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CASE STUDIES
DRIVEN TO SUCCEED | THE ENTREPRENEURIAL EVOLUTION OF STERLING SNOW
In this week’s episode, Casey sits down with Sterling Snow, a true visionary whose entrepreneurial journey is nothing short of inspiring. He recounts his experiences managing a family owned restaurant at 16 years old, where he discovered his passion for marketing and sales, and how these early lessons laid the foundation for his future success. Sterling’s story is a testament to unwavering determination and unapologetic authenticity.
Sterling discusses the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial path, from navigating the challenges of rapid growth at Divvy to learning from billion-dollar mistakes. His journey is a blend of calculated risks and relentless pursuit of excellence, offering listeners a masterclass in resilience and adaptability.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business leader, or simply someone looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and motivational anecdotes that will leave you inspired to chase your own dreams with unwavering determination.
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78. How 7 Simple Habits Can Completely Change Your Life (Part One)
24:52||Season 1, Ep. 78In 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.77. How One Bold Move Nearly Broke Colin Wright - But Instead, Set Him Up for Success
39:37||Season 1, Ep. 77In 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!76. How Asim Hafeez Turned Adversity into a Multi-Million dollar Empire
01:05:53||Season 1, Ep. 76What 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 life75. How Jeremy Andrus Turned Failure, Fear, and a $200K Debt into a Billion-Dollar Career
02:00:33||Season 1, Ep. 75In 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 opportunity74. The 8 Sales Secrets That Turned a Door-to-Door Rep into a Millionaire
26:56||Season 1, Ep. 74In this solo episode, Casey breaks down the core skill that has shaped his career: the art of selling. Reflecting on his own experiences and insights from Brian Tracy’s classic, The Psychology of Selling, he unpacks the eight principles that have made a lasting impact—from believing in yourself to mastering the art of persuasion.Casey shares personal stories, including lessons learned from top-performing colleagues at Vivint, and explains why identifying customer pain points and maintaining a positive mindset are game-changers in sales. He also reveals the power of continuous learning and how a single decision to invest in his own education led to years of consistent success.Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode offers practical, timeless advice to sharpen your sales skills and elevate your performance.Chapters:00:00 – 00:26 | Introduction: The Power of Selling • Why sales is the most valuable skill00:26 – 00:44 | The Most Influential Sales Book • How The Psychology of Selling shaped Casey’s career00:44 – 01:29 | Learning from Top Performers • Lessons from Vivint’s #1 sales rep, Bo Gardner01:29 – 03:59 | Principle #1: Believe in Yourself • Overcoming fear and rejection03:59 – 05:25 | The 80/20 Rule in Sales • How top 20% earn 80% of the money05:25 – 06:34 | Believing in Your Product • Why conviction determines sales success06:34 – 08:53 | Principle #2: Focus on the Customer’s Needs • Selling solutions, not products08:53 – 09:10 | The Key to Selling: Solving Problems • Finding and fixing customer pain points09:10 – 11:03 | Principle #3: Develop a Positive Attitude • Why mindset impacts sales performance11:03 – 12:57 | Principle #4: Master the Art of Persuasion • Why people buy emotionally, then justify logically12:57 – 13:16 | Why People Buy Emotionally • The subconscious decision-making process13:16 – 15:06 | Principle #5: Ask the Right Questions • Selling is listening, not telling15:06 – 17:12 | Principle #6: Overcome Objections • How to reframe objections into opportunities17:12 – 18:33 | Why Objections Are a Sign of Interest • Recognizing buying signals in pushback18:33 – 21:42 | Principle #7: Learn How to Close Effectively • Why 48% of salespeople never ask for the order21:42 – 22:09 | Principle #8: Commit to Continuous Learning • How investing in yourself 10X’s success22:09 – 25:27 | The 10X Investment in Personal Development • Lessons from 20 years of dedicated learning25:27 – 26:35 | The Mindset of a Sales Professional • Mastery, success, and fulfillment26:35 – End | Closing Thoughts • The never-ending process of growth73. From Near Defeat to Massive Success: Kenny Cox’s Journey from Coal Mines to Millions
01:17:07||Season 1, Ep. 73In this episode of Case Studies, Casey Baugh sits down with longtime friend and business leader Kenny Cox. From early entrepreneurial failures to two decades of success at Vivint, Kenny shares the lessons that shaped his career. They discuss leadership, delegation, investing, and the impact of faith and family in building a meaningful life.This conversation is packed with insights on resilience, financial growth, and the mindset of top performers.00:00 – 01:04 | Introduction & First ImpressionsCasey introduces Kenny and reflects on his leadership qualities.01:04 – 03:47 | 20 Years at Vivint: Hard Work or Luck?Kenny discusses his journey and why long-term success isn’t just luck.03:47 – 06:54 | Learning from FailureHow Kenny’s first business venture collapsed and set him on a new path.06:54 – 11:49 | Near Bankruptcy & A Turning PointThe struggles that nearly led Kenny to work in a coal mine before finding his way to Vivint.11:49 – 13:50 | Embracing the ProcessWhy failure is a stepping stone, not a roadblock.13:50 – 21:30 | Rebuilding Confidence & Personal SalesHow mastering sales helped Kenny regain his confidence and build a career.21:30 – 27:11 | Breaking Through Leadership BarriersThe lesson that transformed Kenny’s leadership—delegation and scaling a team.27:11 – 31:36 | Overcoming Self-Doubt & Imposter SyndromeHow even top leaders struggle with self-limiting beliefs.31:36 – 34:04 | The ‘Chip on the Shoulder’ MindsetHow internal drive and past struggles fuel success.34:04 – 40:57 | Mentors That Made an ImpactLessons from Bodhi Gardner, Todd Pedersen, and Jeff Mendez.40:57 – 45:49 | Building High-Performing TeamsWhy great leaders empower others and attract top talent.45:49 – 49:53 | Kenny’s Investment PhilosophyKey principles for long-term financial success.49:53 – 53:55 | The Hard Truth About InvestingWhy understanding investments is more important than just finding “good deals.”53:55 – 57:59 | The Power of Saving & Financial DisciplineHow consistent saving builds wealth over time.57:59 – 01:02:53 | Teaching Financial Wisdom to the Next GenerationLessons on credit, money management, and investing.01:02:53 – 01:04:52 | The Spiritual Side of BusinessWhy business and leadership are deeply connected to faith.01:04:52 – 01:06:42 | Emotional Conditioning & ResilienceHow top performers develop mental toughness and handle adversity.01:06:42 – 01:08:09 | The Three Pillars of Success 1. Mastering a skillset 2. Surrounding yourself with the right people 3. Letting financial success follow naturally01:08:09 – 01:13:11 | The Power of Habits & ConsistencyDaily routines that drive long-term success.01:13:11 – 01:16:30 | Faith, Eternal Perspective & FamilyHow spiritual principles keep Kenny grounded.01:16:30 – 01:18:30 | Final Thoughts & Closing WisdomThe importance of consistency, integrity, and long-term vision.Key Takeaways: • Failure is a stepping stone—embrace it and learn from it. • Great leaders delegate, empower others, and build strong teams. • Investing requires discipline, education, and long-term thinking. • Your network and mentors determine your success. • Business, leadership, and faith are deeply connected.Don’t miss this powerful episode with Kenny Cox!72. The Business Lesson’s That Saved Doug Barnett from Total Collapse
01:26:05||Season 1, Ep. 72In this episode of Case Studies, Casey reconnects with Doug Barnett, a seasoned operator and entrepreneur whose career spans pivotal roles at Atlas, Pinnacle, and Vivint before founding Remi, a fast-growing startup transforming the roofing industry.Doug opens up about the lessons learned from navigating career-defining setbacks, including the 2008 financial crisis and personal challenges, and how those experiences shaped his approach to leadership, innovation, and building teams. From turning losses into opportunities to finding product-market fit in a highly fragmented market, Doug shares the critical steps in scaling a startup and maintaining clarity in the face of uncertainty.With insights on the power of faith, mentorship, and a bias for action, this episode offers a rare look into the mindset of a leader committed to creating value while balancing life’s demands. It’s a compelling conversation for anyone striving to build something meaningful—both in business and lifeConnect with Casey:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CASESTUDIESPODInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/case.studies.podcast/Website: https://www.casey-baugh.com/71. How Sam Zell Built a Billion-Dollar Company by Breaking Every Rule
18:41||Season 1, Ep. 71In this solo episode, Casey kicks off 2025 by sharing his renewed focus on foundational habits and the inspiration they bring to living an excellent life. Reflecting on personal routines, he highlights two practices: revisiting his long-standing commitment to a book-a-week (or month) challenge and embracing Jocko Willink’s 10-minute burpee routine as a mental and physical game-changer.Casey dives into Am I Being Too Subtle? by legendary entrepreneur Sam Zell, unpacking Zell’s unique journey and the five principles that defined his success: thinking contrarian, managing risk, valuing relationships, keeping things simple, and staying curious. Through Zell’s incredible stories—like building a real estate empire, crafting billion-dollar deals, and forging lifelong partnerships—Casey explores timeless lessons that resonate in both business and life.This episode offers practical insights for starting the year with intention, learning from extraordinary lives, and adopting habits that drive success, fulfillment, and joy in 2025.70. What Pelion’s co-founders learned raising a $500M venture capital fund
01:41:01||Season 1, Ep. 70This week, Casey sits down with Blake Modersitzki and Chris Cooper, co-founders of Pelion Ventures, to explore their journey of building one of Utah’s most impactful venture capital firms. From their humble beginnings to managing over $500 million in their latest fund, Blake and Chris share the lessons, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped their lives and careers.They reflect on the profound influence of mentors, the role of faith and family in guiding their decisions, and the importance of giving back to create a legacy of opportunity. With candor and humor, they dive into the realities of venture investing, navigating tough times, and fostering a culture of resilience and collaboration.Packed with practical insights on leadership, generosity, and staying grounded in success, this episode offers inspiration for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone striving to make a meaningful impact. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation about grit, gratitude, and building something that truly matters.