CASE STUDIES

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.

David Butler, a thoughtful teacher and author, discusses his transformative journey through faith and spirituality. He shares insights from growing up in Texas and highlights how encounters with world religions have shaped his understanding of a God beyond conventional boundaries. Butler emphasizes that doubt is not the enemy of faith, but rather a path to deeper trust. He reflects on navigating personal loss, the significance of language in spiritual growth, and how curiosity and humility enhance leadership. This conversation invites listeners to embrace complexity and wonder in their faith journeys.

JOIN US AS WE DIVE INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY OF TAYSOM HILL, AN ATHLETE WHOSE PATH FROM A SMALL TOWN IN IDAHO TO THE NFL IS A NARRATIVE OF DETERMINATION, OVERCOMING ADVERSITY, AND ACHIEVING GREATNESS AGAINST THE ODDS. HILL'S STORY IS NOT JUST ABOUT HIS SUCCESS AS A HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STAR, OR HIS DYNAMIC CAREER IN PROFESSIONAL SPORTS; IT'S A DEEPER LOOK INTO THE CHALLENGES HE FACED, INCLUDING NUMEROUS INJURIES AND THE RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE THROUGH EVERY SETBACK.BEYOND HIS ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS, DISCOVER THE ASPECT OF TAYSOM'S LIFE THAT REMAINS LARGELY OUT OF THE SPOTLIGHT: HIS REMARKABLE ACUMEN IN FINANCE AND BUSINESS, DEVELOPED THROUGH A RIGOROUS ACADEMIC JOURNEY AND PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE. THIS EPISODE SHINES A LIGHT ON THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL ASPECTS OF HIS LIFE, SHOWCASING HOW HIS BACKGROUND, FAMILY VALUES, AND EDUCATION HAVE EQUIPPED HIM WITH A UNIQUE SET OF SKILLS, MAKING HIM A TRUE OUTLIER IN THE WORLD OF PROFESSIONAL SPORTS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Jason Chaffetz, former U.S. Congressman, Fox News contributor, and one-time BYU placekicker, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation on leadership, resilience, and navigating the arena of public service.Jason opens up about his journey from a small-town California upbringing to earning a football scholarship at BYU, his formative years in business at Nu Skin, and the leap of faith that took him into politics. He reflects on the personal hardships that shaped his perspective, from losing his mother to cancer to working multiple jobs to support his family, and how those experiences instilled in him a relentless drive to “show up and outwork the competition.”Together, they explore lessons learned from high-stakes moments in Congress, including overseeing investigations into Benghazi and the IRS, building unlikely friendships across party lines, and maintaining courage under intense public pressure. Jason also shares fascinating personal anecdotes about working with figures like Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Elijah Cummings, offering rare insight into the human side of politics.This conversation is packed with hard-won wisdom for anyone striving to lead with grit, principle, and purpose.Chapters00:00 | Welcome & why Jason’s story matters 00:39 | “There’s always material in politics” 01:35 | The role of government & the private sector 02:56 | Northern California childhood, divorce, and loss05:59 | Empathy, grace, and assuming unseen struggles06:25 | Teenage adversity, bankruptcy, and grit10:19 | Thriving in chaos & the kicker’s mindset 12:20 | From soccer kid to football scholarship 15:57 | BYU years, mentors, and Lavell Edwards 18:05 | Nu Skin: early career & global GM experience  18:55 | Losing his mother & reshaping priorities 20:02 | Huntsman Cancer Institute & a call to serve 23:12 | Running for Congress with $74K and hustle26:23 | The power of showing up (Planning Commission story)28:33 | “Hot dog and a map”: pressure moment at BYU 29:02 | Polling at 2.5% to winning by 20 30:53 | Principle over policy: how he decides33:53 | The 30‑sec / 3‑min / 30‑min rule34:15 | Congress: one‑third doers, one‑third drifters, one‑third showboats36:07 | Behind the curtain: real people, real decisions37:09 | Benghazi: what happened & why it mattered38:52 | IRS & Secret Service investigations—accountability in action42:55 | What he’s proud of: service, funerals, and stakes45:10 | Legislation, sailors, and quiet leadership moments48:41 | Real bipartisanship with Elijah Cummings 53:54 | Tech shifts: bringing an iPad to the House floor54:00 | Presidents: notes from Obama & working with Trump57:09 | Trump stories: straight talk, texts, and golf58:59 | On the course with a president01:00:36 | Owning disagreements & earning respect01:03:28 | Memory, receipts, and sincerity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Casey sits down with Todd Pedersen, a visionary entrepreneur and a beacon of wisdom in both business and personal development. Todd shares his compelling journey, emphasizing the paramount importance of dreaming bigger, embracing the toughest challenges, and the indelible impact of nurturing deep, meaningful relationships. This conversation is a masterclass in understanding how true success is measured not just by financial achievements but by the richness of our connections with others and the pursuit of personal growth. Todd delves into the critical moments of his career, the principles he operates by, and the invaluable lessons learned from mentors and friendships that have stood the test of time. Listeners are invited to explore the depth of Todd's experiences, from the significance of mentorship to the relentless pursuit of potential and the courage to take bold risks. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a professional seeking to elevate your career, or anyone yearning for a life rich with purpose and connection, this episode offers timeless insights that inspire us to reflect on our own paths and the legacy we wish to leave behind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Jim Herrmann, former BYU football captain, NFL player, entrepreneur, and business development leader at HGGC, for an inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the relationships that shape a meaningful career. Jim reflects on his journey from a small-town kid in Wisconsin to winning a national championship at BYU, learning from legendary figures like Lavell Edwards and Jim McMahon, and navigating the highs and lows of a professional football career cut short by injury. He shares how those early lessons in discipline, perseverance, and leadership translated to the business world; from co-founding a pioneering SaaS company in the early days of the internet to building a career connecting people and creating value in private equity. This episode dives deep into what it means to push through hardship, embrace new opportunities, and own your unique strengths. For entrepreneurs, athletes, and anyone seeking to grow through transition, Jim’s story is a masterclass in resilience, humility, and the power of relationships. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this raw and powerful episode, Taz Murray, co-founder of Tru Fru, shares the real story behind building a frozen fruit empireSuccess isn’t just about profit it’s about purpose.It’s about knowing what you’re great at, owning what you’re not, and surrounding yourself with people who make you better.It’s about taking risks, learning from loss, and building something that actually matters.Rooted in faith, family, and fierce grit, this episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, partnership, and eternal perspective.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I building the right thing?” this conversation will help you answer that. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Jeff Mendez, a builder, leader, and operator who led a 5,000-person sales force and helped generate over $2 Billion in commissions. His track record has made him one of the most respected operators in the door-to-door industry.Jeff reflects on his early life in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, sharing how his father’s bold conversion story and a childhood shaped by grit and cultural pride gave him a lasting sense of identity. He walks through his corporate start at Walmart, the discovery that entrepreneurship was his true path, and the moment he chose conviction over comfort. That choice launched an 18-year run at the center of Vivint’s rise.With sharp insight and zero pretense, Jeff breaks down the principles behind his success: operational excellence, relentless value creation, and why energy, not capital, is the true currency of entrepreneurship. This is a conversation for builders, leaders, and anyone ready to stop playing small and start building something real.00:00 | Introduction & Childhood in the Dominican Republic00:31 | Family Conversion Story & Early Influences03:08 | Growing Up in Puerto Rico: Lessons & Culture12:09 | Facing Danger: The Gold Chain Story19:04 | Education & BYU Experience20:08 | Early Career & Walmart MBA27:12 | Learning Operational Excellence32:59 | Entrepreneurial Spirit Awakens36:12 | Atlas Marketing & Early Business Lessons42:32 | Pivotal Decision: Choosing Apex Over Pinnacle50:22 | Struggles & Breakthroughs at Vivint54:12 | Key Lessons on Effort, Value Creation & Growth57:15 | Retirement Reflections & Identity ShiftConnect with Us:📸 Instagram: case.studies.podcast🎥 YouTube: Case Studies with Casey Baugh🌐 Website: www.casestudiespod.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.