Welcome to Case Studies with Casey Baugh. Join me as we explore the lives of inspirational individuals, and uncover the secrets to their success. For two decades, I've been on a mission to find the clues that lead to success in both business and life.
In this podcast, we'll delve into the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of success. Through in-depth conversations and personal stories, we aim to dig up the valuable clues that success has left behind, providing you with the insights and wisdom you need to thrive in every aspect of your life.
Our goal is not just to celebrate success but to dissect it, to understand the principles and practices that have led to exceptional achievements. By listening to the stories of those who've paved the way, you'll gain practical knowledge that you can apply to your own journey.
Join me on this exciting journey of discovery and personal growth as we decode the mysteries of success together.
Thanks for being part of it!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Case Studies with Casey Baugh. Join me as we explore the lives of inspirational individuals, and uncover the secrets to their success. For two decades, I've been on a mission to find the clues that lead to success in both business and life.
In this podcast, we'll delve into the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of success. Through in-depth conversations and personal stories, we aim to dig up the valuable clues that success has left behind, providing you with the insights and wisdom you need to thrive in every aspect of your life.
Our goal is not just to celebrate success but to dissect it, to understand the principles and practices that have led to exceptional achievements. By listening to the stories of those who've paved the way, you'll gain practical knowledge that you can apply to your own journey.
Join me on this exciting journey of discovery and personal growth as we decode the mysteries of success together.
Thanks for being part of it!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Casey sits down with Daniel O’Donnal, co-founder of Saela Pest Control, for a deeply human conversation on leadership, identity, and what it means to build something meant to last. From bootstrapping a business from scratch to a nine-figure exit, Daniel reflects on 17 years of grit, partnership, and the belief that real success is measured by the lives you impact, not just the profits you earn.
He shares lessons learned from his partners, Andrew and Blaine Richardson, and the moments that nearly broke them; going without paychecks, homes on the line, and the humility of starting over. But the heart of this episode is not the sale; it is the story behind it. Daniel opens up about faith, mentorship, and adoption, and how the calling to expand his family changed everything he thought he knew about love, leadership, and capacity.
This conversation explores what happens after the win, how to reframe identity beyond achievement, and why the best leaders make others believe in themselves first. A powerful reflection for entrepreneurs seeking meaning beyond the scoreboard.
00:00 | House fire and adoption: when life interrupts
01:19 | Why Daniel originally said no to this interview
02:35 | The early years of Saela and a 17-year timeline
04:22 | Building for legacy, not for sale
05:33 | Why they sold: timing, mission, and stewardship
07:00 | Choosing the right buyer and honoring employees
09:19 | The emotional cost of stepping away
10:59 | Identity crisis after the exit
13:01 | Casey’s own journey through leaving a company
18:06 | Reframing self-worth and learning to slow down
20:15 | Daniel’s upbringing in Mexico, Guatemala, and Texas
21:17 | Mission to Brazil and meeting Andrew Richardson
22:55 | The power of mentorship and certainty
28:08 | One phone call that changed Daniel’s life forever
32:08 | Leadership through belief: Andrew’s lasting impact
35:12 | Parallel paths: Casey and Daniel’s early career struggles
37:49 | Business as a spiritual game
39:50 | The leadership question that shifts everything
42:21 | Excellence, culture, and disproportionate rewards
43:55 | Bootstrapping: no outside capital, all-in growth
44:46 | Raising four kids while building a business
46:40 | Why they adopted: a spiritual nudge and a leap of faith
50:22 | Meeting the girls — and becoming a family of eight
53:42 | Angie’s selfless act and the reality of adoption
55:13 | The hardest year of their family’s life
56:39 | Beauty through struggle: what people don’t see
57:49 | Casey’s own adoption story and shared lessons
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.