Tell Us Your Story
Welcome to Tell Us Your Story, the podcast that tells the diverse stories of businesses, leaders, and influence. Our mission is to ignite inspiration, foster education, and bring our community together. Join us as we unravel the path to achievement, discovering how these remarkable businesses and leaders navigated obstacles, conquered hardships, and transformed failures into success. Their stories will leave you reinvigorated and inspired with invaluable leadership insights and equipped with practical advice to overcome the challenges on your journey towards success.
Tell Us Your Story
Faith, Freedom, and the Future: Daniel Baarnes' Journey
Daniel Baarnes sits across from us, his energy infectious as he recounts his journey from childhood in Los Angeles to owning Baarnes Detailing in Sacramento. What unfolds is not just a business story, but a testament to intentional living and the courage to pursue dreams.
Growing up homeschooled as one of five siblings, Daniel developed an early entrepreneurial streak. By age 12, he was working as a background actor on shows like iCarly and films like Hancock, managing his own bank account with surprising maturity. This foundation of financial independence would later serve him well when testing business ideas and funding his dreams.
The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Daniel reveals how he launched his detailing business using a methodical approach. Rather than investing in supplies first, he knocked on 30 doors to gauge interest—a practical application of advice he'd received: "Every idea is a bad idea until it's been tested in the marketplace." This test-first mentality has guided his business decisions ever since, helping him detail over 600 vehicles in just three years.
Perhaps most compelling is Daniel's story of pursuing a seven-year dream to immerse himself in Spanish-speaking culture. Despite having the financial means to visit Ecuador, he still had to overcome the fear of taking the leap. This experience eventually inspired his upcoming book "Someday is a Lie," exploring how the decisions we make in our twenties and early thirties shape our future success. The central message resonates throughout our conversation: "If you think it's going to be easier later, you're wrong. It's actually easiest today."
As Daniel defines success through his core values of love, adventure, and growth, we're left inspired by his practical wisdom: start something today, however small. Whether you're launching a business, pursuing a dream, or seeking personal growth, the time to begin is now.
