CASE STUDIES

In this solo episode, Casey shares insights from one of the first books that shifted his mindset on growth and adaptability: Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson. As Book #5 in the Book-A-Month Challenge, it’s a quick read with lasting lessons and one Casey has gifted to dozens of people over the years. He unpacks five core takeaways from the story and explains how they’ve helped him navigate seasons of uncertainty, personal transitions, and leadership pivots. From letting go of old identities to embracing new habits like cold plunges and Traeger cooking, Casey explores what it really means to stay flexible in a world that’s always changing. Rooted in real life examples and practical reflections, this episode is a reminder that growth rarely happens in comfort; and the faster we adapt, the faster we thrive. Whether you’re leading a business, changing careers, or simply rethinking your routine, this conversation will help you move forward with purpose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Jason Van Camp - West Point graduate, Army Ranger, Green Beret, and founder of Warrior Rising - for an unforgettable deep dive into resilience, leadership, and building a life of purpose through discomfort.Jason shares his journey from a football scholarship at West Point to the front lines of Iraq, revealing what it takes to endure the most elite military training in the world, and how those lessons translate far beyond the battlefield. From Ranger School to Special Forces selection, Jason unpacks the physical and emotional challenges that tested his resolve, the power of expectation management, and the surprising leadership truths he learned in combat.They explore how to lead under pressure, why discomfort is essential for growth, and what it really means to earn trust. Jason also opens up about life after the military, managing health challenges, and how service to others gave him new purpose through Warrior Rising.This episode is a masterclass for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone striving to operate with more grit, loyalty, and conviction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casey Baugh sits down with investor and serial entrepreneur Stan Ricks to unpack a lifetime of hard-won wisdom. From navigating the 2008 housing crash to hitchhiking across Africa, Stan’s story is a masterclass in resilience, risk-taking, and long-term thinking.Learn how integrity, relationships, and adaptability built a career that thrived through multiple economic cycles. Stan offers real-world insights into investing, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to lead through chaos with courage and clarity.Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, seasoned investor, or simply navigating uncertain times—this episode delivers.Chapters:00:00 – 02:09 | Introduction & Early Influence - Casey introduces Stan as a mentor and lifelong inspiration - Stan reflects on how his early relationship with Casey began during tough personal times02:09 – 04:44 | From Financial Planner to Real Estate Developer - Stan starts in financial planning in 1981 - Shares disillusionment with commission-driven models and pivot to real estate04:44 – 07:48 | Why Control Matters in Investing - Explains his shift to development for greater investor accountability - Highlights key lessons from the 1987 crash and savings & loan crisis07:48 – 10:42 | Managing Partnerships & Teaching at BYU - What makes a good (and bad) business partner - His 12-year teaching stint and its unexpected long-term rewards10:42 – 12:27 | Real Estate: Time Heals Most Mistakes - Why staying power is crucial in real estate - The long-term upside of inflation and patience12:27 – 18:04 | Africa, River Guiding & Facing the Unknown - Hitchhiking 5,000 miles through Africa - Lessons in survival, leadership, and risk tolerance18:04 – 23:28 | 2008 Crash: The Darkest Days - How Trophy Homes collapsed during the housing crisis - Facing insurmountable obstacles and the emotional toll23:28 – 27:22 | Buying Back Notes & Contrarian Investing - How Stan repurchased distressed assets for pennies on the dollar - Embracing fear as a signal to invest wisely27:22 – 34:33 | Turning Crisis Into a Business Model - Launching Sundance Bay and buying foreclosed homes - Building a private debt fund during a credit freeze34:33 – 38:23 | From Single-Family to Apartments to Debt Fund - Transitioning from flips to long-term holds - Scaling Sundance Bay’s lending platform to over $900M38:23 – 44:38 | Spotting Hidden Value: Office & Apartments - The Vivint building deal and importance of timing - Why relationships are the gateway to opportunity44:38 – 49:54 | Relationships Over Transactions - Building trust in good and bad times - How doing the right thing leads to long-term success49:54 – 55:57 | Money as a Tool for Good - Business as a spiritual game - Why loving people beats loving money every time55:57 – 59:15 | A Case Study in Integrity: BlackRock Deal - Helping a bank through a foreclosure earns him future trust - Lending $150K that catalyzed 15+ successful deals59:15 – 01:04:02 | Parenting, Memories & Teaching Resilience - Adventures with his children build bonds and grit - Why experiences matter more than things01:04:02 – 01:09:08 | Legacy, Seasons of Life & Final Wisdom - Teaching by example through transparency and effort - Why the later years can be the most impactful of all Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Bonnie Cordon - former General Young Women President, current president of Southern Virginia University, and a lifelong champion of potential - for a deeply moving conversation about faith, leadership, and the life-changing impact of simple belief.Bonnie shares the formative experiences of her childhood in Idaho Falls, where lessons in responsibility and resilience were woven into farm chores and family life. She reflects on pivotal moments - from a life-altering interaction with Elder L. Tom Perry to navigating unexpected career opportunities at Oracle - that taught her the transformative power of showing up for others. Together, Casey and Bonnie explore how small acts of kindness, persistence, and seeing the best in people can ripple through generations.This inspiring conversation is packed with wisdom for entrepreneurs, leaders, and high performers seeking to build a legacy of influence rooted not in titles, but in genuine connection, service, and faith.Chapters:00:00 – 02:30 | Idaho Roots and Family Lessons02:30 – 05:15 | Apostolic Impact: Elder Perry and the Chickens05:15 – 08:24 | Cornfields and Confidence: Earning Her Way to Hawaii08:24 – 12:14 | Speaking Potential Into Others12:14 – 16:00 | The Mission Call That Changed Everything16:00 – 19:28 | Mission Miracles and Sisterly Bonds19:28 – 23:35 | Persistence Pays Off at Oracle23:35 – 27:45 | Leadership Lessons From Sales and Family27:45 – 30:22 | The Power of Kindness in a Cynical World30:22 – 36:23 | Southern Virginia and a New Generation of Leaders36:23 – 41:58 | From Silicon Valley to Stay-at-Home Mom41:58 – 47:26 | Building a Legacy Through Community Influence47:26 – 53:34 | Saying Yes to the Unexpected53:34 – 58:22 | The Call to General Leadership58:22 – 01:07:26 | What It’s Really About: People Over Positions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.