Home » Built to Grow Podcast: Markus Wheaton on Business, Mindset & Mental Health
Monday, April 13th, 2026
In this episode of Built to Grow, Ryan Naylor sits down with former NFL wide receiver Markus Wheaton – best known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers – who’s now stepped into a completely different arena: small business ownership.
Ryan kicks things off with the question everyone’s thinking:
What’s tougher – the NFL or running a small business?
Markus’ answer sets the stage for a candid, insightful conversation about life after football and what it really takes to build something from the ground up.
They dive into:
- Staying present during his time at Oregon State without assuming an NFL future
- The uncertainty of draft night and the mindset that kept him progressing
- Building Western Skies Landscaping from scratch
- Early hurdles – HOAs, permits, hiring, subcontractors, and maintaining quality
- Translating locker room principles into business: accountability, ownership, and culture
- Prioritizing mental health through fitness, connection, and curiosity
- Navigating the isolation that can come with entrepreneurship
- Leadership lessons from Mike Tomlin and leading with transparency
- What’s next: scaling to $4M and expanding into a home-services investment portfolio
This episode delivers real perspective for business owners, former athletes, and anyone focused on growth.
Markus brings a grounded mindset, humility, and drive that make this conversation one worth revisiting.
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