EmpowerU Podcast: "Sawdust On A Concrete Floor... Featuring Cade Dannhaus"

Release Date: November 8, 2024

Introduction to Season Three

In the premiere of Season Three, hosts Weston Hendrix, Augustus Sexton, and Quinn Hartley introduce the new season's focus on consistency, competitiveness, and embodying Christ-like values. They emphasize their mission to empower individuals in the livestock industry by drawing knowledge and confidence from its leading figures.

Weston Hendrix [00:46]: "Our priority is to empower you as an individual in the livestock industry and to gain knowledge and confidence while consuming it from some of the most influential people in our industry."

Guest Introduction: Cade Dannhaus

The episode features Cade Dannhaus, a significant influencer in the livestock sector, renowned for his unique business of creating animal sculptures from blocks of wood. Cade shares his journey, rooted in his early experiences with livestock and his passion for artistry.

Cade's Journey in the Livestock Industry

Cade recounts his upbringing in Needville, Texas, where he began showing goats alongside his brother under his mother's encouragement. A pivotal childhood accident precluded his aspirations in football, redirecting his focus entirely toward livestock.

Cade Dannhaus [02:01]: "I grew up showing goats from an early age, and the older I got, the more I fell in love with it."

He credits Dwight Callis, a mentor from Needville, for profoundly shaping his personal and professional life, instilling a strong work ethic and a deep Christian faith.

Transition to Judging and Education

Cade discusses his involvement in livestock judging during his high school years, working closely with Dwight Callis. Initially considering a path in flight school or attending Texas Tech, Cade ultimately ventured into entrepreneurship as his sculpture business began to flourish.

Cade Dannhaus [05:58]: "I just ended up kind of rolling into it, and now it hadn't really stopped."

Advice for Aspiring Judges and Show Participants

Drawing from his experience at South Plains, Cade advises newcomers to embrace mentorship and focus on mastering the fundamentals before experimenting. He emphasizes the importance of solidifying one's strengths and maintaining simplicity in presentations.

Cade Dannhaus [08:59]: "Do the big thing, man. If there's one that needs to be last, put them last."

The Birth of a Sculpture Business

During the pandemic, Cade combined his artistic talents with his livestock expertise to create animal sculptures. What began as a creative pursuit to impress his then-fiancée's family rapidly transformed into a thriving business as demand surged.

Cade Dannhaus [11:34]: "I started playing around with that, and now looking back, that first sculpture... it's still in their house."

Detailed Sculpture Process

Cade outlines his meticulous process for crafting sculptures:

1. Design Phase: Clients provide multiple photos of their livestock, which Cade uses to sketch and transfer the design onto a block of wood.
2. Cutting and Shaping: Utilizing tools like the bandsaw and jigsaw, Cade cuts out the silhouette, ensuring symmetry and accuracy.
3. Carving: Hours are spent refining the shape with a Dremel, gradually bringing the animal to life.
4. Sanding and Detailing: The sculpture is smoothed by hand, especially around intricate areas like legs and features.
5. Painting: Cade applies colors to enhance realism, aiming for lifelike finishes that make the sculptures appear nearly ready to walk off their bases.

Cade Dannhaus [14:28]: "The first part probably only takes an hour, but carving to get it like I want takes anywhere from 12 to 20 hours."

From Hobby to Thriving Business

Initially a hobby, Cade's sculpture business exploded after a successful promotional post by his fiancé, Courtney. Orders surged from dozens to over two hundred, compelling Cade to manage the influx single-handedly.

Cade Dannhaus [21:17]: "In about a week span, I had 40 or 50 messages... it was insane."

He attributes his business success to quality work, exceptional customer service, and a relentless drive to improve his craft.

Operational Challenges and Team Support

Managing the business alone poses significant challenges for Cade, from inventory management to workspace maintenance. While Courtney assists with photography and graphic design, Cade acknowledges the need for additional support to handle the growing demand.

Cade Dannhaus [25:50]: "I'm the owner, operator, accountant, the media person, all of it, including the janitor."

Customer Relationships and Personalized Sculptures

Cade emphasizes the importance of deep connections with his clients to create personalized and meaningful sculptures. He collaborates closely with clients to capture unique characteristics of their livestock, enhancing the emotional value of each piece.

Cade Dannhaus [28:17]: "The connections I have made... getting to make this animal of theirs that is so special to them has been awesome."

Integrating Livestock Knowledge with Artistic Skill

Cade's experience in livestock handling, including clipping and fitting, enriches his sculpture work. This dual expertise allows him to accurately depict animals, ensuring each sculpture reflects the true essence of the client’s livestock.

Cade Dannhaus [31:36]: "Clipping and fitting on wood in a smaller scale... helps me keep it accurate to the animal I'm replicating."

Mentorship and Continuous Learning

Cade underscores the value of mentorship and continual learning. He credits observing and learning from seasoned professionals as pivotal in honing his skills, both in livestock judging and sculpture creation.

Cade Dannhaus [33:39]: "Watch guys that are better than you and ask questions... and you got to do it a bunch."

Future Aspirations and Reflections

Despite his success, Cade remains humble and introspective. He expresses a desire to pursue his childhood dream of obtaining a pilot's license once his business stabilizes.

Cade Dannhaus [35:27]: "I definitely still want to get it... maybe when I'm an old man."

Reflecting on his journey, Cade acknowledges the lessons learned from early mistakes, particularly in equipment investment, and appreciates the blessings that have facilitated his growth.

Cade Dannhaus [49:18]: "What would I have done differently? Figure out a better bandsaw."

Inspirational Insights and Faith

Cade shares his favorite Bible verse, John 1:1, highlighting the profound impact of faith in his personal and professional life. He also discusses the importance of action over feelings, promoting a proactive and positive mindset.

Cade Dannhaus [37:06]: "You are how you act, not how you feel."

His faith provides a foundation for resilience and purpose, guiding him through challenges and inspiring his commitment to excellence.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode concludes, hosts and Cade exchange blessings and encouragement, underscoring the episode's themes of perseverance, faith, and the pursuit of passion. The conversation reiterates the significance of building meaningful relationships and maintaining a strong work ethic in achieving success.

Augustus Sexton [51:10]: "Blessings have been abundant in your life... with the hard work ethic that you have, and you're doing phenomenal things in this industry."

Key Takeaways:

• Passion and Resilience: Cade’s journey exemplifies turning passion into a successful business through resilience and adaptability.

• Mentorship Matters: Learning from experienced mentors is invaluable in both personal growth and professional development.

• Faith and Values: Strong personal values and faith can guide and sustain one's endeavors, providing strength during challenging times.

• Customer-Centric Approach: Building deep connections with clients ensures the creation of personalized, high-quality products that resonate emotionally.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to continual learning and skill enhancement is crucial for long-term success and mastery.

This episode of EmpowerU offers an inspiring narrative of entrepreneurial spirit intertwined with faith, artistry, and dedication within the livestock industry. Cade Dannhaus’s story serves as a beacon for those looking to combine their passions with professional aspirations, demonstrating that with the right mindset and effort, remarkable achievements are attainable.