Rebuilding After the 2008 Crash: Brad Andrus on Entrepreneurial Drive, the Power of People, and the Future of AI

Dec 23, 2025

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In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Brad Andrus, a Texas-based entrepreneur who’s built, lost, and rebuilt multiple businesses across both real estate and other industries. Brad’s journey is a powerful story of perseverance, adaptability, and the enduring value of strong relationships.

After building a net worth of nearly $1 million by his late 20s, Brad was hit hard by the 2008 financial crash—losing nearly everything and finding himself deep in debt. But instead of walking away, he rebuilt from the ground up. Today, Brad owns and operates several successful companies, proving that setbacks don’t define you—your response to them does.

Jamie and Brad explore how early success shaped his mindset, what he learned from losing it all, and how he’s leveraged lessons from failure to grow into a seasoned entrepreneur. Toward the end of the episode, the conversation takes an exciting turn into the world of AI, where Brad shares how he’s helping businesses harness artificial intelligence—without needing to be the “AI expert in the room.”

More than anything, this episode underscores the importance of people—how healthy, win-win relationships and collaboration can drive long-term success and fulfillment.

Guest Introduction: Brad Andrus

Brad Andrus is a Texas-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host who has founded and managed multiple businesses in and outside of real estate. After losing nearly everything in the 2008 financial crisis, Brad rebuilt his wealth and continues to innovate—most recently through ventures exploring the practical use of AI in business. His story embodies grit, reinvention, and the power of relationships.

Episode Highlights:

Losing It All in 2008 – How the financial crash took Brad from millionaire to nearly broke—and the lessons it taught him.
Rebuilding from Zero – The mindset and strategies Brad used to climb back and create multiple thriving businesses.
Beyond Real Estate – Why Brad expanded into non-real-estate ventures and how diversification fuels his entrepreneurial drive.
The Power of Relationships – How genuine, mutually beneficial relationships became Brad’s greatest asset.
AI and the Future of Business – Insights from Brad’s new ventures helping companies integrate AI effectively.
Entrepreneurial Fulfillment – Why Brad continues to build, create, and lead even after achieving financial freedom.

Key Takeaways:

Setbacks are inevitable—but how you respond determines your long-term success.
Relationships and community are often more valuable than money or strategy.
Diversification can lead to greater resilience in business and life.
You don’t have to be an AI expert to start using it meaningfully in your business.
True abundance comes from creating value, helping others, and staying adaptable.

Learn More about Brad Andrus:

Website:https://northbridge.inc/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-andrus/

Learn More about Labrador Lending:

Integrity Income Fund:

https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/

Labrador Mentorship:

labradorlending.com/investors/active-investors/

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Haven Financial Services:

Learn more: jamie.myfinancialhaven.com/

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