CASE STUDIES

In this live Case Studies event, Casey Baugh sits down with Jeff Kearl—entrepreneur, investor, and brand builder behind Skullcandy and Stance—to unpack the foundational principles of long-term business success. From early mentorship to building culture-first companies, Jeff shares the pivotal moments and hard-won lessons that shaped his journey.Jeff dives into the power of believing in young talent, the pain of early failure during the dot-com crash, and why he swore never to build a business dependent on outside capital again. He shares frameworks for hiring based on cultural alignment, building leadership without ego, and how customer conviction drives real investment decisions. With personal stories, investment insights, and startup war stories, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, intentionality, and brand-building.Chapters:00:00 | Opening & Setting the Stage00:45 | Early Days at Covey Leadership Center02:30 | Lessons from Early Mentors05:15 | Founding Freeport & The Dot-Com Crash08:00 | Building Culture as a Differentiator10:30 | Brand Strength Starts Inside13:00 | From Operator to Venture Capitalist15:00 | Building LogoWorks & Getting Acquired by HP17:45 | The Skullcandy Bet & Power of Counter Positioning20:30 | Pelion Capital & Investing in Digital Scarecrows23:00 | Frameworks for Long-Term Leadership26:00 | Building Stance and Redefining Culture31:00 | Operating Without Ego and Hiring Right37:00 | Fundraising and Bootstrapping Philosophy42:00 | Building Boards and Governance the Right Way48:00 | Investing with Conviction, Not Consensus54:00 | Identifying the Next Big Consumer Trends01:00:00 | Lessons from Failures and Personal Growth01:07:00 | What Makes a Founder Exceptional01:14:00 | Personal Operating System and Decision Frameworks01:21:00 | Jeff’s Advice for Young Builders and Investors01:30:00 | Final Reflections and Jeff’s Legacy

In this shortened highlight episode of Case Studies, we’re revisiting some of the highlights from our conversation with Mark Pope; former basketball head coach at BYU - through a powerful conversation on resilience, reinvention, and the true meaning of growth. From humble beginnings in New York to the storied halls of Kentucky basketball, Mark shares how pivotal mentors, relentless work, and a grounded faith shaped his journey.He reflects on hard-won lessons, from being cut by basketball legends to finding his place on championship teams, and why a willingness to fail became his superpower. Mark’s philosophy of prioritizing “becoming” over mere achievement offers a timely challenge for leaders seeking meaningful impact. The episode explores the power of starting at the bottom, the courage to change paths, and how faith provided an unshakable foundation in the face of rejection and reinvention.Listeners will come away inspired by Mark’s unwavering belief in grit, grace, and the freedom to risk it all, knowing that every setback can seed a new beginning.

Unlocking 10X Growth: Why Less Is MoreIn this solo episode, Casey Baugh dives deep into the groundbreaking principles from 10X Is Easier Than 2X by Dan Sullivan and Ben Hardy. Through personal stories and leadership insights, Casey redefines what it means to scale—by subtracting, not adding.Discover how eliminating distractions, elevating your identity, and aligning with visionary mentors can be the true multipliers for exponential success. Whether you’re a founder, operator, or lifelong learner, this episode challenges you to think bigger, act bolder, and aim for impact.Chapters:00:00 – 01:26 | Why 10X Isn’t About More WorkSubtraction, not addition, fuels exponential growthGreat leaders focus on opportunities, not problems01:26 – 03:32 | Leading with Your Future SelfYour past identity can limit your future potentialVisionary leadership begins with self-transformation03:32 – 07:33 | Visionary Thinking: Lessons from Musk & JobsElon Musk’s $25T dream: RoboTaxis & automationWhy visionary beliefs reshape companies07:33 – 10:13 | Surround Yourself with the Right PeopleMentorship from Todd Pedersen, Brian Murphy, and othersThe right relationships can 10X your belief and output10:13 – 13:35 | Constraints Create Clarity & ActionThe founding of Sandlot & Breeze Airways under pressureDeadlines and clear limits sharpen performance13:35 – 14:05 | Final Challenge: Dream Bigger in 2025Resourcefulness beats resourcesSet goals that force elevation, not comfort

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Nate Randle, CEO of Gabb and former executive at Nike, Vivint, Qualtrics, and the Utah Jazz, to unpack a lifetime of lessons in resilience, leadership, and personal growth. From navigating childhood adversity to steering major brands through crisis, Nate shares how his experiences shaped his leadership philosophy and deepened his commitment to supporting others. They discuss his journey from Nike Golf to running a high-growth company, the importance of authenticity in leadership, and the power of relationships in business. Nate also opens up about overcoming personal hardships, including a powerful story of forgiveness that changed his life. This episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, executives, and anyone looking to lead with impact—both in business and in life.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: case.studies.podcast🎥 YouTube: Case Studies with Casey Baugh🌐 Website: www.casestudiespod.com

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Justin Juntunen - founder of Cedar and Stone Sauna - to explore why the ancient practice of sauna bathing is finding new life in the heart of modern wellness. What starts as a conversation about custom craftsmanship and cardiovascular benefits quickly unfolds into something deeper: a dialogue on slowing down, creating meaning, and pursuing a business with soul.Justin shares his journey from building saunas with his grandfather in Minnesota to leading a company that crafts world-class sauna experiences, from private homes to luxury resorts. More than just heat and steam, his mission is about reconnecting people to their bodies, their breath, and each other. Together, they unpack the science, cultural traditions, and spiritual rituals behind the sauna movement, and why it's resonating with high performers and families alike.From dopamine to discipline, cold plunges to community, this is a powerful conversation on how health practices can become life practices—and why excellence is always handcrafted.Connect with Us:📸 Instagram: case.studies.podcast🎥 YouTube: Case Studies with Casey Baugh🌐 Website: www.casestudiespod.comFollow Justin Juntunen & Cedar and Stone:🌲 Website: www.cedarandstonesauna.com📸 Instagram: @cedarandstone_sauna00:00 – 00:45 | Welcome & Guest Introduction00:45 – 02:30 | Origins of a Sauna Movement02:30 – 05:15 | Daily Rituals & Transformative Benefits05:15 – 08:50 | Science Behind Heat & Cold Exposure08:50 – 12:26 | Resilience, Recovery & Healthspan12:26 – 15:29 | Generational Wisdom & Longevity15:29 – 18:56 | A Multi-Sensory Human Experience18:56 – 22:55 | Kids, Connection & Unexpected Joy22:55 – 28:40 | The Soul of a Business28:40 – 33:34 | From Dream to Reality33:34 – 36:23 | Building with Purpose & Passion36:23 – 41:25 | Asking Bigger Questions41:25 – 45:19 | Craftsmanship & Culture Collide45:19 – 49:57 | Rituals, Rest & Resetting in 202549:57 – 54:08 | Practicing What You Preach54:08 – 59:03 | Long-Term Vision for Life & Business59:03 – 01:04:23 | Longevity, Happiness & Health for All Ages01:04:23 – 01:06:05 | Closing Thoughts & Future Vision

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey is joined by Stephen M.R. Covey; bestselling author of The Speed of Trust and one of today’s most respected thinkers on leadership and credibility. Together, they explore the one leadership trait that multiplies everything it touches; and the silent killer when it’s missing: trust.Stephen reveals why trust isn’t just a soft skill, but the core of every high-performing team and thriving organization. He breaks down his legendary Four Cores of Credibility; integrity, intent, capabilities, and results; and shows how this framework can diagnose and transform relationships, leadership effectiveness, and organizational culture.From elite sports to billion-dollar businesses to moments of parenting and personal growth, Stephen and Casey unpack how trust scales performance, attracts talent, and builds enduring influence. They also dive deep into stories from Stephen’s upbringing as the son of Stephen R. Covey; giving a behind-the-scenes look at the principles that shaped a global legacy.If you lead, influence, or build; this conversation will challenge and elevate how you think about the most underestimated force in leadership.00:00 – 00:45 | Introduction & Legacy Connection00:45 – 02:30 | The Relevance of Principles in the AI Era02:30 – 05:15 | The One Leadership Trait That Changes Everything05:15 – 09:00 | The Four Cores of Credibility09:00 – 13:08 | Character vs Competence in Trust13:08 – 18:33 | Real-World Examples: Trust on the Field & in Business18:33 – 23:40 | Strengths-Based Leadership & Avoiding Sinking Boats23:40 – 29:48 | Systems That Break Trust29:48 – 36:41 | The Cost of Mistrust in Organizations36:41 – 41:56 | Teaching Principles Through Story & Experience41:56 – 46:52 | Modeling Integrity with Small Decisions46:52 – 52:11 | Parenting with Purpose & Prioritizing Values52:11 – 58:30 | Saying No with Elegance & Clarity58:30 – 01:07:36 | Lessons in Time, Presence & Emotional Bank Accounts01:07:36 – 01:11:57 | Green & Clean: A Trust Lesson from Age 7

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.

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.

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