CASE STUDIES

In this solo episode, Casey Baugh dives into The Excellence Dividend by Tom Peters — a book he revisits year after year. Casey shares nine pivotal lessons that have shaped his philosophy on leadership, business, and creating lasting impact.From prioritizing frontline employees to obsessing over design and daily execution, Casey brings powerful insights to life with personal stories and examples from brands like Porsche, Apple, and Vivint. Whether you’re leading a startup or scaling a legacy company, this episode offers practical tools to embed excellence into every decision you make.Chapters:00:00 – 01:08 | Introduction to The Excellence DividendWhy this book is an annual must-read for CaseyTom Peters’ unique influence on Casey’s business mindset01:08 – 03:44 | Excellence: The Ultimate Competitive AdvantageExcellence as the defining market separatorReal-world examples: Porsche, Apple, and Cedar & Stone03:44 – 05:32 | People First, AlwaysInvesting in talent like championship teams“Treat your people like gold” philosophy05:32 – 07:25 | Kindness Equals Leadership“Hard is soft, soft is hard” explainedCase study: Private equity mistake that destroyed company culture07:25 – 08:10 | Execution Trumps StrategyWhy flawless execution beats perfect strategyLessons learned from business and investment experiences08:10 – 10:24 | Obsess Over the FrontlineManaging by wandering aroundHow frontline insights drive better decisions10:24 – 11:28 | Design for WowWhy exceptional design separates great companiesExamples from Tesla, Apple, and BMW11:28 – 12:16 | Worship the CustomerBusiness purpose: Create and keep a customerStrategies for delivering consistent “wow” experiences12:16 – 16:46 | Train Like CrazyTraining parallels from elite sports and militaryRory McIlroy’s journey and the power of preparation16:46 – 17:53 | Excellence is the Next Five MinutesExcellence through small, consistent daily actionsPractical ways to raise standards immediately Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Casey sits down with Grant Young to dive into the bold risks, relentless work ethic, and calculated bets that shaped his entrepreneurial journey. From knocking doors in the early days of the solar industry to moving his family across the country, two times, without a safety net. Grant’s story is one of grit, vision, and unwavering commitment.Grant shares how he and his business partner, Benson, navigated the complexities of the solar industry, why they chose New York as the proving ground for their company, and how they built a customer-first model that disrupted the status quo. He opens up about the sacrifices, the near-failures, and the mindset required to turn challenges into stepping stones for success.Beyond business, Grant discusses his approach to investing, personal growth, and the role of faith in his life. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or simply someone looking to level up, this episode is packed with insights on taking calculated risks, staying adaptable, and betting on yourself when it matters most.Chapters:00:00 – 01:39 | Meet Grant YoungHow Grant and Casey first connected through business and shared passionsIntroduction to Grant’s entrepreneurial journey in solar energy01:39 – 05:27 | Early Days in Solar SalesGrant’s mission experience and transition into solar door-to-door salesThe challenges of dealer models and the vision for a customer-first company05:27 – 08:19 | The Leap to New YorkWhy Grant and Benson chose New York as their proving groundMoving with no safety net: starting from scratch with a pregnant wife08:19 – 13:03 | Risk, Commitment & GrowthBurning the ships: why full commitment was the key to successThe mindset shift from fear to growth and taking risks early13:03 – 17:32 | Building a Better Solar CompanyCreating a fully integrated sales and installation modelThe hard lessons from their first year and why New York’s red tape became an advantage17:32 – 22:19 | Money, Investing & Personal PhilosophyGrant’s minimalist approach to money and focus on self-masteryLearning from mentors, self-help, and betting on skills over quick wealth22:19 – 28:11 | Partnership, Expansion & LeadershipThe dynamics of Grant’s partnership with BensonGrowing from a local business to a national home services company28:11 – 30:12 | Continuous Learning & Self-EducationGrant’s approach to lifelong learning beyond formal educationHow curiosity fuels personal and professional growth30:12 – 32:37 | Defining Moments & GritA story of resilience during a high-stakes game with business leadersHow grit and confidence shaped Grant’s leadership style32:37 – 38:37 | Faith, Service & Giving BackThe role of faith and mission service in Grant’s lifeMentoring and uplifting youth from underprivileged communities38:37 – 44:34 | What Fires Grant Up TodayLiving with intention: doing the right thing and trusting the processCreating world-class customer experiences inspired by “Unreasonable Hospitality”44:34 – 47:09 | Vision for the FutureScaling Addix and building a culture of excellenceWhat’s next for Grant, Benson, and their mission-driven company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Corinne Stokoe, founder of Mint Arrow and a trailblazer in the influencer marketing space. Corinne shares her unconventional path from competitive pianist to entrepreneur, revealing how discipline, faith, and adaptability shaped her journey.She dives into the early days of blogging, the evolution of digital marketing, and how she built one of the most successful affiliate-driven businesses in the industry. Casey and Corinne discuss the power of personal connection in a world dominated by AI, the realities of running a personal brand, and the importance of knowing when to pivot.Corinne also opens up about the role of faith in her career, how she integrates business with purpose, and why embracing authenticity has been the key to her success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, content creator, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation is packed with valuable insights on resilience, reinvention, and building a lasting impact.Chapters:00:00 – 02:30 | Childhood Roots & Piano DisciplineEarly lessons in hard work from her father and grandfatherBecoming a competitive pianist and the pursuit of perfection02:30 – 05:15 | Burnout & Career PivotsWhy Corinne walked away from piano performanceChoosing broadcast journalism through unexpected advice05:15 – 08:00 | The Assistant Years & Entrepreneurial SparksFrom Miss Provo to working under high-pressure execsThe persistence that led to her first key opportunity08:00 – 11:45 | Starting Over: Divorce, Recession & Rock BottomReturning to Utah during the 2008 crashFinding hope and purpose through unexpected mentorship11:45 – 16:30 | Becoming a Mom & Finding Her VoiceStruggles with postpartum depressionHow “someone go buy this” led to the Mint Arrow blog16:30 – 20:05 | Affiliate Marketing 101How a friend introduced her to affiliate linksTransitioning from hobby blogger to full-time income20:05 – 24:20 | Integrating Faith with BusinessThe conference that changed her missionLosing followers but gaining clarity in purpose24:20 – 28:00 | Building a Faith-Driven BrandSharing values in a non-polarizing wayHow Mint Arrow became both a business and a ministry28:00 – 32:10 | The Evolution of Influencer MarketingFrom curated content to the TikTok eraWhy podcasting became her most powerful medium32:10 – 35:30 | Adapting to AI & Digital DisruptionWhy Corinne embraces AI as a growth toolThe importance of authentic connection in a tech-driven world35:30 – 38:15 | From Passion to Business StrategyTeaching others how to monetize their platformsThe impact of helping others 2x their revenue38:15 – 42:00 | Faith as the Business BlueprintMorning rituals and divine guidance in decision-makingWhy success followed spiritual alignment42:00 – 45:25 | What’s Next for CorinneScaling Mint Arrow by returning to its coreTeaching women how to create influence with impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Clayton, founder of Slope School and advocate for human-centered education, shares his innovative vision for transforming learning. He discusses the crisis in traditional schooling and how personalized, student-driven approaches can thrive. Tune in to learn about the significance of mastery over credentials, the impact of AI on education, and the importance of building identity in students. Matt’s journey from Wall Street to education is both inspiring and eye-opening, revealing the potential for a meaningful change in how kids learn.

Chelsea Baugh, a resilient mother and MBA student, shares her inspiring journey from college athlete to advocate. She discusses the emotional challenges of infertility and the joy of adoption. Chelsea reveals how battling self-doubt and embracing therapy shaped her path. The couple reflects on transforming setbacks into growth opportunities, emphasizing resilience amidst life's unexpected twists. Chelsea's experiences with autism advocacy highlight the importance of support, while her pursuit of higher education showcases her determination to redefine success.

In this powerful follow-up episode, Casey Baugh dives into the final four habits from Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Building on the foundation of independence from Part One, Casey unpacks the essential habits for thriving in relationships, leadership, and teamwork.From cultivating a win-win mindset to practicing deep empathetic listening and valuing differences, Casey shares real-life stories that show how these habits can transform your personal and professional life. He also highlights the often-overlooked habit of self-renewal—sharpening the saw—as the key to long-term success and fulfillment.Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or someone striving for better relationships, this episode offers tactical wisdom to help you operate at your highest potential.Chapters:00:00 – 05:44 | Habit 4: Think Win-Win•Why win-win is a paradigm of abundance, not a tactic•Real-life story of putting others’ interests first and reaping long-term trust05:44 – 10:43 | Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood•The power of empathetic listening to build trust•How true understanding increases your influence10:43 – 16:28 | Habit 6: Synergize – Valuing the Differences•How differences, not sameness, drive exceptional teamwork•Stories of synergy in sports, business, and personal relationships16:28 – 23:05 | Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw – Self-Renewal•Physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual routines that elevate performance•Why rest, rituals, and recommitment drive sustainable success Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful solo episode, Casey Baugh unpacks the life-changing principles from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. As part of his Book-A-Month Challenge, Casey revisits this timeless classic and shares how its first three habits helped shape his mindset, career, and personal life.Through compelling personal stories—including how one visualization helped his daughter overcome fear—Casey illustrates how choosing your response, envisioning your goals, and prioritizing what truly matters can lead to a more effective and fulfilling life.Whether you’re navigating a career pivot or striving for better habits, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to elevate your personal growth.Chapters:00:00 – 01:29 | Why This Book Changed Casey’s Life•Stephen Covey’s principles shaped Casey’s worldview and leadership.•Personal impact: from naming his child “Covey” to re-reading the book during his 52-book challenge.01:29 – 05:51 | Habit 1: Be Proactive•Freedom lies in the space between stimulus and response.•Our behavior is shaped by decisions—not conditions.05:51 – 07:39 | Viktor Frankl’s Impact on Habit 1•Lessons from Man’s Search for Meaning on ultimate human freedom.•Frankl’s mindset as a Holocaust survivor reinforces the power of choice.07:39 – 10:01 | Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind•If we’re free to choose, we must define what we want.•The danger of working hard with the wrong map or vision.10:01 – 14:33 | Visualization & Creation: The Power of Mental Clarity•Everything is created twice: mentally, then physically.•Story of helping his daughter visualize success before a ski race.14:33 – 19:03 | Habit 3: Put First Things First•Schedule priorities, don’t just prioritize your schedule.•Focus on high-leverage tasks using the Pareto Principle.19:03 – 22:06 | Quadrants of Productivity & Effective Living•The magic lies in Quadrant 2: important but not urgent tasks.•Avoid distractions in Quadrants 3 and 4 to stay effective.22:06 – 24:23 | From Dependence to Independence: The First 3 Habits•Moving from relying on others to becoming self-reliant.•Personal story of gaining financial independence through sales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Casey sits down with Colin Wright to unpack the defining moments that shaped his career - from nearly losing his home in the 2008 financial crisis to building one of Utah’s most successful real estate development firms. Colin’s journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of learning from failure.Colin shares the lessons he learned from his father, the risks he took by striking out on his own, and the turning points that helped him transform failure into a foundation for growth. He opens up about the challenges of leadership, the importance of knowing your strengths, and the discipline required to survive volatile markets.Sharing insights on business, faith, and family, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, calculated risk-taking, and the long game of real estate success. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, Colin’s story offers invaluable lessons on navigating uncertainty and seizing opportunities.Chapters:00:00 – 00:39 | Introduction•Casey Baugh introduces Colin Wright•Their unexpected past business connections00:39 – 02:29 | Early Life & Family Influence•Growing up in Davis County, Utah•Parents’ strong emphasis on education and work ethic02:29 – 05:53 | Mission in Peru & University of Utah•Colin’s transformative missionary experience•Accelerated college path and early exposure to real estate05:53 – 10:12 | Real Estate Roots & Career Foundations•Father’s involvement in Ivory Homes•Learning through hands-on experience in land acquisition10:12 – 13:50 | The Columbia University Experience & New York Insights•Studying real estate at Columbia MRED•How living in NYC influenced Colin’s urban development mindset13:50 – 19:00 | Entrepreneurship & Early Struggles•Leaving a stable job to launch his own business•The harsh realities of the 2008 financial crisis•Nearly losing his home and rebuilding from scratch19:00 – 25:16 | Major Breakthroughs & Scaling Up•Co-founding Henry Walker Homes and scaling across multiple states•Selling the business and learning critical lessons in exits•Building CW Landco and evolving into Cole West25:16 – 30:42 | Navigating Real Estate Cycles & Market Shifts•Strategies for surviving economic downturns•How Utah’s real estate market is evolving•Adapting to industry headwinds and capital challenges30:42 – 36:42 | Faith, Family, & Business Philosophy•Balancing entrepreneurship with personal values•The role of faith in guiding career decisions•The importance of discipline and long-term thinking36:42 – 38:22 | Utah’s Future & Real Estate Outlook•Predictions for Utah’s housing market•How policy changes and development trends will shape the industry38:22 – 40:00 | Closing Thoughts•Reflections on business integrity and reputation•Colin’s vision for the next phase of Cole WestIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to turn adversity into success? In this episode of Case Studies, Casey Baugh sits down with entrepreneur Asim Hafeez to explore his journey from growing up in Pakistan to building a thriving business empire in the U.S.Asim’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking. From arriving in Brooklyn at age 10 without knowing English to leading high-growth sales organizations and ultimately founding his own companies, Asim has mastered the art of reinvention. He shares powerful lessons on financial independence, leadership, and the mindset needed to navigate life’s toughest challenges.The struggles and sacrifices of his immigrant journeyHow early setbacks fueled his drive to succeedThe shift from sales leader to business ownerThe importance of financial literacy and passive incomeWhy gratitude, faith, and mentorship shape long-term successChapters & Key Takeaways00:00 – 01:10 | Introduction•Casey welcomes Asim and shares their history of working together01:10 – 05:23 | Immigrating to the U.S.: A Crash Course in Resilience•Moving from Pakistan to Brooklyn at age 10•The emotional and cultural shock of adjusting to a new country•First-day school challenges and learning English through cartoons05:23 – 10:30 | Family Sacrifices & The Power of Hard Work•Asim’s father: A cab driver with a vision for a better future•Working tirelessly to support his family despite hardships•Lessons in humility, perseverance, and long-term thinking10:30 – 15:40 | Overcoming Financial Struggles & Life-Changing Moments•The family’s move to Connecticut after his father’s health crisis•How seeing his father battle illness shaped his mindset on financial security•Developing an appreciation for hard work and risk-taking15:40 – 22:05 | The Path to Entrepreneurship: Sales, Leadership & Growth•Starting with Cutco and learning the fundamentals of sales•The importance of mentorship and personal development•How investing early in himself led to long-term financial success22:05 – 27:50 | The Vivint Transition: A Humbling Career Pivot•Why he left a stable, high-paying job to take a bigger risk•Learning door-to-door sales and rebuilding from the ground up•How adaptability and mentorship transformed his career trajectory27:50 – 36:00 | Mastering Money: Why Passive Income Matters•The mindset shift from making money to securing long-term wealth•How Asim structures his finances for financial freedom•The power of investing and why traditional jobs limit financial growth36:00 – 45:47 | Launching a Business: Hard Lessons & Big Wins•How he was forced to start a solar company after a major financial setback•The challenges of building from scratch and learning from failures•Developing a lean, scalable business model that ensures profitability45:47 – 54:42 | The American Dream: Grit, Gratitude & Legacy•How his father went from driving a taxi to becoming a multi-millionaire•The real meaning of the American Dream and financial independence•Why gratitude, humility, and smart risks matter more than luck54:42 – 01:08:45 | The Power of Mentorship, Faith & What’s Next•Why investing in mentorship has been Asim’s biggest return on investment•How faith and values guide his decisions in business and life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Jeremy Andrus, CEO of Traeger Grills, to discuss the hard-earned lessons that shaped his career—from losing everything in a day trading disaster to rebuilding with grit and vision. Jeremy shares the pivotal role of culture in business, the mental shift that helped him embrace failure, and the personal habits that keep him grounded amid challenges. With insights on navigating growth, leading through tough times, and balancing ambition with family, this conversation offers a candid look at the mindset behind long-term success.Discover how Jeremy went from nearly losing everything to building two iconic brands, the key to creating strong company culture, and why embracing challenges is the path to success.Chapters:00:00 – 02:00 | Introduction•Casey introduces Jeremy Andrus and his inspiring qualities•The power of optimism and resilience in leadership02:01 – 08:45 | Early Life & Developing a Winning Mindset•Jeremy’s upbringing in the Midwest and moving to England•Learning to thrive through discomfort and develop inner confidence08:46 – 23:22 | Investment Addiction & Hard Financial Lessons•Jeremy’s early success in stock trading and the $2.5M rise•How it all collapsed and the life-changing lessons learned•Why money alone isn’t enough to drive long-term success23:23 – 35:30 | The Journey to Harvard & Entrepreneurial Struggles•Getting rejected from Harvard Business School and trying again•Early business failures and living in his parents’ basement•How persistence led to finding his true passion in business35:31 – 51:07 | Skullcandy: The First Big Break & Hard Realities•Joining Skullcandy and nearly quitting within 72 hours•Surviving a financial crisis and investing his own savings to keep it afloat•Building a brand and realizing the importance of company culture51:08 – 01:14:42 | Traeger Grills: Reinventing a Legacy Brand•Buying a struggling 27-year-old company and starting from scratch•How Jeremy rebuilt Traeger’s toxic culture and made it a powerhouse•The importance of taking calculated risks and long-term vision01:14:43 – 01:26:07 | The Key Lessons from Skullcandy & Traeger•Why company culture is the ultimate X-factor in business•The power of persistence and making tough decisions•Why success is built on a series of small, smart choices01:26:08 – End | Final Thoughts & Advice for Entrepreneurs•Embracing failure as a learning tool•Why the journey matters more than the destination•How to find the perfect intersection of passion, market demand, and opportunity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.