From The Ground Up

In this episode, we sit down with Dominic Miller, a top-producing Denver real estate agent and founder of Dominic Miller Homes under Compass. Ranked #3 in Denver for total individual transactions in 2024, Dominic closed over $39 million across 73 deals and was recently featured on the cover of Denver Real Producers Magazine.

But beyond the numbers, Dominic is redefining what it means to lead in real estate — through purpose, communi...

This week, we sit down with Jessica Northrop, Founding Partner at Compass, who brings three decades of experience, wisdom, and grit to the real estate world. From earning her license at 18 to helping grow Compass Denver from just 4 agents to over 850, Jessica shares what it really takes to build a lasting career — through consistency, coaching, and a no-nonsense approach that clients love.

She also opens up about the Northrop Group’...

In this episode of From the Ground Up, we sit down with Linson Jamison—stylist, salon owner, educator, and content creator—whose journey spans Denver, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and beyond. Linson shares how he built his brand, LINSONHAIR, from the ground up while staying true to his authentic self and using social media as a powerful tool for growth. We dive into what it means to balance fatherhood, creativity, and entrepreneu...

In this episode of From the Ground Up, Bret sits down with two of Colorado’s most fearless legal minds: Kyle McFarlane, founding partner at BAM Family Law, and Madalia Maaliki, partner at Richards Carrington. Both are Super Lawyers, 5280 Top Attorneys, and adjunct professors at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law—credentials earned through grit, courtroom mastery, and unrelenting advocacy for their clients.

Kyle opens up a...

In this episode, we sit down with Benjamin Woodley-Rifen, Broker Associate at Guide Real Estate and the force behind Real Eskates, to talk about how he’s flipping both houses and boards. Known as Denver’s premier skateboarding realtor, Benjamin shares how he built a standout personal brand by merging skate culture with real estate hustle. From social media strategy to client connections on four wheels, this conversation is all abou...

On this episode of From the Ground Up, we sit down with Huy Pham, Founder and CEO of Innovative Retail Group, the driving force behind some of DIA’s top restaurants and retail spaces. Huy shares how his passion for collaboration, work ethic, and winning mindset have helped him open nine new locations in 2024 alone. Tune in as we discuss his journey from the Bay Area to Colorado, the secrets behind his success in the airport busines...

The Colfax Collective: Three powerhouse women, three thriving businesses—this episode of From the Ground Up features the inspiring founders of Original Glam Medspa, Duality Fitness, and Side Pony Coffee & Cocktails. They share their entrepreneurial journeys, the challenges of building a brand, and how they balance business and life. From beauty and wellness to strength and spirits, these women are redefining what it means to be...

We’re excited to feature Dr. Keith Ladner, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of Ladner Facial Plastic Surgery, along with Carolyn McEntee, the practice’s Master Nurse Injector. Dr. Ladner shares his expertise in advanced facial rejuvenation and an upcoming surgical training program, while Carolyn discusses her journey as a nurse injector with 8 years of experience, her passion for female entrepreneurship, ...

In this episode of From the Ground Up, we sit down with an inspiring guest to explore the journey of balancing motherhood, modeling, and professional fitness. Discover how a vegan lifestyle fuels her success as a WBFF Pro athlete, fitness coach, and twin mom. From tips on carb cycling and plant-based nutrition to preparing for the 2025 competition season, this episode is packed with motivation and actionable advice.

🎙️ Highlights i...

 In this episode of From the Ground Up, DJ Squizzy Taylor shares his incredible journey from Langston University graduate to the official DJ of the Denver Broncos. Discover how he’s transformed Denver’s nightlife, built thriving businesses like The Lobby, 4Play Kitchen & Cocktails, and founded the Celebrate Life Foundation to empower his community. He also dives into his passion for creating spaces that celebrate culture and di...

In this inspiring episode of From the Ground Up, Bret sits down with Patty Arvielo, co-founder and CEO of New American Funding, the nation’s largest Latina-owned mortgage company. With over 40 years in the mortgage industry, Patty shares her journey from a small local operation to leading a national powerhouse with over 4,500 employees across 285 locations. Recognized by Forbes and Latino Leaders Magazine for her trailblazing leade...

In this episode of From the Ground Up, we sit down with Jennifer Briseno, Broker, Owner, and CEO of Success Realty Experts, LLC. A proud Colorado native, Jennifer’s journey is as inspiring as it is impactful. From helping over 1,300 families achieve homeownership to flipping more than 100 properties and building a thriving real estate brokerage, she shares the secrets behind her remarkable success.

Jennifer reveals her unique approa...

 In this inspiring episode of From The Ground Up, we’re joined by Alex Kamenetsky, Capital Raising Manager and Investor Relations expert at Homestir. Alex shares his powerful story of transformation—from overcoming homelessness to building a thriving real estate portfolio through creative financing, Section 8 housing, and strategic fix-and-flip projects. With seven years of sobriety and a mission-driven approach, Alex reveals how h...

 In this episode of From the Ground Up, we sit down with Bret Weinstein, founder and managing broker of Guide Real Estate in Colorado. Leading a team of 90 agents, Bret shares his journey of 13 years in the industry, emphasizing the importance of honesty, transparency, and community involvement in achieving success. From his feature on HGTV’s A Sale of Two Cities to his recognition in the Denver Business Journal's 40 Under 40,...

In this episode of From the Ground Up, we sit down with Matt Conway, a Denver native with over 17 years of experience in urban and luxury real estate. As a broker at MileHiModern, Matt has completed over 50 transactions at the Four Seasons, represents the largest portfolio of privately owned luxury rental properties, and is a trusted advisor for luxury apartment developments. Matt shares his journey, strategies for long-term succes...

In this episode of the From the Ground Up podcast, we’re joined by Michael Sunnaa, CEO and Broker at Viewpoint Lending and Neighborhood Real Estate. With 26 years in the mortgage and real estate industry, Michael has played a pivotal role in growing three national mortgage companies and is currently expanding Viewpoint Lending across 18 states.

Beyond his professional success, Michael is the creative force behind the popular Instagr...

In this exciting episode of From the Ground Up Podcast, we sit down with fitness and wellness expert Whitney Johns and professional fighter Chris Camozzi to explore how they balance their personal and professional lives.

Whitney shares her journey from earning a WBFF pro card to launching her personalized fitness app, Find Your Fit with Whit, and her Whitney Johns Nutrition supplement line. With three consecutive "Physique of t...

In this episode of the Ground Up Podcast, we sit down with Gavin Ekstrom, Senior Vice President and Loan Officer at CrossCountry Mortgage, who has spent over 30 years mastering the mortgage industry. As a father of six and a leader, Gavin has achieved remarkable milestones, including being named CMLA Loan Officer of the Year and a Scotsman’s Guide Top 1% Originator. He also founded the Impact Group and led CrossCountry Mortgage in ...

In this episode of From The Ground Up, Shay and Sarah sit down with Adrian Cruz from Homebuyers of Cheyenne, a seasoned expert in the fix-and-flip game, wholesaling, and creative real estate investing. Adrian shares his journey to financial freedom and dives deep into the importance of hard work and the power of leveraging your time. Learn how to focus on high dollar-per-hour activities, maximize your investment returns, and take y...