultures.
You’ll hear Patri’s perspective on why architecture is not just about the final product, but the process of collaboration and community input that makes design meaningful. She talks about the challenges of bridging vision and reality, the impo...
2025-09-1121 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastThe Business of Wellness: Aesthetic Medicine with Dr. HansenWhat does it take to build a thriving medical practice in the growing field of aesthetics? In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with Dr. Lornell Hansen, founder of Lasaderm and Physicians Vein Clinics, to talk about his journey from family medicine to becoming a leader in aesthetic medicine.
Dr. Hansen shares how he balanced long nights in acute care while building his first clinic, what it takes to grow a multi-state medical business, and why patient confidence—not just appearance—is at the heart of his work. From the...
2025-09-1026 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastFrom Money Pit to Mission: Mason Schramm’s Path in Real EstateIn this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa welcomes Mason Schramm, founder of The Move Group in Yankton, South Dakota. Mason shares how a rough first home-buying experience inspired his journey into real estate — and how it became his mission to help others avoid the same mistakes.
Mason talks candidly about turning a personal financial misstep into a thriving business built on advocacy, education, and trust. From starting his company during the pandemic to managing 13 agents across multiple markets, Mason emphasizes a no-fluff, client-first approach to real estate.
You’ll hear...
2025-09-0921 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastFrom South Dakota to Global Leadership – Dr. Rachel MK HeadleyWhat does it take to grow from small-town South Dakota roots to leading global projects and government contracts? In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Dr. Rachel MK Headley, CEO of Rose Group International, to explore her path from geographer to entrepreneur, and how she helps organizations navigate their biggest transitions.
Rachel shares the story of leaving her longtime career in science to build a consulting firm in Spearfish, South Dakota. Together with her business partner, she now leads a team working across industries — from healthcare to technology — guiding orga...
2025-09-0432 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastThe Art of Tax Deferral in Real Estate, Business & Bitcoin – Brett SwartsWhat if you could sell your business, real estate, or even Bitcoin — without getting crushed by capital gains taxes? In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with Brett Swarts, founder of Capital Gains Tax Solutions, to unpack how entrepreneurs, investors, and high-net-worth individuals can legally defer taxes, diversify wealth, and multiply freedom.
Brett explains how the Deferred Sales Trust works, shares a real-life Bitcoin case study, and reveals how his team helps clients build “mini family offices” for long-term success. He also opens up about his personal journey — from going br...
2025-09-0322 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastFrom Dairy Farm to Private Equity – Owen Reimer’s 20-Year JourneyHow does someone go from milking cows to managing multi-million dollar real estate projects?
In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with Owen Reimer, founder of Stone Shore Capital, to explore his two-decade journey from growing up on a dairy farm in rural Canada to building over $100 million in real estate development projects.
Owen opens up about the lessons he learned from early financial losses, the decision to pivot from raising capital to doing his own real estate developments, and how he and his partners now create...
2025-09-0225 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastJon Brudvig: Taking Biotech from Lab to LifeIn this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with Jon Brudvig, a leading biotech researcher specializing in lysosomal health — a cellular recycling system critical for treating rare diseases, improving longevity, and preserving health as we age.
Jon shares how he went from running a Sioux Falls coffee shop to earning a PhD in biology, pioneering drug development at Amicus Therapeutics, and educating the public on the science of healthy aging. You’ll hear:
How lysosomes impact aging, disease, and everyday health
Why exercise and even intentional rest...
2025-08-2119 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastFrom Vision to Traction: Scaling with Chris Van DusenIn this episode, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Chris Van Dusen—a seasoned operator, investor, and marketer—who has built and scaled brands from scratch, led three successful exits, and now serves as a Senior Partner at Salico Capital. Broadcasting from Huntington Beach, California, Chris shares how he went from “accidental entrepreneur” to leading strategic growth investments for top-tier clients.
Chris walks us through his journey from finance to founding a CBD brand, a craft distillery, and a beauty care company. He gives us a behind-the-scenes look at scaling businesses quickly, the hard lessons learned during COVID, a...
2025-08-2023 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastLisa Groon: Following Purpose, Not Just a PathIn this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Lisa Groon—veteran, healthcare leader, community advocate, and TEDx speaker—whose story embodies the power of following purpose over simply following a path.
Lisa shares her journey from a small town in South Dakota to 22 years in the South Dakota Army National Guard (as a musician, no less), and into a career in healthcare focused on quality improvement and patient experience. She opens up about the personal impact of her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and how it led her to focus deeply o...
2025-08-1417 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastScaling Suds & Success with Jon SchemmelWhat happens when a former global corporate leader trades the boardroom for the laundromat? In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Jon Schemmel, the man some call the "Midwest Laundromat King." Jon shares how he went from buying his first laundromat in 2020 to building a 22-store portfolio across three states—and why every acquisition feels like uncovering a new mystery.
Jon opens up about the realities of running a laundromat business, the power of strong banking relationships, and the unexpected opportunities that come from saying yes to the right co...
2025-08-1328 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastFrom Clinic to Corporate: Dr. Adam Finzen’s Leap into Health TechWhat happens when a physician swaps scrubs for startups? In this episode, Levi sits down with Dr. Adam Finzen, a former clinician who now leads business development at WRS Health. Adam shares the pivotal moment during the pandemic that made him question the traditional path of medicine and what ultimately led him to transition into the health tech world.
We explore:
What inspired Adam to shift from practicing medicine to driving innovation in health tech
The challenges of selling to clinicians from a business development perspective
Why communication and connection are...
2025-08-1217 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastFrom Zero to Brand Mogul: Andy Holst’s Untold Business JourneyIn this episode, Andy Holst dives into the evolution of House of Brands—from its humble beginnings as Embroidery and Screen Works to becoming a premium provider of branded merchandise across the U.S. and Canada. Andy shares his insights on strategic rebranding, building meaningful client relationships, and scaling operations through world-class service and customization.
He discusses how understanding client needs before they’re even voiced has been a key differentiator, along with the role of employee culture and internal investment in long-term success. Andy also opens up about passive income strategies, particularly real estate syndications, and shar...
2025-07-2128 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastFrom Sound Checks to Rent Checks with Erik DwyerOn this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, Levi sits down with Erik Dwyer, a Minneapolis-based audio engineer and real estate investor. Erik shares his unique path from working audio gigs at sporting events and corporate shows to building a real estate portfolio one condo at a time.
Learn how a desire to save on rent while attending audio engineering school led Erik to buy his first condo—and how that sparked a long-term passion for real estate. Erik gets real about why he’s moved on from condos, what he loves about midterm rentals, and how...
2025-07-2117 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastFounder Feature: Dusten Hendrickson Tells the Mailbox Money StoryFrom selling candy bars as a kid to reshaping multifamily real estate development, Dusten Hendrickson’s entrepreneurial journey is anything but typical. In this episode, Dusten joins Levi Te Slaa to share how his passion for design and efficiency evolved into Mailbox Money—a fast-growing real estate development company focused on intentional, impactful living spaces across the Midwest.
Dusten dives deep into how he scaled from roofing to real estate, why he pivoted away from picky homeowners to focus on tenants, and how he's leveraging thoughtful design to build efficient, high-demand rental properties. He also breaks down the...
2025-07-2122 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastWhat Drives Robbie Veurink: Business, Balance, and Bold MovesFrom a farm kid in New Holland, South Dakota, to a multi-business owner making bold moves across the country, Robbie Veurink’s story is all about grit, growth, and getting your hands dirty—literally. In this episode, Robbie shares his journey from working for the City of Sioux Falls to founding three successful businesses. He opens up about knocking on doors to get his first clients, launching a construction manufacturing facility during COVID, and even battling for his life during a life-threatening illness. This conversation is packed with real talk, inspiration, and insight into what it takes to balance work...
2025-07-2124 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastThe Making of a Contractor: Roger Pedersen’s Path to SuccessIn this episode, Levi Te Slaa welcomes Roger Pedersen, co-founder of East River Contracting, for an inspiring deep-dive into what it really takes to build a successful construction business from the ground up. Roger shares his early roots growing up in a family-run resort, the humble beginnings of East River with roofing jobs, and how a leap of faith—and a bit of grit—led to unexpected growth.
Roger talks about his journey from broadcast journalism into construction, the learning curves of starting a concrete division without a clear roadmap, and how partnerships and personalities have shaped the...
2025-07-2117 min
Property Profits Real Estate PodcastCreative Multifamily Development in the Midwest with Dusten HendricksonIn this insightful episode, Dave Dubeau sits down with real estate developer Dusten Hendrickson to explore a unique model for workforce housing that's challenging traditional multifamily design. Broadcasting from Brookings, South Dakota, Dusten breaks down his proven approach to creating “modern workforce housing”—efficient, wellness-focused multifamily buildings that are attractive, affordable, and strategically located in suburban communities.
Dusten shares how his company, Mailbox Money RE, balances design aesthetics and financial performance by skipping high-cost amenities and focusing on features that actually improve tenant well-being—think floor-to-ceiling windows and in-unit laundry, not pools and elevators. He also outlines the full...
2025-06-1023 min
In The Arena PodcastBUSINESS - Tackling the Affordable Housing Crisis with Scalable RE Solutions | Dusten HendricksonIn this episode, we sit down with Dusten Hendrickson, the founder and CEO of Mailbox Money, a real estate investment company focused on solving the affordable housing crisis through scalable, sustainable development.With core values rooted in kindness, persistence, generosity, faith, and accountability, Dusten shares how his company is bringing real solutions to underserved housing markets. From goal setting and land acquisition to capital raising, permitting, and construction development, Dusten’s systems are designed for long-term impact—not just short-term gains.As a leader who measures success through relationships, results, and community transformation, Dusten offers a ro...
2025-06-1031 min
Behind the Business | Founders in the 605Resilience and Real Estate | Dusten Hendrickson of Mailbox MoneyOn the latest episode of Behind the Business | Founders in the 605, Marcus Mahlen sits down with Dusten Hendrickson, founder of Mailbox Money. Listen now!Follow 605 Founders Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
2025-06-0357 min
Phil PodcastSUCCESS IS IMPROVING COMMUNITIES W/ DUSTEN HENDRICKSON (S02EP12)📌PODCAST EPISODE S02EP12 – DUSTEN HENDRICKSON Success is _ Podcast with Dusten Hendrickson Join host Phil Portman as he sits down with Dusten Hendrickson, founder of Mailbox Money and a visionary real estate developer dedicated to creating high-impact, wellness-centered communities. With over 20 years in design, construction, and syndication, Dusten shares how faith, innovation, and […]
The post SUCCESS IS IMPROVING COMMUNITIES W/ DUSTEN HENDRICKSON (S02EP12) first appeared on Philip Portman.
2025-05-3029 min
Recession Resistant Real Estate RadioInvesting in Affordable Housing with Dusten Hendrickson“I think you should be investing in real estate for 10-20 years; it should be more of a retirement play!” ~Dusten Hendrickson~Is affordable housing a thing of the past?....Not on Dusten Hendrickson’s watch! It’s the answer to the critical gap between government subsidized housing and luxury developments! You won’t want to miss this episode as Dusten shares his common sense approach to creating affordable homes that are scalable, repeatable, and in demand! Learn how to reduce operating expenses by half!In...
2025-05-3041 min
Success Is _ PodcastSUCCESS IS IMPROVING COMMUNITIES W/ DUSTEN HENDRICKSON (S02EP12)📌PODCAST EPISODE S02EP12 - DUSTEN HENDRICKSONJoin host Phil Portman as he sits down with Dusten Hendrickson, founder of Mailbox Money and a visionary real estate developer dedicated to creating high-impact, wellness-centered communities. With over 20 years in design, construction, and syndication, Dusten shares how faith, innovation, and purpose fuel his mission to transform affordable housing in America.📌 Get inspired by his journey, investment strategies, and passion for making a difference—both in business and in life.Know more about Dusten:LinkedIn - https://www.link...
2025-05-2929 min
The Wire with Rev Carlene AppelThe Wire - w/ guest Dusten HendricksonDusten Hendrickson-CEO Mailbox Money Real Estate and Private Equity Brookings, SD
2025-04-1055 min
The Grit to Growth PodcastWelcome to "The Grit to Growth Podcast"The Grit to Growth Podcast is for South Dakota’s hardworking business owners and professionals who believe in rolling up their sleeves and getting the job done. This show dives into the real stories of local entrepreneurs—especially in blue-collar and construction industries—who turned grit, determination, and sweat equity into success.
2025-04-0401 min
The Capital Raiser ShowSolving the affordable housing issue - Dusten HendricksonLearn more about Dusten here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dusten-hendrickson/
2025-03-2727 min
The Wealth Vibe Show!Ep 185: Investing In Affordable Housing Opportunities Amidst The CrisisSend us a textAffordable housing is in crisis—but that means huge opportunities for investors who know how to navigate the space. What if you could make stable, risk-adjusted returns while contributing to community development?In this episode, host Vinki Loomba sits down with Dusten Hendrickson, founder of Mailbox Money, to break down the affordable housing market, the best investment strategies, and why multifamily housing is the key to long-term success.🔥 Key Takeaways:✔️ Multifamily, Not Single-Family – High-density housing is the only scalable solution for affordability.✔️ Government-Free Investment – Av...
2025-03-0440 min
Thriving in Multifamily026 - Building Beyond Walls: Affordable Housing, Wellness, and the Heart of Leadership with Dusten HendricksonWhat does it take to create sustainable, affordable housing that truly serves the community? In this episode, Lissi Daniels sits down with Dusten Hendrickson https://www.linkedin.com/in/dusten-hendrickson/ , a visionary leader in multifamily housing development, to explore the intersection of innovative design, faith, and leadership.From his early days as a roofing contractor to spearheading a movement in affordable housing, Dusten shares his insights on balancing cost-efficiency with high-quality living spaces. He dives into the importance of wellness-focused design, reducing unnecessary expenses, and how faith guides his leadership decisions. If you’re passionate about real es...
2025-02-1926 min
The Curious Wire#118: Dusten Hendrickson - CEO - Solving the Affordable Housing CrisisSend us a textDusten Hendrickson is the CEO of Mailbox Money. The mission of Mailbox Money is to address the affordable housing crisis by developing innovative, high-quality, and wellness-focused multifamily real estate. Through strategic land selection, sustainable design, and efficient construction, Mailbox Money creates living spaces that enhance quality of life while delivering strong returns for investors.By pioneering affordable design-build projects and leveraging real estate syndication, the company provides accessible housing solutions that promote financial stability and community well-being.I'm Moshe Crane connect with me on LinkedIn. My day job...
2025-02-1021 min
What the MEpisode 48 - Dusten HendricksonThe 48th episode of “What the M” features Dusten Hendrickson, Founder and CEO of Mailbox Money. Mailbox Money specializes in transforming real estate development through strategic land selection, wellness-focused design, and innovative project leadership. Dusten’s expertise extends to real estate syndication, working closely with partners to structure impactful, high-yield opportunities for investors. He is deeply committed to addressing the affordable housing crisis by developing sustainable, high-quality housing solutions that meet the needs of diverse communities. This episode focuses on the critical issue of the nation’s housing shortage, and what steps and initiatives can and are be...
2025-01-3129 min
The Value Add Podcast with Eytan GoldsteinEP 7: Dusten Hendrickson- Founder of Mailbox Money -Creates Value Through Efficient DevelopmentIn this episode of the Value Add Podcast, Eytan Goldstein interviews Dusten Hendrickson, owner of Mailbox Money, who shares his journey from roofing contractor to successful real estate developer. They discuss:
- Dusten's innovative approach to development, focusing on the streamlined processes that enable rapid construction and leasing.
- The importance of community engagement and efficient project management.
-Unique design elements that set his developments apart in the market.
- Outsourcing tasks to maintain a lean operation and leveraging personal strengths in business.
- Key elements of tenant satisfaction, including location and high-quality interior design.
- Challenges...
2025-01-2635 min
The Morale Booster PodcastConversation with Dusten HendricksonConversation with Dusten Hendrickson
Dusten Hendrickson, the owner of Mailbox Money, is dedicated to addressing the affordable housing crisis through innovative design, efficient construction, and strategic investment in wellness multifamily real estate. By developing and designing high-quality, affordable housing solutions, acquiring value-add properties, and investing passively as a limited partner (LP), Dusten creates opportunities for individuals and families to thrive in sustainable and accessible communities, empowering others to invest in impactful projects.
Drawing on extensive experience in affordable design-build projects and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by frugal communities, Dusten focuses on creating...
2025-01-2244 min
The On The Rise PodcastManaging Cashflow and Wellness in Today's Tough MarketWelcome to the Freedom Point Real Estate podcast! In today's episode, Dusten Hendrickson joins Jeremy Dyer to cover choosing the right syndicator and sponsors, the difficulty of acquiring assets, and parts of Desten's own personal and professional journey. Want to learn more? Visit www.startingpointcapital.com Dusten develops and invests in wellness-designed multifamily real estate, existing value-add real estate, and Dusten passively invests in other projects as an LP investor. Dusten enjoys giving others the help and encouragement that they may need in order to begin their own multifamily investment journey. CONNECT WITH...
2024-02-1321 min
How Did They Do It? Real EstateSA876 | Developing Residential and Multifamily Assets From the Ground Up with Dusten HendricksonAre you ready to gain more skills in the development side of real estate? Then, be all ears to this episode with Dusten Hendrickson, presenting us with his incredible success in remodeling and developing single-family and multifamily properties.Dusten highlights how he’d begun by building duplex and residential units to scaling bigger into multifamily syndications, financing strategies for ground-up projects, and the difficulties in the market that new developers need to know. Key Points & Relevant TopicsDusten’s journey from buying an empty land to building and building his first duple...
2024-01-2631 min
Multifamily InsightsWhich is More Risky? Acquisitions or Development with Dusten Hendrickson, Ep. 527Dusten Hendrickson develops and invests in wellness-designed multifamily real estate, as well as existing value-add real estate. He also engages in passive investments in other projects as an LP investor. He owns and asset-manages an impressive portfolio consisting of 869 multifamily units and approximately 25,000 sq ft of commercial space. Additionally, he has made passive investments in 2,034 units as an LP. With a career spanning since 2002, Dusten has been deeply involved in the real estate industry. Over the years, he has been involved in a variety of ventures, from owning a roofing company to building and acquiring s...
2023-08-0331 min
Darin Batchelder's Multifamily Real Estate Investing ShowMeeting the Demand for Trendy Units through Design-Focused Apartments with Dusten HendricksonOn this episode of The Darin Batchelder Real Estate Investing Show, we're joined by Dusten Hendrickson, a seasoned expert in the realm of apartments. Dusten offers insight on market trends while discussing his journey from overhead roofing to multifamily spaces. With a passion for passive income and a love for green building, he has even worked on the first certified Passive House in South Dakota. Dusten is a multifamily syndicator and the founder of Mailbox Money RE, helping others invest the way wealthy people do. Get ready to dive into an insightful conversation about real estate investing, passive income...
2023-07-2549 min
The Real Estate Syndication ShowWS1603: Make Your Side Hustle a Steady Income | #HighlightsIn this #Highlights episode, we look back at our conversations with Pam Sacramando, Founder of The C.R.E.A.T.E Wealth Network and Dusten Hendrickson, Founder of Mailbox Money. They share the keys they discovered to make their side hustle in real estate investment a steady income stream. Pam recounts her early days in real estate, which she believes was the most difficult stage in her investing journey. Yet, it set the tone for the success she enjoys today. Dusten shares eye-opening principles for investing in different markets and the strategies he used to scale h...
2023-03-1231 min
Creative CapitalCreative Capital Podcast 242: Why Calculated Growth Over Spitfire Scale Wins Every Time with Dusten HendricksonThis week Josh is joined by Dusten Hendrickson! Dusten specializes in value add real estate. They discuss new development as an asset class, the most common mistakes Dusten sees with new builds. We also hear from Dusten about the "wellness design", KPI to focus on when scaling and more. How to connect with Dusten: mailboxmoneyRE.com How to connect with Josh: Ferrari Capital - https://ferraricapital.com/ https://www.facebook.com/joshua.ferrari.16/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-ferrari-6b9107160/ Creative Capital is made possible in part by our sponsors. InvestNext is a comp...
2023-02-2456 min
Zen and the Art of Real Estate InvestingThe Road to Mailbox Money with Dusten HendricksonIn real estate investing, the reality is that passive income is far from passive. It takes hard work to get the right deals and find the right people to do the job. You also have to have the mental acuity to negotiate deals and handle potential setbacks. But there are things you can do to make it better and more efficient for you. In today's conversation, Jonathan chats with Dusten Hendrickson, founder of Mailbox Money and a real estate syndicator. Dusten shares valuable insights into real estate investing, especially, the importance of designing and building well-designed...
2023-02-0144 min
Student of MoneyEpisode 32: Mailbox Money Founder Dusten Hendrickson InterviewGET YOURSELF SOME MAILBOX MONEY!
What to learn more about developing your own properties for passive cashflow or "mailbox money"? We talk to MailboxMoneyRE.com Founder, Dusten Hendrickson, to learn the advantages of building a new property instead of buying pre-existing properties! You don't want to miss this one!
2022-12-2630 minThe Curious Wire#44: Dusten Hendrickson - CEO Mailbox MoneySend us a textDusten is an active and passive real estate investor. We discuss how he got into the business and his thoughts about investing in multifamily real estate.https://www.linkedin.com/in/dusten-hendrickson/
2022-10-3118 min
The Capital Raiser ShowBYL5 Omar Khan and Dusten Hendrickson: Why Is Development So Lucrative?These guys crushed the show and did a broad stroke on their perception of development and why it makes sence to spend time in this space. Omar has a conference in Las Vegas coming up with Rock Star Syndicators. Oct. 12-14 2022 Use code LegacyREA for 20% off! https://na.eventscloud.com/website/42310/
2022-08-1953 min
The Capital Raiser ShowBYL5 Omar Khan and Dusten Hendrickson: Why Is Development So Lucrative?These guys crushed the show and did a broad stroke on their perception of development and why it makes sense to spend time in this space. Omar has a conference in Las Vegas coming up with Rock Star Syndicators. Oct. 12-14 2022 Use code LegacyREA for 20% off! https://na.eventscloud.com/website/42310/
2022-08-1953 min
Going Long Podcast with Billy KeelsLive a Fulfilled Life with Mailbox Money - Dusten HendricksonAre you an Accredited Investor that's tired of getting crushed by paying so much in income tax? Find out how we're helping others like you keep Uncle Sam out of your pocket. Go to https://www.firstgencp.com/goinglong Going Long Podcast Episode 201: Live a Fulfilled Life with Mailbox Money In the conversation with today's guest, Dusten Hendrickson, you'll learn the following: [00:25 - 03:04] Show introduction with comments from Billy. [03:04 - 07:19] Guest introduction and first questions. [07:19 - 18:11] The backstory and decisions made that led Dusten to this point in his journey. [18:11 - 20:49] Dusten...
2022-04-0751 min
MULTIFAMILY AP360EP#187 Developing Group Up Neighborhoods with Dusten HendricksonSend us a textI sit down with Dusten Hendrickson, Founder, Real Estate Syndicator at Mailbox Money. He helps people passively invest the way wealthy people make and keep their money. From owning a roofing crew to building homes, duplexes, and apartments, he as develop new neighborhoods and worked closely with the historical society to develop adaptive reuse and infill projects. Apart from this, he also owns and manages assets of over 100 units and passively invests in other high-level RE syndication deals with reputable sponsors.Key Highlights- Dusten talks about building the...
2022-04-0620 min
The Capital Raiser ShowDusten Hendrickson (Preview) When You Need Money, Give Money AwayI have rarely heard anyone talking about the concept where in order to attract money you must first give it away. This is the type of stuff you hear about from spiritual gurus like Wayne Dyer or in Wealth Consciousness courses. Props to you Dusten for living your life this way! https://mailboxmoneyre.com
2021-09-1602 minThe Capital Raiser ShowCRS161 Dusten Hendrickson: Mailbox Money and Having FunDusten says "Just go do it!" Give away that which you want to attract. This was a great show covering scaling from passive to active, being a designer and developer, capital raising and spiritual mindset. https://www.mailboxmoneyre.com/
2021-09-0938 min
The Capital Raiser ShowCRS161 Dusten Hendrickson: Mailbox Money and Having FunDusten says "Just go do it!" Give away that which you want to attract. This was a great show covering scaling from passive to active, being a designer and developer, capital raising and spiritual mindset. https://www.mailboxmoneyre.com/
2021-09-0938 min
Jake and Gino Real Estate EntrepreneursPassive vs Active Investing W/ Dusten HendricksonThere are several different ways to get started with real estate investing and it all depends on your vision, goals and availability. On this episode, Jake and Gino talk with Dusten Hendrickson. Dusten develops real estate, purchases existing value add real estate, and invests passively as an LP. He also helps others invest in the same deals he invests in. He owns and asset manages over 300 units and he passively invests in over 1000 units. Key takeaways from this episode: Revenue is vanity, profit margin is sanity and cash is king. Focus on ROE (Return on...
2021-08-1244 min
Weiss AdviceHow to get Mailbox Money with Dusten HendricksonSend us a textWe all want to enjoy the life that we desire. For some, they've already reached this point, and I know you want to know their secret. The answer is quite simple. You just have to get as much mailbox money (passive income) as you can. The end goal is to become 100% passive so that you can have financial and time freedom. [00:01 – 08:41] What's Your Why?Dusten discusses the importance of having the 'why?' that will motivate you to achieve your goals.Dusten on finding the best peo...
2021-05-1931 min
2021-03-2439 min
The Real Estate Investing ExperienceEp 122: Intuition, Inflation, and the Future of Cities with Dusten HendricksonOur discussion today with Dusten Hendrickson covers a vast array of interesting topics. We begin by gaining some insights into Dusten’s career trajectory, from owning a roofing company to multifamily syndications and developments. Dusten has gone through hard times in business. However, through learning to say no, pivoting when he needed to, working with people whose skill sets complement his own, and trusting his intuition, Dusten has reached a point where he walks away from deals easily because he knows there will be better ones around the corner. Our discussion then branches out to the real estate industry as...
2021-02-0255 min
Dan On TopDan On Top - Episode 30Dusten Hendrickson talks about the importance of building a great team and the steps it takes to start and succeed in real estate investments and syndication. Hear some behind the scenes deals Dusten has been involved in and learn a ton in this jam packed episode!
2020-12-2218 min
10,000 Roads To Financial IndependenceNever A Day Job W/Dusten Hendrickson [Part 2] - Episode 12This is second part of the two parts interview. Dusten never worked at a regular corporation day job. To some people, it is a super scary to not have a stable Day Job. To Dusten, it is super scary to have a Day Job. He has tried his hands in a lot of things until he found his talent in design and real estate. He is going to share with us his journey to go from adventure to adventure, and how he figured out his path through trial and errors.
Check out more resources on financial independence...
2020-11-1120 min
10,000 Roads To Financial IndependenceNever A Day Job W/Dusten Hendrickson [Part 1] - Episode 11This is first part of the two parts interview. Dusten never worked at a regular corporation day job. To some people, it is a super scary to not have a stable Day Job. To Dusten, it is super scary to have a Day Job. He has tried his hands in a lot of things until he found his talent in design and real estate. He is going to share with us his journey to go from adventure to adventure, and how he figured out his path through trial and errors.
Check out more resources on financial independence a...
2020-11-1120 min