

From the Ground Up
Inc. Magazine
It takes audacity to start a company, grit to grow it, and community to survive the ordeal. From the Ground Up features frank and unfiltered conversations—with some of the most successful founders in the world—about navigating the role of the founder, the tips and tricks entrepreneurs need to know to be successful, and the secrets that nobody really tells you before you start a business.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 2, 2025 • 34min
Business Beyond Pro Sports with Stephon Marbury & Cam Jurgens
As the summer comes to a close, we have a collection of panels from this year's Inc Founders House in Philadelphia dedicated to our fall schedule. In this segment, deputy digital editor Graham Winfrey talks to Philadelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens, founder of the beef jerky company Beef Jurgey, and former NBA All-Star Stephon Marbury, who is the chief brand officer of the smart sunglasses company Chamelo Eyewear. Cam spoke about how he grew the jerky business, while Graham asked Stephon about his first business venture, the affordable Starbury sneakers. They both compare how their preparation and the obstacles they have overcome in their professional sports careers help them run their businesses.

Oct 1, 2025 • 5min
EXPERT EXCHANGE: You Are Not Your Business. Here’s Why That Matters
In this episode, Dr. Gina Anderson, CEO and co-founder of Luma Brighter Learning, and Marisa Murgatroyd, Founder of Live Your Message, continue their conversation.
In this segment, they discuss learning how to separate yourself from your business, evolve your strategy, and give your company what it really needs to thrive.

Sep 29, 2025 • 34min
The New Creative Frontier: Navigating The Creator Economy
In this segment, we have another panel from our live event at this year’s Inc Founders House in Philadelphia. Editorial director Bonny Ghosh hosted a conversation about "The New Creative Frontier: Navigating the Creator Economy." She was joined by Matt Quinn, frontman and songwriter of the indie rock band Mt. Joy, and Dave Silver, co-founder and CEO of the marketing agency REC Philly. They explained how to sustain a fan base after a viral moment, how Rec Philly’s strategies enable companies, brands, and clients to connect with Gen Z and millennial audiences, and how Mt. Joy adjusted its content creation approach across all social platforms.

Sep 24, 2025 • 5min
EXPERT EXCHANGE: Your Brand Voice Doesn’t Stand Out, You’re Doing It Wrong
Dr. Gina Anderson, CEO and co-founder of Luma Brighter Learning, and
Marisa Murgatroyd, Founder of Live Your Message, talks about how to get your brand to attract attention.

Sep 22, 2025 • 35min
The Future of Capitalism: Tariffs, Growth & Market
At this year's Inc Founders House event in Philadelphia, Editor-in-Chief Mike Hoffman spoke with Joao Gomes, Senior Vice Dean of Research and Professor of Finance at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, about the Future of Capitalism: Tariffs, Growth, and Markets. They delved into topics such as the consumer outlook, the decreasing trend of extravagant spending, the hiring slowdown in various job markets, the negative impact of Trump's tariffs, concerns regarding the supply chain, particularly from China, and the undervalued issue of immigration in the business community.

Sep 18, 2025 • 8min
Preparing for Tomorrow: Inc 5000 CEOs on AI, Culture, and Adaptability
In this custom episode from our partners at Insperity, Inc. Editorial Director Bonny Ghosh chats with Roger Nicholson, SVP of Service Operations at Insperity, about the results of the Inc. 5000 CEO Survey. The conversation reveals how today’s top business leaders are laser-focused on workplace culture, adaptability, and the integration of generative AI. With only 35% of CEOs believing their teams are AI-ready, the conversation turns to the urgent need for upskilling as a retention and competitiveness strategy. Nicholson emphasizes that the companies best positioned for the future will be those that invest not just in technology—but in their people.

Sep 15, 2025 • 35min
The Future of E-Commerce: Trends, Tech, and Tactics
For today’s episode, we have a panel from this year’s Inc’s Founders House in Philadelphia. Social media director, Andrea Hardalo and her fellow panelists: Woodie Hillyard, co-founder and CEO of the men’s personal care brand W, Arthur Leopold, co-founder and CEO of the ad platform called Agentio, and Alicia Yoon, founder and CEO of the Korean skin care beauty brand Peach & Lily, discuss the Future of E-Commerce. They chatted about the challenges of starting your business online, which trends are still relevant in their business strategies after the pandemic, and the difference in selling products on your website compared to selling them on social media.

Sep 10, 2025 • 4min
EXPERT EXCHANGE - How to Win Over Investors With a Strong Proof of Concept
Seth Goldman, co-founder of Honest Tea and Eat the Change, talks with Ron Holloway, co-founder of Woofbowl, about the importance of starting small.

Sep 8, 2025 • 32min
Challenger Brands with Babba Rivera, Sarah Paiji Yoo, and Justin Rosenburg
Here's a panel from this year's Inc Founders House in Philadelphia. In this episode, staff reporter Ali Donaldson led a discussion about challenger brands—companies that punch above their weight to succeed. Her guests were Sarah Paiji Yoo, founder and CEO of Blueland, a microplastic-free cleaning products company; Babba Rivera, founder and CEO of the clean hair care line Ceremonia; and Justin Rosenberg, founder and CEO of the fast-casual chain Honeygrow. During the discussion, Sarah explained why she started her company, Babba emphasized the importance of having a person of color in the beauty industry, and Ali asked Justin why building community through your first brick-and-mortar locations matters.

Sep 3, 2025 • 6min
EXPERT EXCHANGE: Dreams Don’t Pay the Rent: What Panera’s Founder Taught Johnny’s Pork Roll
Panera founder Ron Shaich coaches Johnny Yarusi on risk, resilience, and building the “greatest breakfast sandwich in America.”