The Championdrive Podcast: Episode 2.18 - Young Entrepreneurs Doing Big Things!

Release Date: May 14, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 2.18 of The Championdrive Podcast, hosted by Sister Urban, Steva Robinson, and Kaitlyn, Championdrive.com delves into the inspiring journeys of two young entrepreneurs making significant strides in the livestock industry. The episode features Kade Danhaus, owner of CD Livestock Sculptures, and Danny Anderson (formerly Danny Berry) of the innovative venture Soaked. This episode not only highlights their entrepreneurial spirits but also intertwines discussions on upcoming industry events and personal anecdotes that resonate with both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike.

Highlights from the Hosts

Before introducing the guests, the hosts engaged in a warm welcome and personal updates. Steva Robinson remarked on Sister Urban's recent health challenges and her return to the podcast, creating a heartfelt opening that set a positive tone for the episode.

Upcoming Sales Events

The hosts provided a comprehensive overview of the Texas Sale Weekend, emphasizing key events such as:

• Big Gun Sale by SC Live in San Angelo on Friday, May 17th at 7:30 PM.
• Young Guns event on Saturday, May 18th at 7 PM in San Angelo.
• Blue Bloods sale in Miles, Texas, with a preview on Friday, May 16th at 5 PM and the main sale starting Saturday at 1 PM.

Sister Urban shared her excitement about the Blue Bloods sale, recounting her experience from the previous year:

“It's always interesting seeing, you know, new sales like that start up... followed along. There was multiple champions at majors that sold out of there last year.” (03:57)

Steva Robinson echoed the enthusiasm, highlighting the opportunity to attend multiple sales:

“The whole weekend is one of my favorite sale weekends in terms of consignment sales.” (04:47)

Further events mentioned include:

• Impact Camps' Lateborn Sale on May 25th, featuring past champions from prestigious shows.
• An online production sale scheduled for June 11th.
• An annual party and golf outing on May 24th in Helsted, Kansas, complete with unique awards like “Most Lost Balls” and “Most Talkative Person on the Golf Course.”

Educational Session Announcement

Steva Robinson introduced an educational segment titled "So You Suck", focused on marketing strategies. This session will feature Kaitlyn and two of her colleagues, Kaylee and Bryn Bogolka, who will engage in a panel discussion addressing marketing challenges and innovative ideas from the podcast audience.

Guest Segment: Kade Danhaus of CD Livestock Sculptures

Kade Danhaus, the visionary behind CD Livestock Sculptures, shared an in-depth look into his journey and business.

Background and Inspiration

Kade began by recounting his roots in Needville, Texas, and his early exposure to livestock through working with the Callous family:

“He got me into the showing and everything... I fell in love with goats.” (11:58)

His passion for animals was evident from a young age, often drawing goats on his math homework:

“I'd be thinking... I couldn't wait to get home and get in the barn... figure out how to make these things better.” (12:10)

Judging Career

Kade emphasized the invaluable experiences gained from collegiate judging:

“For any kids thinking about going the judging route... the people you meet, the places you'll go... is unparalleled.” (13:39)

He highlighted teamwork and personal growth, despite not winning major titles:

“We never won a big one, but we'd always be up there.” (14:00)

Creating CD Livestock Sculptures

The inception of CD Livestock Sculptures was a blend of passion and artistry. Kade described his transition from hobbyist to entrepreneur:

“I bet if I make her a sculpture of this goat that she just reserved Houston with, I bet they'd really, really like me.” (15:27)

He detailed the meticulous process of crafting each sculpture, from selecting tupelo wood to the delicate painting stages:

“Every single time I try to make them look more and more lifelike... that's when you really see that thing come to life.” (26:10)

Notable challenges addressed include shipping mishaps, where Kade stressed the importance of customer satisfaction:

“If something breaks, I make a new one and do it right. It just sucks...” (30:18)

Future Aspirations

Kade is ambitious about expanding his business, with plans to create more specialized trophies and sculptures for various shows:

“We've got some really, really neat things that we're working on... expanding it even more.” (40:07)

He envisions a future where CD Livestock Sculptures becomes a staple in the industry, continually innovating and meeting the high standards of his clientele.

Guest Segment: Danny Anderson of Soaked

Danny Anderson, formerly known as Danny Berry, introduced her multifaceted ventures, balancing a family life with entrepreneurial pursuits.

Background and Career Path

Growing up in Sac City, Iowa, Danny was ingrained in the livestock industry through her family's farm:

“Growing up, we used to have live sales all the time... That was my way of putting those life lessons into practice.” (47:52)

Her journey post-college included roles as a travel agent, sleep study coordinator, and later, managing book work for a livestock trucking company:

“We have a livestock trucking business with around 19 trailers running now.” (54:43)

Launching Soaked

Soaked is Danny's latest venture, a unique bar and entertainment venue in Lakeview, Iowa. She described its creation and features:

“We wanted to bring an experience to town, something you can't get anywhere else.” (55:50)

Key highlights of Soaked include:

• Live Music: Hosting at least one live performance weekly.
• Innovative Marketing: Features like the Bottoms Up tap system with embedded magnets for advertising local businesses.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Designed for community gatherings and celebrations.

Business Insights and Lessons

Danny shared how her experiences in the livestock industry translated into her business endeavors:

“Teamwork, discipline, work ethic, responsibility, integrity, confidence... These are some of the main ones.” (60:30)

She emphasized the importance of the handshake in business relationships, reflecting on the values learned from the show ring:

“It's all about the handshake... Celebrate the wins, but also learn how to be a gracious loser.” (62:00)

Balancing Multiple Ventures

Managing Soaked alongside her existing businesses and family life requires immense multitasking and prioritization. Danny candidly discussed the challenges:

“We're definitely still trying to find the balance... stepping outside of the box and being uncomfortable a little bit.” (61:28)

Despite the hurdles, Danny remains optimistic about growth and innovation, aiming to create memorable experiences for her community.

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the episode drew to a close, the hosts encouraged listeners to engage with the featured entrepreneurs and participate in upcoming events. Sister Urban left the audience with an inspiring quote:

“80% of what you do is pretty much what everyone else is doing... 20% can make 100% of the difference.” (65:10)

This encapsulates the episode's essence: the blend of traditional values with innovative thinking propelling young entrepreneurs like Kade and Danny to new heights in the livestock industry.

Kade Danhaus and Danny Anderson exemplify the spirit of carving unique paths, demonstrating that success lies not just in winning competitions but in the passion, creativity, and resilience invested in their ventures. Their stories serve as a testament to the diverse opportunities within the livestock industry and the importance of embracing both tradition and innovation.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sister Urban on Kade's Path:

  “This was his sculpture business, was his way of carving his own path...” (03:10)

• Kade Danhaus on Sculpture Creation:

  “Nothing makes me happier than just late at night turning on some music and just zoning out and absolutely getting dialed in and just painting for as long as I possibly can.” (26:10)

• Danny Anderson on Handshakes and Integrity:

  “It's all about the handshake... Be fair, celebrate the wins, but also learn how to be a gracious loser.” (63:03)

• Sister Urban's Closing Inspiration:

  “80% of what you do is pretty much what everyone else is doing... 20% can make 100% of the difference.” (65:10)

Connect with the Guests

• Kade Danhaus:

  • Facebook: K Dan House
  • Instagram: CD Livestock Sculptures

• Danny Anderson:

  • Facebook: Soaked
  • Instagram: Soaked

Tune into The Championdrive Podcast each week for more insights into the livestock industry, featuring interviews with industry leaders, latest show results, and much more!