CASE STUDIES

In this episode, Casey sits down with Ty Nielson and Tim Miller, the entrepreneurial duo behind Ninja Kids, for a candid masterclass on building creator-led experiences with heart, vision, and relentless execution. Fresh off a Tony Robbins immersion, they unpack how state, story, and strategy helped catalyze new habits and higher standards; and why the energy of an aligned community can flip limiting beliefs into bold action.Ty and Tim trace their path from shaping the trampoline park industry to founding Ninja Kids; along the way they learned that it’s rarely a lack of resources, but a lack of resourcefulness that holds leaders back. Their time scaling hundreds of locations provided a front-row education in private equity, deal structure, and culture; lessons they’d later use to design on their own terms.They also share the scrappy stories that shaped the brand’s creator partnership strategy; from pursuing real estate with nothing but conviction, to a chance introduction that led to the Ninja Kids collaboration and a new growth thesis. Expect takeaways on proximity as power, building wonder into product, modeling excellence, and leading so your people feel believed in.Chapters00:00 | Opening & Intros: Ninja Kids leadership00:41 | Tony Robbins: going “all in”01:52 | Shared values & why Sandlot invested03:58 | What a Tony event feels like (state → story → strategy)06:47 | The 55° room, physiology, and energy07:14 | Full-circle moment on Casey’s plane10:08 | Community, permission to play big, and breakthroughs11:00 | Proximity is power: the billionaire story15:13 | Belonging, imposter syndrome, and belief17:15 | Dreaming bigger: from $20M to $1B vision17:46 | Shared values with investors & doing them proud19:50 | Theme of the journey: people who believe in you20:56 | Origins: missions in Russia & lifelong partnership27:06 | What Russians taught them about trust and loyalty29:29 | Ty’s childhood in post-USSR Russia (Pepsi → Coke!)31:44 | The leap: from Schlumberger to “ringmaster” vision35:12 | Titles, vision, and chasing wonder36:20 | Modeling leaders; habits, gratitude, and wonderment41:08 | Designing for wonder: lighting, art, and moments45:46 | Scaling lessons: do your absolute best, be resourceful47:49 | It’s not resources; it’s resourcefulness54:14 | 300+ parks, private equity, and real-world MBA56:32 | Culture shock: when the magic dwindles58:21 | Fired → phone call → blessing → new chapter01:02:23 | Pattern recognition: rebrands vs. creators01:06:05 | Tesla saga to Chicago: conviction on wheels01:08:37 | Kindness compounds: the people who helped01:12:50 | Emergent strategy: buy tired parks, create energy01:14:01 | Non-competes, red tape, and 34-month realities01:16:35 | The Ninja Kids intro (thanks, Stevie from BYU)01:17:44 | First acquisition in Dallas & signing the PGs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special release episode of Case Studies, Casey dives into a powerful story of resilience and generosity, centered around Todd Pedersen and his journey from financial ruin to monumental success. We explore how Todd's unwavering belief in himself, fostered by mentors and loved ones, helped him navigate the darkest times. From losing everything during the 2007 financial crisis to building a billion-dollar empire, Todd's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of giving back.We'll hear about the pivotal moments that shaped his entrepreneurial path, the invaluable lessons learned from his father, and the importance of treating people like gold. Todd shares heartfelt anecdotes about his mission, starting businesses from scratch, and the vital support from his wife, Andy, throughout the journey. The episode concludes with a discussion on the significance of giving and how Todd's philosophy of spreading wealth has created a lasting legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Casey explores the true power of compounding — how time, trust, and disciplined habits create outcomes far greater than the sum of their parts. He shares how two decades of relationship equity, balance sheet building, and pattern recognition came together in a real estate transaction that turned an empty Class A office into a 12 year cash-flowing asset while unlocking $25M in equity.He reframes compounding beyond money into skills, reputation, and momentum. Drawing on Tony Robbins’ framework of recognizing, utilizing, and creating patterns, Casey shows how consistent daily inputs set the stage for exponential results when opportunity arises.For high performers, he offers a practical system: a morning routine of cold plunge, sauna, prayer, breathwork, and 100 daily burpees, followed by three focusing questions — Who am I, What are my biggest opportunities, and What fires me up. The lesson is clear: small, intentional actions compound into extraordinary advantages over time.Learn how to expand compounding beyond finance into habits, reputation, and opportunity design. See the real estate case study step-by-step: buying a $42M building for $15M, securing a long-term tenant, financing in a brutal office market, and returning 100% of investor principal in nine months. Steal Casey’s daily system (cold plunge, sauna, prayer/meditation, breathwork, 100 burpees, and three focusing questions) to build compounding advantages in your own life. Apply Tony Robbins’ pattern recognition/utilization/creation and Gladwell’s 10,000 hours to accelerate mastery. Chapters00:00 | Why compounding changes everything 00:39 | Einstein’s “eighth wonder” & mental blind spots 01:37 | Buffett’s late-stage wealth and time in market 02:39 | Patterns: recognize, use, then create 03:28 | 10,000 hours = compounding expertise 03:59 | Case study setup: the Vivint building 05:23 | From $42M REIT sale to vacant office 06:12 | Buy at $15M, appraise at $40M with lease 06:50 | One signature, $25M in equity 09:05 | Financing an office deal in a tough market 10:49 | Balance-sheet compounding & closing terms 12:00 | Returning 100% of investor principal in 9 months 13:19 | Tax strategy: cost segregation bonus 14:58 | Daily habits that compound results 16:07 | Priming: gratitude, love, and vivid goals 17:34 | Three questions: Who am I? Opportunities? What fires me up? 20:16 | Viktor Frankl, vision, and a compelling future 22:33 | 100 daily burpees & stacking wins 23:33 | The 1% rule: tiny actions → exponential returns   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re diving into the life of Dave Jensen, whose path from a celebrated athlete to a business leader is woven with trials and triumphs. We explore deep into the challenges that shaped him, from the rigorous training fields of his youth to the high-pressure arenas of Wall Street. Dave’s story is a compelling narrative of perseverance, underscored by the influential mentors and the unyielding support of family that guided him through each chapter of his life.In this intimate exploration, listeners will discover the invaluable lessons learned from both victories and setbacks. We discuss how resilience, hard work, and community support are integral to overcoming obstacles and achieving success. Join us as Dave shares his insights on the transformative power of embracing life’s challenges and the unexpected journeys that lead to personal and professional growth. This podcast is not just a recount of achievements but a deeper look at the enduring impact of life’s lessons and the strength found in resilience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Taylor, billionaire-minded entrepreneur and Co-founder of Grit Marketing, went from knocking doors in college to building one of the fastest-growing sales organizations in America. Now, he reveals the leadership habits, mindset shifts, and business principles that shaped his rise—and how you can apply them to your own journey.In this episode, John Taylor shares:The leadership routine that keeps him disciplined and focusedHow Grit Marketing evolved from door-to-door sales into a platform companyThe psychological shift that separates top sales reps from true leadersWhy skipping the “boring” financial skills could cost you millionsHow marriage, family, and faith keep him grounded while scaling businessesThe mindset that turns setbacks into opportunities for growthJohn Taylor’s story is about more than sales—it’s about building belief, leading with humility, and creating success that lasts. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or rep in the field, his lessons will change the way you think about business, discipline, and life.”00:00 | Opening & why this conversation01:18 | Partnership, boardroom lessons & belief from mentors01:54 | Todd Pedersen’s influence and the evolving Grit team 03:04 | Early valuation, vision, and “bottom of the mountain” mindset04:22 | Roots, family of 11, first door-to-door reps09:08 | BYU finance, pest control, and learning to lead12:21 | Competition, identity, and the power of belief15:32 | From top rep to VP: building organizations that scale16:52 | 2020 uncertainty, honoring deals, and character under pressure18:16 | Essential business, resilience, and keeping promises24:02 | Founding Grit (2020): from sales partner to platform26:59 | Habits & rituals: Sunday planning, cold plunge, breathwork 30:05 | Emily: marriage, values, and building a life that works33:30 | Don’t skip steps: hard skills (finance/accounting) compound35:39 | Sharpe ratio thinking: time, trade-offs, and priorities36:30 | Golf, relationships, and playing the right game41:57 | Purpose, presence, and leading with love43:28 | Modeling authenticity: inspiring people to be better51:46 | Faith, hope, NICU lessons, and “life happening for us” 58:21 | Close: the best is yet to come Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply engaging episode, we journey through the life of Chad Lewis - whose path from being an overlooked high school athlete to a professional football star embodies the essence of an underdog victory. Chad shares his exhilarating tales of resilience and unexpected success, revealing how moments of inspiration led him from performing a pivotal standing backflip to secure a scholarship to walking on at BYU against all odds. His candid stories extend from heartfelt chats on long hikes to the intense pressures of professional football.Listeners will gain insights into Chad’s personal struggles, the impact of his faith on his career decisions, and the influential people who believed in him when few others did. Alongside his reflections are tales of personal growth and pivotal life decisions that not only shaped his career but also his character. This episode not only celebrates Chad’s athletic prowess but also his profound humanity and the enduring belief that determination and faith can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down once again with Chad Willardson - Founder of Pacific Capital and ELEVATED a coaching mastermind, as well as a best-selling author of five books; for a powerful conversation on wealth, focus, and building a life without compromise.Chad shares how narrowing his focus to serve only ultra high-net worth entrepreneurs transformed his business and his ability to deliver real value. He and Casey dive into the discipline of saying no, the courage required to walk away from the wrong opportunities, and the freedom that comes from aligning your work with your true identity. Chad also opens up about creating ELEVATED, a community where entrepreneurs can grow not only in business but in family and life, challenging the false idea of “balance” by embracing what it means to be Fully Invested.The discussion is rich with lessons on focus, growth without finish lines, and leading with principle over profit. For entrepreneurs and leaders seeking clarity, conviction, and a model of integrated success, this episode offers a masterclass in designing both business and life with intention.00:00 | Welcome back & “Fully Invested” mindset01:41 | Family update: missions, college, adventures03:00 | Amber’s endurance wins: Ironman, Alcatraz, 2902904:17 | Why growth is emotional when you support your spouse07:31 | Bringing business principles home: family vision boards09:33 | Kids’ ambitions: macros, sports, golf, and grit12:05 | Two lanes: Pacific Capital UHNW founders & Elevated13:36 | What Elevated members get weekly 1:1, pods, events14:51 | Pricing & scale goals for Elevated15:13 | Carving out 80% of clients to go ultra-narrow16:13 | Partnering clients, retention, and bold focus17:44 | The sports facility business: ops, margins, expansion20:26 | USA Volleyball opportunity & LA mega-facility21:22 | COVID pivot: tutoring essential workers’ kids to survive22:42 | Content, reach, and building a movement around mindset26:48 | Frameworks: saying no, time truth, one life calendar29:15 | Protecting the calendar: Derby vs. son’s playoff game33:29 | Championship teams: coach strengths, not weaknesses36:13 | Saying no to good for great incl. NBA referrals38:45 | Turning away $120M: culture over revenue40:52 | Scalable mentorship: resources + voice memo workflow44:47 | Two-EA triad: personal vs. business lanes47:15 | Books solve real problems: 6 titles, 10-in-10 plan49:44 | Tony & Dean’s Zenith: proximity, launches, real estate53:23 | Owner vs operator: lessons from Business Mastery53:53 | No retirement: growth without finish lines55:47 | One-year vision: LA facility, 500 Elevated members56:33 | Pacific Capital +$400M AUM; narrow by design57:22 | Book #7 commitment & public goal setting01:00:20 | 10k-person Fully Invested live event plan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us on a remarkable journey with Dr. Astrid Tuminez, President of Utah Valley University, as she shares her incredible life story from humble beginnings in a Philippine rice farming village to leading a university. In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Tuminez delves into her experiences as an immigrant, a scholar, and a leader, highlighting the pivotal moments and the influential people who helped shape her path. From her early education to her academic pursuits at BYU, Harvard, and MIT, and her impressive career across global institutions like Wall Street and Microsoft, Dr. Tuminez's story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of education and perseverance. Discover how her unique approach to leadership at UVU is fostering an environment of care, accountability, and results, preparing a diverse student body for the challenges of tomorrow.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey is joined by John Jackson; a former gang leader who rose through the ranks of one of the most powerful prison organizations before choosing a path of transformation. From maximum security yards to solitary confinement at Pelican Bay, John shares how trauma, prison politics, and the underground economy shaped his life—and how entrepreneurship helped him rewrite it.He reveals how gangs inside prison operate like corporations, complete with hierarchies, rules, and revenue streams. John breaks down the incentives that drive violence and control, while also exposing the perverse economics of private prisons. His story shows how the same discipline and leadership that once sustained chaos can be redirected toward growth and purpose.From orchestrating survival in solitary to joining an in-prison entrepreneurship program, John and Casey explore the pivotal moments that shifted his trajectory. This conversation offers a rare inside look at resilience, influence, and the possibility of change in even the harshest environments.Chapters00:00 | Welcome & setup00:18 | Why this world feels “foreign”00:42 | John’s origin story begins01:03 | First encounter with law enforcement01:20 | Taking the drug charge at 1701:35 | Four armed robberies & max prison02:21 | Siblings, loss, and isolation03:14 | Environment vs. guardrails05:40 | Probation, parole & stacked obstacles06:20 | Private prisons & perverse incentives08:10 | Cartels as local “employers”09:11 | Crime’s inevitable endgame10:14 | Why he took the fall11:12 | Acceptance as a survival need12:07 | Jail ecosystem: drugs, fights, status13:04 | Race lines and prison structure14:00 | Negotiation skills behind bars16:10 | Cutting off family to “go all in”17:10 | First robbery & the dangerous win18:00 | Dopamine, risk, and escalation19:23 | “I knew I’d thrive in prison”20:13 | The cafeteria incident & mentor21:07 | Sentencing math: stacking charges22:02 | Centinela: max prison near the border23:20 | Why jail can be more volatile24:05 | Joining the largest prison gang26:16 | Gangs as parent companies & franchises26:40 | Smuggling supply chains (incl. dirty cops)28:05 | Earning status: debts & discipline29:06 | Prison entrepreneurship (gambling, alcohol, phones)31:01 | Corporate politics—just higher stakes31:26 | Power, money, and “don’t do politics”33:08 | The written rulebook & paperwork checks33:47 | Who’s excluded—and why35:11 | Internal punishments & order36:20 | 18 years inside: the ladder37:01 | Pelican Bay & four years in the SHU39:20 | Solitary reality vs. myths41:27 | Transfers, levels, and riots42:36 | Use of force: towers & rifles43:06 | The peace treaty & hunger strikes44:09 | “Yard time” myth in solitary44:40 | Breaking point: wanting to go home45:01 | New charges from inside48:23 | Stepping down from leadership49:14 | A lifer’s blessing to leave50:09 | Entrepreneurship program that changed everything51:25 | His future wife: VC to prison reform52:21 | Scaling Defy & big-name allies52:42 | A force of nature walks into Pelican Bay54:10 | She saw potential—before he did Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen in on Nick Greer’s inspiring journey, the visionary behind Built Bar, a brand that stands tall with over $100 million in revenue. This episode unravels Nick's early life in Arizona, marked by the trials and tribulations his family faced during financial downturns, and the profound influence of his father's entrepreneurial resilience. Nick opens up about the transformative experiences that shaped his path from a young entrepreneur mowing lawns to the CEO of a thriving company. Through stories of vulnerability, deep human connections, and the art of storytelling, he sheds light on the values that have guided his professional and personal growth. Nick's narrative is not only about achieving business success; it's a deeper exploration of overcoming adversity, the power of innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, all while staying true to one's values and impacting lives positively. Join us to be inspired by the journey of a man who turned challenges into stepping stones, leading with heart and vision. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.