CASE STUDIES

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey Baugh sits down with Kent Alder, former CEO of TTM Technologies, to unpack how a quiet leader from Cache Valley helped build a $7 billion public company. From humble beginnings to orchestrating bold acquisitions and navigating industry chaos, Kent’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and vision.

Kent reveals the behind-the-scenes playbook that led TTM from a tiny PCB manufacturer to an industry giant. He shares how aligning incentives, focusing on execution over hype, and making countercyclical moves during downturns drove long-term success. You’ll hear lessons on navigating private equity partnerships, building strong cultures, and evolving as a leader across decades. This episode is a masterclass in how to lead through market chaos, think long-term, and win as a team.

00:00 | Introduction to Kent Alder
01:29 | Building TTM: From Roll-Up to $7B Public Company
03:19 | Competing in a Tough, Low-Margin Industry
04:18 | Early Career: From Finance to Circuit Boards
07:26 | Lessons from Early Mentors and Risk-Taking
08:26 | Turning Around a Tiny Manufacturer
10:29 | Becoming CEO and Strategic Expansion
13:46 | Partnering with Private Equity
15:04 | Going Public and the Dot-Com Era
22:21 | Navigating the Dot-Com Crash
26:14 | Acquiring Honeywell Assets in a Crisis
29:29 | Acquisitions That Worked: Culture & Fit
30:09 | Buying Back Tyco: Integration and Vision
32:14 | Incentive Structures and Company Culture
34:48 | Strategic Discipline in a Commoditized Market
36:18 | Customer Relationships as True Partnerships
39:18 | Leadership Through Crisis & Market Cycles
43:20 | Personal Growth as a CEO
45:56 | Lifelong Learning & Team Development
49:39 | Delegation and Building Teams at Scale
53:31 | Working the Night Shift: Leading by Example
55:52 | Legacy, Succession, and Long-Term Culture
59:42 | Sacrifices, Travel, and Company Dedication
01:03:19 | Legacy: Impact Over Titles
01:06:04 | Marriage, Support Systems & Family Balance
01:09:14 | Faith, Values, and Navigating Trade-offs
01:12:26 | Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
01:13:58 | The Misunderstood Journey of Success

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In this inspiring episode of Case Studies, Juliana Del Aguila takes us on a deeply personal and powerful journey through her life as a leader, a woman in a male-dominated industry, and a member of a family with an iconic legacy. Juliana shares the extraordinary story of her family, from escaping the Armenian genocide to building transformative businesses in Argentina and Armenia, including their groundbreaking ventures in textiles, wine, and airport development.

Juliana opens up about her unique position as the only female leader in her family’s businesses, the challenges she has faced, and the lessons she has learned about resilience, vulnerability, and embracing authenticity. She reflects on balancing personal ambitions with family commitments, coping with loss, and preparing for future roles as a mother and mentor.

Through her story, Juliana explores profound themes such as the importance of faith, the role of community impact in business, and the journey to discovering and owning her true self. Whether you’re drawn to stories of entrepreneurship, family legacy, or personal growth, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration to live with purpose, make meaningful contributions, and leave a lasting legacy.
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In this episode of Case Studies, Casey Baugh sits down with Dave Checketts, the youngest president in NBA history and former CEO of Madison Square Garden. From saving bankrupt franchises to leading iconic sports organizations, Dave shares the defining moments that shaped his career and his character.

This conversation goes far beyond headlines and trophies. Dave opens up about faith, injustice, loss, and the unseen preparation behind opportunity. He reflects on how early rejection fueled resilience, how mentorship changed the trajectory of his life, and why building “championship culture” matters more than talent or capital alone.

Now operating in private equity after decades in the global sports spotlight, Dave explains why influence without attention has become more fulfilling than power with a platform. This is a rare masterclass on leadership, readiness, and building a life of meaning long after the applause fades.

⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 | Admiration, Sports, and a Life in Leadership
03:35 | Growing Up in Bountiful & Learning to Hustle Early
08:34 | Rejection, Injustice, and Missing High School Basketball
12:20 | Turning Setbacks into Fuel for Growth
15:25 | Making the BYU Basketball Team Against the Odds
20:14 | Faith, Obedience, and a Defining Spiritual Promise
24:19 | Why That One Year of College Basketball Mattered
28:19 | Ambition at 70 and Never Being Finished
30:48 | Business School, Bain, and Early Career Acceleration
35:27 | Clayton Christensen, Mentorship, and Consulting
41:31 | Helping Danny Ainge and Entering Pro Sports
47:26 | Walking into the NBA Office Unannounced
52:58 | Sparring with David Stern—and Earning His Trust
57:09 | Why the Celtics Deal Fell Apart
59:17 | Being Chosen to Save the Utah Jazz at 27
01:02:42 | Championship Culture vs. Winning Culture
01:09:14 | Painful Partnerships and Hard Lessons
01:16:21 | Tragedy, Loss, and Perspective
01:20:04 | Faith, Gratitude, and the Experiences You Wouldn’t Choose
01:22:14 | Raising Capital to Save the Jazz
01:27:00 | Legacy Beyond Sports and the Spotlight
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On this week’s episode, Casey sits down Chad Willardson - Chad shares his inspiring journey of building a successful wealth management business from the ground up, emphasizing the importance of adding value, maintaining integrity, and fostering positive relationships.

Chad reveals his unique approach to helping others overcome their fears, illustrated by a moving story of encouraging a stranger to take a leap of faith. We delve into the critical distinctions between building and preserving wealth, the significance of focusing on what you do best, and the power of giving while living. Chad also discusses the role of faith, family, and personal growth in achieving a fulfilling and successful life.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or someone looking to better manage your finances, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and profound insights. Tune in to discover how to harness your fears, invest with confidence, and build a legacy of wealth and purpose.
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In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with David Bearss – a trailblazing scientist, cancer researcher, and biotech founder, for a compelling conversation about faith, innovation, and the extraordinary journey from a biology lab to life saving breakthroughs.

David shares how an early gene discovery altered the course of his life, launching him from a white coat in academia to the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship. With humility and clarity, he reveals what it’s like to develop treatments that not only extend lives but have saved the lives of people he loves.

They explore how Halia, his latest venture, is revolutionizing Alzheimer’s research by studying those genetically at risk who never get the disease, and how AI is accelerating discoveries that once took decades. David also opens up about the mentors who believed in him, the moral weight of investor trust, and why scarcity breeds the best innovation.

This conversation is an inspiring masterclass in conviction, purpose, and the science of resilience; for anyone committed to solving hard problems and building something that truly matters.

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