The Grit to Growth Podcast

What happens when a fifth-generation South Dakota farmer and a former Air Force operations leader come together to tackle one of agriculture’s most misunderstood crops? In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Johnathan Peterson (CEO) and Karll Lecher (COO) of Dakota Hemp to unpack the true potential of industrial hemp in South Dakota and beyond.
John shares how Dakota Hemp got its start in 2021, the early lessons they learned growing and harvesting hemp, and how the company is about to open a major fiber processing plant. Karll brings insight into how operations and efficiency are driving the business forward — and how military discipline plays a role in their approach.
They also break down the misconceptions around hemp, the plant’s impressive versatility (from clothing to animal bedding), and how small towns across South Dakota can benefit from hemp-based manufacturing.
 
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Levi sits down with counselor and community leader Shane Gerlach to explore the heart behind his work at Carroll Institute and his longtime passion for youth mentorship. Shane shares the moment his wife nudged him back to school, the three traits he believes drive lasting success — honesty, humility, and vulnerability — and how he helps clients take ownership of the only things they can truly control: how they think, feel, and act.They dig into addiction as a brain disease, the language shift from “I’m an addict” to “I’m a person in recovery,” and why that change builds hope.Then the conversation pivots to SuperCon — from a seven-person volunteer crew and maxed-out credit cards to thousands of attendees, dozens of sponsors, and more than a hundred volunteers each year. Shane explains how local partnerships fueled growth, why “nerd culture” went mainstream, and what family-friendly fun to expect at the event weekend.
 
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In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with architect and Bush Fellow Patricia Acevedo Fuentes to explore how design can shape more inclusive and connected communities. With over 20 years of experience, Patri shares her journey from Puerto Rico to South Dakota and the lessons learned from working across diverse cultures.
You’ll hear Patri’s perspective on why architecture is not just about the final product, but the process of collaboration and community input that makes design meaningful. She talks about the challenges of bridging vision and reality, the importance of humility in her profession, and how buildings can either welcome or exclude.
Patri also shares insights on current projects and the critical role of community voices in shaping schools, parks, and public spaces that reflect shared values. From her work with Indigenous communities in the Black Hills to her call for public engagement in city planning, this conversation will leave you thinking about how design can strengthen the places we call home.
 
 
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What does it take to build a thriving medical practice in the growing field of aesthetics? In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with Dr. Lornell Hansen, founder of Lasaderm and Physicians Vein Clinics, to talk about his journey from family medicine to becoming a leader in aesthetic medicine.
Dr. Hansen shares how he balanced long nights in acute care while building his first clinic, what it takes to grow a multi-state medical business, and why patient confidence—not just appearance—is at the heart of his work. From the challenges of dealing with insurance companies to the importance of hiring the right team, his story is filled with lessons for both business leaders and medical professionals.
You’ll also hear about the latest trends in aesthetics, from Botox and fillers to new biostimulants that reshape the future of cosmetic medicine.
 
 
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In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa welcomes Mason Schramm, founder of The Move Group in Yankton, South Dakota. Mason shares how a rough first home-buying experience inspired his journey into real estate — and how it became his mission to help others avoid the same mistakes.
Mason talks candidly about turning a personal financial misstep into a thriving business built on advocacy, education, and trust. From starting his company during the pandemic to managing 13 agents across multiple markets, Mason emphasizes a no-fluff, client-first approach to real estate.
You’ll hear how technology, transparency, and treating people like people—not transactions—are the heart of Mason’s growing real estate model. He also shares how he’s building The Move Group without a traditional office, how he balances leadership and entrepreneurship, and what excites him about the future of South Dakota’s housing market.
What You'll Learn:
How a “money pit” home kickstarted Mason’s real estate career
Why over-communication is key in reducing buyer stress
The power of putting client needs over commissions
How COVID-era technology changed Mason’s business model
The importance of adaptability and grit in real estate
 
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What does it take to grow from small-town South Dakota roots to leading global projects and government contracts? In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Dr. Rachel MK Headley, CEO of Rose Group International, to explore her path from geographer to entrepreneur, and how she helps organizations navigate their biggest transitions.
Rachel shares the story of leaving her longtime career in science to build a consulting firm in Spearfish, South Dakota. Together with her business partner, she now leads a team working across industries — from healthcare to technology — guiding organizations through growth, change, and high-stakes projects.
You’ll hear:
How Rachel turned uncertainty into opportunity by starting her own company
The challenges of entrepreneurship, from financial stress to balancing risk
Why having the right business partner can make or break a company’s success
What it takes to guide organizations through messy, high-pressure transitions
Rachel’s exciting next steps with federal contracting and long-term growth
 
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What if you could sell your business, real estate, or even Bitcoin — without getting crushed by capital gains taxes? In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with Brett Swarts, founder of Capital Gains Tax Solutions, to unpack how entrepreneurs, investors, and high-net-worth individuals can legally defer taxes, diversify wealth, and multiply freedom.
Brett explains how the Deferred Sales Trust works, shares a real-life Bitcoin case study, and reveals how his team helps clients build “mini family offices” for long-term success. He also opens up about his personal journey — from going broke during the 2008 crash and working nights at Cheesecake Factory, to building a thriving business that helps others unlock financial freedom.
If you’ve ever wondered how to sell at the right time, reinvest wisely, and build wealth that lasts, this conversation is packed with insights.
 
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How does someone go from milking cows to managing multi-million dollar real estate projects?
In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with Owen Reimer, founder of Stone Shore Capital, to explore his two-decade journey from growing up on a dairy farm in rural Canada to building over $100 million in real estate development projects.
Owen opens up about the lessons he learned from early financial losses, the decision to pivot from raising capital to doing his own real estate developments, and how he and his partners now create scalable, community-rooted multifamily housing solutions.
Listeners will hear why Owen skipped single-family rentals, what he looks for in a good deal, and why trust, patience, and partnership are central to his business philosophy. He also shares insights into how small-town work ethic and strategic collaboration helped build the foundation of Stone Shore Capital’s success.
Key Takeaways:
The power of learning from failure (and why it’s a “tuition payment”)
How Owen transitioned from financial services to hands-on real estate development
Why building slowly and intentionally pays off long term
How Stone Shore Capital nurtures investor relationships before they ever ask for a dollar
What’s next: “The Wilson” project and a growing pipeline of multifamily developments
 
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Are you a successful business owner or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://grittogrowthpodcast.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.

In this episode of The Grit to Growth Podcast, host Levi Te Slaa sits down with Jon Brudvig, a leading biotech researcher specializing in lysosomal health — a cellular recycling system critical for treating rare diseases, improving longevity, and preserving health as we age.
Jon shares how he went from running a Sioux Falls coffee shop to earning a PhD in biology, pioneering drug development at Amicus Therapeutics, and educating the public on the science of healthy aging. You’ll hear:
How lysosomes impact aging, disease, and everyday health
Why exercise and even intentional rest can boost cellular performance
The balance between biotech innovation and real-life application
Jon’s advice for aspiring biotech professionals and future authors
Whether you’re curious about the next generation of therapies or looking for practical steps to live healthier longer, this episode blends cutting-edge science with down-to-earth advice.
 
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In this episode, Levi Te Slaa sits down with Chris Van Dusen—a seasoned operator, investor, and marketer—who has built and scaled brands from scratch, led three successful exits, and now serves as a Senior Partner at Salico Capital. Broadcasting from Huntington Beach, California, Chris shares how he went from “accidental entrepreneur” to leading strategic growth investments for top-tier clients.
Chris walks us through his journey from finance to founding a CBD brand, a craft distillery, and a beauty care company. He gives us a behind-the-scenes look at scaling businesses quickly, the hard lessons learned during COVID, and what he looks for when evaluating operators and startups.
He also shares practical mindset advice for founders, including his powerful "buffalo vs. cow" metaphor and why discomfort is a daily training ground for success.
What You’ll Learn:
How to identify high-potential operators and ideas
Why discomfort is crucial for growth
How to scale a business without sacrificing brand
Lessons from rapid growth, leadership, and navigating uncertainty
Why jiu-jitsu helps prepare you for entrepreneurship
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be A Guest Are you a successful business owner or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://grittogrowthpodcast.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.