From Groundman to Founder: When Frontline Experience Meets Entrepreneurial Hustle

Felipe Carrillo started as a groundman, climbing towers and working long shifts until back injuries forced him to rethink his future. Instead of leaving the trade behind, he used what he learned in the field to build Wye Delta, a safety brand designed around what workers actually want to wear.In this episode, Felipe shares how injuries change your perspective on work and longevity, why most safety gear gets ignored on the job, the role of frontline experience in real innovation, and what it takes to build a business while still working in the field.This conversation is a reminder that your body is your livelihood, and the decisions you make today determine how long you stay in the game. Subscribe to the WorkReady Podcast and join the WorkReady Community to take these lessons from conversation to application.CONNECTConnect with Dr. Kevin RindalWorkReady HubLinkedInInstagramFacebookSubscribe to Field NotesConnect with Felipe CarrilloLinkedInWye DeltaWye Delta InstagramRESOURCES WorkReady Episode Exclusive WorkReady Community (FREE)SPONSORSVimocity — The Workforce Readiness PlatformVimocity Community (FREE for field pros)CHAPTERS00:00 The Injury That Changed His Career02:30 The Back Pain Wake-Up Call04:10 Why Field Athletes Must Train for the Job06:10 The Problem With Safety Gear Nobody Wears10:30 Why Cheap PPE Fails in the Real World15:30 The Eye Injury That Proved It Matters23:45 How WYE Delta was Born27:50 Betting Everything on the Business32:45 Quitting the Utility Job to Go All-In38:00 Your Body Is Your Paycheck