Van Carlson - Risk, Wealth, the Entrepreneur’s Edge: Protecting What You Build

Most entrepreneurs spend their time thinking about growth.Very few spend enough time thinking about risk.But the truth is—one unexpected event can threaten everything you’ve built.In this episode of From The Ground Up Show, I sit down with Van Carlsen, a nationally recognized expert in risk management and alternative insurance strategies. Raised on a farm and now working with thousands of business owners across the country, Van helps entrepreneurs understand how to protect their companies, their assets, and their long-term wealth.We dive into the hidden risks that many business owners overlook, why traditional insurance often falls short, and how strategies like 831(b) plans can help businesses create smarter protection.This conversation is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, ranchers, contractors, and anyone building something meaningful from the ground up.In this episode we discuss:The biggest risks most entrepreneurs don’t see coming• Why many businesses are under-protected• The real purpose behind 831(b) risk management strategies• How successful entrepreneurs think differently about protection• Lessons from working with thousands of business owners across the countryIf you're building a business, running a ranch, leading a team, or investing in your future, this episode will challenge the way you think about risk, protection, and long-term growth.Because building something great isn't just about scaling—it's about protecting what you've built.#FromTheGroundUpShow #BusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurPodcast #RiskManagement #SmallBusinessOwner #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #WealthBuilding #FinancialStrategy #Leadership #BlueCollarBusiness #Ranching #Agriculture #StartupLife #BusinessMindset #ProtectWhatYouBuild https://shop.fromthegroundupshow.com/THE WEEK'S CONVERSATIONS, IN ONE EMAILChoose the depth that fits your time: the full conversation, a roughly 20-minute CONDENSED edition, or a focused Topics episode.Join the From The Ground Up Show newsletter: https://fromthegroundupshow.com/newsletter/WATCH & LISTENWatch this full episode: https://youtu.be/O0WVfFDYYhwSubscribe to From The Ground Up Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheGroundUp-k9pListen in your podcast app: https://pod.link/1846907140SHORTER EDITIONSFrom The Ground Up Show CONDENSED — a roughly 20-minute focused version of the full conversation.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa9BVKGD64tAPodcast apps: https://pod.link/6806079674From The Ground Up Show: Topics — complete 3–10-minute episodes built around one useful question or lesson.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVzToS_5Hj6oPodcast apps: https://pod.link/6808750058GUEST & RESOURCEShttps://www.831b.com/PARTNERS & SPONSORShttps://www.macarthurco.comhttps://athletefresh.shop/fromthegroundupshowABOUT FROM THE GROUND UP SHOWReal stories. Hard lessons. Stronger foundations. From The Ground Up Show delivers honest business and leadership conversations and practical lessons for owners, operators, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, and leaders building something that lasts—with hearts, hands, and hustle.Hosted by Erick Loden, a former commercial roofing company owner and business advisor. From 2014 to 2025, he owned and ran his roofing company, growing annual revenue more than eightfold and operating profit nearly fifteenfold before completing a successful internal sale.Website: https://www.fromthegroundupshow.comHave a question for Erick or an upcoming guest?https://fromthegroundupshow.com/ask-a-question/Have a story built through hearts, hands, and hustle? Apply to be a guest and tell your story:https://fromthegroundupshow.com/be-a-guest/